Dr. Edzel A. Ramos (left), President of CARD-MRI Development Institute (CMDI) Inc., was honored as Namumukod Tanging San Pableño for Transformative Education, and Frederick Nicasio M. Torres (right), Chair of Mga Likha ni Inay and Executive Vice President of CARD Indogrosir, was recognized as Namumukod Tanging San Pableño for Social Entrepreneurship.
Two executives of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), Dr. Edzel A. Ramos and Mr. Frederick Nicasio M. Torres, were recognized during the Gawad Ng Namumukod Tanging San Pableño 2026 held at the San Pablo City Convention Center on May 7 for their leadership and contributions to community development through the institutions they serve.
The award honors individuals from San Pablo City whose service and leadership have made meaningful contributions to community development. It also recognizes those who serve as leaders in their respective fields through their advocacy and achievements.
Transformative Education
Dr. Edzel A. Ramos, President of CARD-MRI Development Institute (CMDI) Inc., the learning and training institute of CARD MRI that offers tertiary education, senior high school programs, and capacity-building programs, was recognized as Namumukod Tanging San Pableño for Transformative Education. This category recognizes individuals who promote quality and accessible education through meaningful programs, initiatives, and partnerships.
Dr. Ramos is one of the key individuals behind CMDI’s growth from a training unit established in 2000 into an academic institution dedicated to providing quality education to socio-economically challenged families. He began his journey with CARD MRI in 1996 as a Technical Officer of CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO), where he worked closely with communities and witnessed firsthand the struggles of underserved families. These experiences strengthened his commitment to education and people development.
As CARD MRI expanded its training initiatives, Dr. Ramos transitioned into training and development roles, focusing on empowering individuals through education. When CMDI formally became a training institution in 2005, he served as its Training Director. He helped lead programs that trained more than 300 employees to teach financial education to students and community members.
Since its formal establishment, CMDI has strengthened its community-focused education and expanded its training programs. In 2013, the institution introduced the Microfinance Technology NC II program under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and later became an accredited assessment center for the course. In 2015, CMDI received approval from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to operate as a tertiary education institution. In 2024, Dr. Ramos became the school’s president, leading it to begin offering senior high school programs.
Today, CMDI remains committed to producing competent and values-driven learners who contribute to community development and social transformation. It now has four campuses in San Pablo City and Bay, Laguna; Tagum City, Davao del Norte; and Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, focusing on providing practical and values-driven education.
“We have always believed that education is a powerful tool in shaping the future of the youth. I am truly honored and at the same time grateful to be part of CMDI’s journey,” said Dr. Ramos as he reflected on CMDI’s growth in expanding its educational service and in his years of service in CARD MRI.
“This recognition inspires us to continue reaching more students, employees, and communities with limited access to quality education. We will continue creating learning opportunities, honing skills, and helping individuals build a better future for themselves and their families,” he said.
Social Entrepreneurship
The local government of San Pablo also recognized Mr. Frederick Nicasio M. Torres as Namumukod Tanging San Pableño for Social Entrepreneurship. The award honors individuals who build enterprises that open livelihood opportunities and support inclusive growth within communities.
Torres currently leads different enterprise development and business support institutions under CARD MRI. He serves as Chairman of Mga Likha Ni Inay, CARD-Business Development Services Foundation Inc. (CARD-BDSFI), and CARD Leasing and Finance Corporation (CARD LFC). He is also the Executive Vice President of CARD Indogrosir and Ottokonek.
Beforehand, he started his career in CARD MRI as a management trainee in its financial institutions, particularly at CARD, Inc. and CARD SME Bank, a thrift bank focused on providing financial services to small- and medium-sized entrepreneurs. Over the years, he took on leadership positions, including deputy director for operations and regional director, and this deepened his understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized sectors and the importance of creating opportunities for them to build and sustain their own businesses.
In 2013, Torres helped establish CARD Leasing and Finance Corporation (CARD LFC) to further expand support services for clients through leasing, business assistance, and housing finance programs.
Under his leadership, CARD-BDSFI has helped bridge microentrepreneur clients to the mainstream market by promoting local products and supporting their growth. This effort later paved the way for the establishment of Mga Likha Ni Inay (MLNI), which transforms locally sourced products from rural microentrepreneurs into marketable, locally inspired goods.
Meanwhile, CARD Indogrosir and Ottokonek, established in partnership with Indonesia’s Salim Group, continue to strengthen community enterprises by wholesaling and retailing grocery goods at distributor prices. These also support clients and customers operating mobile stores, carts, and sari-sari stores in their communities.
Through these institutions, Torres has helped CARD MRI in strengthening access to markets and support systems for microentrepreneurs, especially in rural and marginalized communities.
“This recognition is for the Nanays who we are able to uplift through our mission at CARD MRI. Entrepreneurship becomes most meaningful when it creates opportunity and hope for communities. When we empower microenterprises to thrive, we prove that businesses can be both sustainable and compassionate. Real progress happens when growth is shared, and when every success story opens doors for others to rise with us,” said Torres, reflecting on how CARD MRI shaped his advocacy for inclusive enterprise development.
Behind the Impact
At the core of Dr. Ramos and Torres’ leadership in education and enterprise development is CARD MRI’s shared mission to uplift underserved communities and help eradicate poverty.
Their recognition as Namumukod Tanging San Pableños reflects the impact of their work in education and enterprise development, as well as their commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities.
CARD MRI Founder and Chair Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip, CARD MRI Managing Director Aristeo A. Dequito, and Senior Advisers Aniceta Alip, Dr. Lorenza dT. Bañez, and Dr. Dolores Torres also attended the recognition event.
