27 years of protection: CARD MBA strengthens its commitment to Filipino families

CARD Mutual Benefit Association (CARD MBA), Inc. marked its 27th anniversary by reaffirming its commitment to protecting Filipino families and helping communities become more financially resilient.

The microinsurance arm of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) held its anniversary celebration on September 9, 2026, at Maharlika Square in San Pablo City, Laguna, bringing together its leaders, staff, officers, and MBA Coordinators who have helped advance its mission over the years.

For CARD MBA Chief Executive Officer Jocelyn Dequito, the anniversary represents more than the organization’s years of service.

“It is a milestone not only for CARD MBA, but for every member and family who entrusted us to protect their future and support them towards financial freedom,” Dequito said.

Since its establishment, CARD MBA has worked to help Filipino families manage the financial impact of unexpected events and avoid falling deeper into poverty.

Its range of services includes death and accidental benefits, retirement funds, redemption packages, disaster relief assistance, mass wedding support, and other programs designed to provide members with financial protection when they need it most.

Members leading the Association

As a member-owned institution, CARD MBA is 100 percent owned and managed by its members. At its Annual General Membership Meeting, the Association elected a new Board of Trustees representing different areas across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The new trustees are Marissa R. Bautista of North Luzon, Shirley M. Solina of South Luzon, Neila S. Perez and Emma C. Ti-ad of the Visayas, and Alma B. Esmaña and Elvira B. Lumbrino of Mindanao. All will serve two-year terms.

CARD MBA President Rowena H. Macias credited the organization’s achievements to the people working behind its services.

“We have witnessed how CARD MBA consistently delivers meaningful products and services that uplift our members and their families,” Macias said.

The anniversary also recognized MBA Coordinators whose dedication and performance have contributed to the Association’s continued service to its members.

Recognizing outstanding MBA Coordinators

Eight finalists competed for the 2026 Natatanging MBA Coordinator Awards, with Emelita R. Araño of Batangas receiving the National Winner award. Jemilyn A. Sales of Camarines Sur placed first, while Marry Rose R. Ballete of Surigao del Sur placed second.

CARD MBA also honored top performers through the Ka-Seguro Awards, given to MBA Coordinators who recorded the highest microinsurance product enrollments.

The awardees were Jenevy Ariola and Raquel Garcia of Cagayan; Maricel Villanueva of Surigao del Sur; Marcelena Cañaveral of Sultan Kudarat; Jovelyn Tuyor of Davao Oriental; Elisa Alapit of Pangasinan; Janice Mercado of Cagayan; Rosemarie Gines of South Cotabato; Josephine Balili of Surigao del Sur; Alma Esmaña of Sultan Kudarat; and Flor Cacho of Nueva Ecija.

The recognition highlighted their role in bringing microinsurance closer to communities and helping extend a financial safety net to Filipino families.

Extending protection beyond retirement

A major highlight of the celebration was the launch of the Family Security Plan Extension, which provides retired members aged 70 and above with an option to continue their insurance coverage.

The product is offered in two forms. The Individual Plan provides coverage for the member, while the Package Plan covers both the member and their partner. For the Package Plan, the partner must be between 60 and 75 years old and mentally and physically well.

Through the new product, CARD MBA seeks to provide continued protection to older members who may have fewer insurance options after retirement.

A growing reach

The 27th anniversary celebration underscored the continued work of CARD MBA’s management, officers, employees, and MBA Coordinators in delivering microinsurance and financial assistance to families facing unexpected challenges.

Among those who attended the celebration were CARD MRI Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip, CARD MBA CEO Jocelyn Dequito, CARD MRI Managing Director Aristeo Dequito, CARD MRI senior advisers, members of the Executive Committee, CARD MBA officers and staff, and MBA Coordinators.

As of July 31, 2026, CARD MBA operates 95 provincial offices and serves more than 8.4 million active members. It provides insurance coverage to more than 25 million individuals.

The Association has also processed more than 500,000 claims, with total claims payments exceeding PHP 2.6 billion reflecting its continuing role in helping Filipino families recover from financial challenges brought by life’s unexpected events.

The Natatanging MBA Coordinators, together with selected CARD MRI Executive Committee members and Senior
Advisers, gathered for a memorable group photo to commemorate the 27th founding anniversary celebration.