CARD MRI launches its four-decade celebration, marking 40 years in 2026

CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), a group of 34 institutions that provide social development services to over 9.7 million Filipinos and insure more than 31 million individuals, will celebrate its 40th founding anniversary in 2026. On December 12, 2025, the organization launched its year-long celebration during the 2025 CARD MRI’s Year-End Business Planning.

Its 40th year is themed “CARD MRI Four Decades of Legacy: Integrating Traditional and Modern Approaches to Poverty Eradication.” This milestone highlights the organization’s combination of hands-on and people-centered approaches with innovative technologies in its continued commitment to the mission of social development and poverty eradication.

“For almost four decades, the recognitions given to me for empowering Filipinos and marginalized communities have always been because of CARD. They are a proof of our collective efforts and shared commitment,” said Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip, Founder and Chair Emeritus of CARD MRI. He also recalled the organization’s humble beginning 39 years ago, and how it has grown into 34 different social development institutions today united by a single mission to eradicate poverty. He highlighted how these initiatives have transformed the lives of CARD clients one by one, and emphasized the need to continue this work.

Looking ahead, Dr. Alip confirmed the five-year strategic plan of the institution that was previously discussed during the year-end planning by Mr. Noli Martinez, Vice President for CARD MRI Corporate Planning, Product Development, and Corporate Advocacy. The plan highlights bringing together initiatives from different institutions to create synergy within CARD MRI. It focuses on strengthening microinsurance and disaster resilience, as well as expanding health services through CARD Care Network Inc. (CCNI), a newly launched network of healthcare-focused institutions under CARD MRI. It also includes scaling enterprise development through value chain partnerships. Additionally, the plan aims to upgrade digital operations by using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide better support, improve staff efficiency, and enhance the client experience.

The four-decade celebration launch begins with a short film depicting the story of Dr. Alip meeting his younger self 39 years ago, when he was just starting CARD MRI by drafting a business proposal using his father’s old typewriter and a twenty-peso bill. “Hanggang sa muli, batang ako… (Until next time, younger me…).” was the final line of the short film, delivered by the present-day Dr. Alip after he encouraged his wary, hopeful younger self to continue pursuing their dream of building a bank owned by underserved Filipinos.

The film was followed by the entrance of Dr. Alip himself, dressed as a pilot, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Aniceta D. Alip, senior adviser for the research unit of the    institution, dressed as a flight attendant. Their attire symbolizes CARD

MRI’s 40-year journey and the path ahead. “Our responsibility is to sustain the legacy we have built for the next 40 years and beyond, for the generations to come,” said Dr. Alip.