Manila, Philippines | via Bhal Cabrera | October 21, 2023
In an enlightening and insightful threeday event, media professionals from Luzon,
Visayas, and Mindanao
gathered to witness the
impact and significance of
microfinance institutions in
the Philippines. The Media
Lakbay Aral, organized by
CARD MRI PUBLISHING
HOUSE, took place from
October 18 to 20, 2023, offering a unique opportunity for journalists to explore
the realm of microfinance.
Day 1: Welcoming Media Partners from
Across the Nation
The event commenced with the arrival
of media partners hailing
from different regions of
the country. Journalists
and media representatives found themselves
accommodated at the
Kabayan Hotel in Pasay.
The evening began with a
warm Welcome Dinner at
Aristocrat Malate, followed
by a comprehensive briefing and orientation for the
media tour, led by Sir Jeff
Tandingan of CARD MRI
Publishing.
Day 2: Exploring the Heart of Manila
The second day
was dedicated to exploring the cultural and financial heritage of Manila.
The media delegation embarked on a tour of Intramuros, immersing themselves in the historical
significance of the area.
A delightful lunch at the
Presidential Grand Palace
Restaurant in Binondo allowed them to savor authentic Chinese cuisine.
The tour continued with visits to prominent microfinance institutions, including the
Microfinance Council of
the Philippines (MCPI)
and the Microinsurance
MBA Association of the
Philippines (MíMAP). To
gain deeper insights, the
group concluded the day
with a visit to the Microfinance NGO (ASHI) in Pasig City and enjoyed a dinner at SM MOA Seasides.
Day 3: Unveiling the Impact of Microfinance on Communities
The final day of
the Media Lakbay Aral
was dedicated to witnessing the transformative
impact of microfinance at
the grassroots level. The
media delegation visited
the Barangay 146 Malibay
in Pasay City, where they
attended center meetings
and conducted interviews
with clients. These interactions shed light on how
microfinance institutions
have actively contributed
to local businesses and
social development within
their communities.
The day continued with the launch of
KOA KAFE, an initiative
by CARD MRI PUBLISHING HOUSE, and a visit
to CARD CMDI in Pasay.
The event reached its conclusion with a Media Briefing attended by representatives from CARD MRI
PUBLISHING HOUSE,
CARD BANK, CARD INC,
CARD SME BANK, Ahon
Sa Hirap Inc. (ASHI), ASA
Philippines Foundation,
K-Coop, and other institutions affiliated with CARD
INC. The discussions
were centered on the vital
role of microfinance and
microinsurance, emphasizing mutual benefits associations.
The Media Lakbay Aral 2023 provided
media professionals with
an opportunity to witness
firsthand the positive
changes brought about
by microfinance and microinsurance institutions
in the lives of individuals
and communities. It underscored the importance
of financial inclusion and
social empowerment,
making it clear that microfinance and microinsurance is a powerful tool
for fostering growth and
development across the
Philippines.
