𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐌𝐁𝐀, 𝐈𝐂𝐌𝐈𝐅 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐰-𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬

CARD Mutual Benefit Association (CARD MBA), the microinsurance arm of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), in partnership with the International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation (ICMIF) Foundation, successfully hosted the inaugural Mutual Microinsurance Network Seminar from June 17 to 19, 2026, at the AIM Conference Center in Makati City.

Carrying the theme, “Replicating Success Globally: Scaling the Mutual Microinsurance Model for the Poorest,” the three-day seminar gathered microinsurance practitioners and industry leaders from different countries to exchange knowledge and best practices on developing scalable, sustainable, and inclusive microinsurance programs for low-income communities.

The event also served as a platform to discuss emerging challenges in the microinsurance sector, explore innovative solutions, and identify the financial and technical support needed to expand access to microinsurance worldwide.

“We recognize that the challenges faced by marginalized communities are too big for any single institution to solve on its own,” said CARD MRI Founder and Chair Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip. “Through partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and mutual support like this, we can replicate successful models and create a stronger and more inclusive microinsurance network.”

The opening day focused on the current state of the global microinsurance sector, with discussions highlighting key challenges, opportunities, and successful models from various countries. Speakers underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and resilience-building initiatives in making insurance services more accessible to underserved populations.

On the second day, CARD MBA showcased its evolution from a members’ mutual fund into one of the country’s leading mutual microinsurance providers. Through a series of panel discussions, CARD MBA officials presented the organization’s governance structure, technology-driven claims settlement system, distribution model through CARD MRI financial institutions, and strategies for strengthening member participation in ownership and decision-making.

“Mutual microinsurance thrives on trust—not only between institutions and their members, but also among organizations working toward the shared goal of protecting vulnerable communities,” said CARD MBA CEO Jocelyn Dequito.

Dr. Alip also joined fellow microinsurance pioneers in a panel discussion on the key drivers behind successful mutual microinsurance programs, emphasizing the vital role of social entrepreneurship and collaborative leadership in advancing the sector globally.

The seminar concluded with a field visit to San Pablo City, Laguna, where participants observed a CARD Bank center meeting in Barangay San Gabriel. Delegates met with the center chief, treasurer, and secretary, gaining firsthand insight into how CARD MBA delivers insurance services and maintains close engagement with its members at the community level.

A total of 101 microinsurance practitioners and leaders from the Philippines and abroad attended the seminar, including delegates from the United Kingdom, Myanmar, India, Kenya, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malawi, Mozambique, Paraguay, Thailand, and Timor-Leste.

Through the successful gathering, CARD MBA and the ICMIF Foundation reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening global collaboration, fostering mutual trust, and promoting knowledge-sharing to expand financial protection and build stronger economic safety nets for low-income communities worldwide.