CARD MRI Strengthens Environmental Commitment by Planting 750 Mangrove Trees in Oriental Mindoro
Oriental Mindoro, October 18, 2023
In a concerted effort to combat environmental challenges and promote sustainability, CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), in collaboration with CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO), CARD Bank, and CARD MBA, recently planted 750 mangrove trees in Brgy. Baruyan, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro on October 7, 2023. The tree-planting initiative aims to reduce the carbon footprint and counteract the impact of recent oil spills in the area.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) played a pivotal role in recommending the planting of mangrove trees, emphasizing their ecological significance in restoring the affected area following the oil spill. This move aligns with CARD MRI's commitment to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on a global scale.
CARD MRI Managing Director Aristeo A. Dequito highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, "While we undertake various initiatives to promote the well-being and prosperity of both people and the planet, the tree planting activity plays an important role in advancing the 17 SDGs." Furthermore, Dequito emphasized that the banking institutions of CARD MRI have been working closely with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to promote sustainable financing through compliance with BSP Circular No. 1805 Series of 2020.
Approximately 150 staff members from various institutions under CARD MRI participated in the tree-planting activity, including CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO), CARD Bank, and CARD MBA. Regional Director Venancia Salazar of CARD Bank described the experience as both challenging and enjoyable, underscoring the opportunity for staff to bond and strengthen their connection while contributing to environmental preservation.
In a significant development, CARD-Business Development Service Foundation Inc. (CARD-BDSFI), a member institution of CARD MRI that specializes in agricultural and fisheries development, signed a memorandum of agreement with DENR to support environmentally sustainable activities. This agreement outlines DENR's quarterly visits to monitor the mangroves and mandates the provision of replacements for any dead plants.
CARD MRI Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip concluded by emphasizing the critical role of environmental conservation in eradicating poverty. He stated, "We cannot fully eradicate poverty without caring for our common home, our planet Earth. With the climate crisis continuously intensifying, this activity is a good approach to help boost ecosystem resilience and combat climate change."
With a holistic approach to development, CARD MRI aims to continuously achieve sustainability through its institutions, which not only provide financial services but also contribute to health, education, and other community development programs. The tree-planting initiative in Oriental Mindoro is a testament to CARD MRI's unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and the pursuit of a more sustainable future. (via Bhal Cabrera | Misamis Occidental News Bureau | TriMedia Digital).
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