CARD MRI Founder and Chairman launches book on Microfinance journey

With the goal to share the story of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), its Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip launched a book entitled Microfinance and Beyond. The launching was held on July 25, 2019 during the 20th anniversary of the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. at the Manila Prince Hotel.

The book launch was attended by the board directors of the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI), partner institutions and government agencies, and key players in the microfinance industry.

A book signing was held after the event, which Dr. Alip facilitated.

 

Beyond microfinance

“After 30 years of dedicating my full commitment to CARD MRI, I came to the point where I asked myself: What should I do next?” shared Dr. Alip in his speech during the book launch.

This nagging question pushed him to write his book. “I realized that I need to share how CARD MRI was established from scratch and how it has become what it is today,” reflected Dr. Alip. “I want to inspire everyone that simple beginnings can lead to something greater.”

Microfinance and Beyond recounts the history of CARD MRI told through the lenses of its founder. It chronicles the founding years of CARD and how it has grown into 22 mutually reinforcing institutions working together to bring financial services and development programs to the poor.

Aside from CARD MRI’s history, the book is also a retelling of its founder’s personal experiences. From these narratives, the readers can have a glimpse on how CARD MRI works toward the realization of its goal of ending poverty in the country.

The book, said Dr. Alip, was dedicated to his first grandchild, Maxine. “She inspires me to simplify things at CARD MRI,” shared Dr. Alip. “When we were starting, we had to work beyond office hours. I felt guilty that our dedicated staff had to spend most of their time doing paperwork rather than spending time with their family. When our first grandchild came into our lives, I decided to find innovative ways on how we can improve the way we do things,” he continued. Now, CARD MRI is journeying towards digitization.

Microfinance and Beyond can be purchased at the office of the CARD MRI Publishing House located in San Pablo City, Laguna or any Mga Likha ni Inay stores. Orders can also be placed through its official Facebook account @PublishingHouseInc or by sending an email at publishing@cardmri.com.