CARD MRI clients win Microentrepreneur Awards for Digital Innovation

1 of 3

Four clients from institutions under the CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) were honored as Digital Champions at the 4th Digital Financial Inclusion Awards (DFIA) held at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Assembly Hall in Malate, Manila.

The awardees include two clients of CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO), and one client each from CARD Bank, a microfinance-oriented rural bank, and CARD SME Bank, a thrift bank.

As a mutually reinforcing network, CARD MRI integrates financial and social development services with digital innovations to support client enterprises and improve quality of life. “It’s such an honor for us to support these award-winning entrepreneurial journeys. Their success inspires us to keep our mission moving forward,” said CARD MRI Managing Director Aristeo A. Dequito.

Inspiring stories of digital transformation

Among the awardees is Carmelita Dapanas, a CARD, Inc. client from Manticao, Misamis Oriental. She operates a hydroponic farm producing green bell peppers and salad tomatoes, alongside coconuts and cacao that she processes into tablea. By leveraging Facebook, Messenger, and mobile cash services, she connects with customers nationwide and now supplies hotels, restaurants, and public markets in Iligan City and nearby areas. Another CARD, Inc. awardee, Annalisa Monil from Bilar, Bohol, transformed the Bilar Stem Vegetable Farm into a thriving enterprise that supplies resorts and restaurants in Panglao Island, while also operating a retail store in Tagbilaran City. By accepting orders through Messenger and processing payments via mobile cash services and online banking, she has significantly expanded her market reach—creating more livelihood opportunities within her community.

Raquel Lanaban, a CARD Bank, Inc. client from Bilusa, Davao City, was also recognized for her batik and handcrafted products business, which she established in 2010. By leveraging Facebook and Messenger, she increased her sales by 90%, adopted digital payment options, and now supports a network of resellers across five areas in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Niel Danica Polong, a CARD SME Bank, Inc. client from Silang, Cavite, transformed her pancit business into an online favorite after launching a Facebook page during the pandemic. With the introduction of cashless payment options and an expanded menu, 60 to 70 percent of her orders now come from online customers.

Digital Financial Inclusion Awards

The Digital Financial Inclusion Awards (DFIA) is a financial inclusion initiative funded by the Citi Foundation, in partnership with Microfinance Council and supported by Citi Philippines and the Bangko Sentral ng PIlipinas (BSP). Now in its fourth year when it spun off from the previously known Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA), it recognizes outstanding microentrepreneurs and microfinance institutions that effectively use digital solutions to conduct financial transactions, strengthen enterprises, and expand livelihood opportunities.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. highlighted the shifting narrative around microentrepreneurs during the awarding ceremony, noting that digital tools were long perceived as too technical, costly, and complicated. He emphasized that the awardees have proven this notion outdated, demonstrating that with simple yet innovative solutions— such as online selling, QR payments, and digital business systems— Filipino entrepreneurs are redefining what is possible in the digital economy.

The ceremony also recognized 13 other microentrepreneurs and three MFIs. Each awardee received PHP 100,000 in cash and a laptop to further support their digital transformation.

The recognition of CARD MRI clients at the DFIA highlights the growing role of digital innovation in inclusive finance. These awardees showed how technology can empower communities, strengthen livelihoods, and pave the way for sustainable growth across the Philippines.