CMDI celebrates 18th Founding Anniversary

The CARD-MRI Development Institute, Inc. (CMDI), the capacity building arm of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), celebrated its 18th Foundation Day last February 14, 2018 at Bay, Laguna campus.

This year’s theme, “Sustaining Passion: 18 Years of Learning, Development, Education”, aims to recall the humble beginnings of the institution and its founders.

Moreover, it aimed to recognize the dedication and valuable contribution of its staff in achieving quality training and practitioner-led education service and showcase students’ talents.

The program started with a holy mass, followed by a formal program with video presentations on CMDI’s milestones and trainers’ experiences; awarding of certificates of recognition to the excellent trainers and cluster and appreciation of resource persons, and students’ talent showcase.

Awards were given to Melanie Sister of Central Luzon Cluster, first place; Jerwin Dayon of Visayas Cluster, second place; and Jackielou Tayaban of North Luzon Cluster received the third place.

Also, the Visayas Training Cluster was awarded the “Best Training Cluster”. The awardees were chosen based on the participant’s evaluation after each training session from October 2017 to January 2018.

The Managing Director of CARD MRI and CMDI President, Ms. Flordeliza Sarmiento, reminisced how she witnessed the progress of CMDI.

“Guided by our core values, I hope that passion will remain in us to empower people through education and become a university,” Sarmiento said during her speech.

In his short but meaningful message, Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip, CARD MRI Founder, reminded everyone that “we should always do our best in everything that we do”.

The CMDI Clubs: Voices, Dance Troupe, MINDS (Memory, Intelligence, Nurturing Development and Skills), Mathemagics (Mathematics), ASSES (Association of Social Sciences Education and Student Advocate), Arts and Theater, Sports, JPIA (Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants), Entrep (Entrepreneurship), and IS (Information System) each had their own booths and participated in the talent presentation during the afternoon program.

“We will continue to support our students’ academic needs and talents,” said Ms. Deverna Briones, Vice President for Administration and Academic Affairs.

Meanwhile, Dr. Edzel Ramos, Vice President for Learning and Development, expressed his gratitude for being part of the institution.

“I’m wishing forward to be with CMDI on the succeeding years to celebrate love and our accomplishments,” he said.

CARD MRI is not only engaged in helping the socio-economically challenged families through its financial services, but also endeavors to provide the continuous learning needs of its people through CMDI.

Opening Activities
The 18th Foundation Day, which also fell on Ash Wednesday, started with a holy mass. The CMDI Dance Troupe led the doxology and the CMDI Voices sang the National Anthem and CARD Hymn.

Opening Remarks
Ms. Flordeliza Sarmiento, CARD MRI Managing Director and CMDI President, told a glimpse of the institution’s history.

The inspiration
Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip, CARD MRI Founder, gave a short but meaningful message to the delight of staff and students.

Best Trainers
Ms. Melanie Sister (first place), Mr. Jerwin Dayon (second place), and Ms. Jackielou Tayaban (third place) were awarded as the “Best Trainers” (first photo: Dr. Carissa Monina Ramirez, Assistant Vice President for Learning and Development; Mr. Feliciano Blanco, Deputy Director for Training represented Ms. Sister; and Ms. Deverna Briones, Vice President for Administration and Academic Affairs) (second photo: Ms. Briones awards the certificate to Dr. Ramirez who represented Mr. Dayon) (third photo: Dr. Ramirez, Ms. Briones, and the awardee, Ms. Tayaban)

Best Training Cluster
Mr. Harvey Cajes, Deputy Director for Training – Visayas Cluster, received the certificate of recognition for being the best training cluster.

Awarding of Resource Persons
Ms. Irma Valenzuela, one of the resource persons, received a certificate of appreciation from Dr. Edzel Ramos, Vice President for Learning and Development.

Words of wisdom
Ms. Deverna Briones, Vice President for Administration and Academic Affairs, appreciated the efforts and participation of everyone in the founding celebration.

CMDI Dance Troupe
Three pairs from the CMDI Dance Troupe energetically grooved with their ballroom dancing prowess on the dance floor.

“Sessionistas”
CMDI Voices serenaded the crowd with love songs.

Mathematics Club
The “Mathemagics” presented a video on the value and application of Mathematics in life.

True story
The Arts and Theater Club role played the heart touching experience of
Jonnalyn Gutierrez, college student and a scholar of CARD MRI.

Social Science Club
ASSES (Association of Social Sciences Education and Student Advocate) presented a video on the importance of education.

Dance Evolution
The CMDI Dance Troupe displayed their energetic dancing skills.

Special number
CMDI instructors, Ms. Dayanara Manarin, Mr. Jeric Delos Santos, and Mr. Khristian Arenz Tolosa, featured their talents on singing, spoken poetry, and dancing.

Proud
Dr. Edzel Ramos, Vice President for Learning and Development, is delighted with the performances of the students.

Masters of the Ceremony
Mr. Harvey Cajes, Deputy Director for Training – Visayas Cluster and
Ms. Dianne Ubaldo, Module Developer, hosted the event.

Booths
Different student organizations had their own booths and some sold products and services.

By Dianne B. Ubaldo; Photos by Johanna Rañola, Marion Punzalan, and Paul Veluz