CMDI celebrates 16th year anniversary

February 15, 2016—In a simple but historic celebration, CARD MRI Development Institute (CMDI) in Brgy. Tranca, Bay, Laguna, celebrated its 16th anniversary with the theme, “Going beyond the Borders of Capacity Building towards Poverty Eradication”. This signifies that there is no limit to the services for those who need it most, especially to the members of CARD and their families.

In the celebration, CARD MRI’s “One Family, One Graduate Program” for every Filipino family was highlighted.
The students spearheaded the program and expressed their creativity through an interpretative dance of the CARD hymn. Everyone was touched by the dance’s meaningful message including the CARD MRI Coordinating Committee and the celebration’s special guest, Mrs. Olympia B. Alip who is dearly known as “Nanay Olem”.

Edzel Ramos, CMDI Dean and Institute Director, led everyone in reminiscing CMDI in 2000, and thanked the people who helped establish the training center until it was elevated to an institute.

Dr. Dolores Torres, CMDI Vice President for Corporate Affairs, shared a meaningful message in line with CMDI’s mandate of shaping and guiding the youth to help in poverty eradication in the future. Dr. Torres said, “If you want one year of prosperity, grow grain. If you want ten years of prosperity, grow trees. But if you want hundred years of prosperity, grow people.” She also shared stories on how CARD started in 1986 and thanked its founder, Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip.
Another highlight of the celebration is the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing of the Jose Alip Scholarship Fund and the Mangubat-Torres Scholarship Fund. These scholarship programs offer hope and aim to help poor parents send their children to school.
Dr. Enrique L. Navarro concluded the program by thanking the people who attended and helped in the celebration. He also thanked the trainers and recognized their important roles and contributions in conducting capacity building training programs for CARD MRI staff and members.
The CMDI staff also surprised Director Ramos by greeting him on his birthday. In summary, the celebration was joyous and filled with hope as CMDI vows to continue its objective of helping the poor, especially the youth, reach for their dreams.