CARD MBA hosts global seminar to strengthen financial protection for marginalized communities

By: Jireh Pearl Casionan

Makati City- CARD Mutual Benefit Association (CARD MBA), the microinsurance arm of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutes (CARD MRI), hosted the first Mutual Microinsurance Network Seminar in partnership with the International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation (ICMIF) Foundation from June 17 to 19, 2026, at the AIM Conference Center in Makati City, Metro Manila, to strengthen collaboration dedicated to protecting low-income families.

Centered on the theme “Replicating Success Globally: Scaling the Mutual Microinsurance Model for the Poorest,” the three-day seminar served as a collaborative platform for participants to share knowledge and experiences on building microinsurance programs that are scalable, sustainable, and impactful. It also paved the way for participants to address current industry challenges, explore emerging
innovations, and identify financial and technical support needed.

“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.”

Building on this vision, the first day of the seminar focused on evaluating the current state of microinsurance by highlighting discussions on the sector’s challenges, opportunities, and successful models from various countries. Speakers throughout the day emphasized the importance of partnerships, innovation, and resilience-building initiatives in making insurance more accessible among underserved populations.

On the second day, CARD MBA shared its journey from being a members’ mutual fund into becoming a mutual microinsurance provider.

Through 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 to maximize member participation in ownership
and decision-making.

CARD MBA CEO Jocelyn Dequito said that, “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.”

Dr. Alip joined fellow microinsurance pioneers in a panel discussion on the key drivers of successful mutual microinsurance programs. In his message, he also emphasizes the role of social entrepreneurs and collaborative leadership in advancing the mutual microinsurance sector globally.

The last day featured a field visit to San Pablo City, Laguna, where participants observed the CARD Bank center meeting in Brgy. San Gabriel. They also engaged with the center’s chief, treasurer, and secretary and witnessed firsthand how CARD MBA delivers insurance services and maintains close communication with its members.

The seminar brought together 101 microinsurance practitioners and leaders from the Philippines and other countries, including the United Kingdom, Myanmar, India, Kenya, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malawi, Mozambique, Paraguay, Thailand, and Timor-Leste.

Through the seminar, CARD MBA and the ICMIF Foundation highlighted the value of collaboration and mutual trust in making financial protection more inclusive and building economic safety nets for low-income communities worldwide.