Likha Ni Inay Convenience Store Opens at CMDI San Pablo

By: Jireh Pearl Casionan, Junior Writer

San Pablo, Laguna- Mga Likha Ni Inay, Inc. (MLNI), the marketing arm of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), officially opened the Likha Ni Inay Convenience Store on January 12, 2026, within the CARD-MRI Development Institute (CMDI) San Pablo campus in San Pablo City, Laguna. The store was established to ensure the safety and security of CMDI’s students, teachers, and staff, while providing convenient access to daily essentials without leaving the campus. 

Highlighting the importance of the store’s on-campus location, Mr. Aristeo A. Dequito, CARD MRI Managing Director, emphasized its contribution to safety and convenience. “Our students and staff no longer have to leave the campus,” he said. “Accessing daily necessities is much safer and more convenient because the store is located right within our school.”

CMDI President Dr. Edzel D. Ramos echoed this sentiment, underscoring the store’s role in supporting the school’s daily needs. “This store is a great help to the entire school community, especially in meeting the everyday needs of our students, teachers, and staff,” he said. “It will also be of service to nearby offices and establishments,” he added, noting that the store is also open to the public.

Operated by five staff members, the convenience store is expected to serve more than 900 CMDI senior high school students, while also catering to customers from the surrounding community and business establishments.

Reflecting MLNI’s mission to support sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship, the store offers not only everyday necessities but also products crafted by CARD clients, including Calamansi Concentrate, Crunchy Peanut Butter, Paborita, fruit teas, Corn Puffs, Rice Kape, muscovado sugar, and special tinapa. It also serves ready-to-eat meals such as silog meals, chaofan, and short-order snacks. CMDI uniforms are available as well, directly addressing students’ immediate needs.

In line with CMDI’s student-centered initiatives, the store’s second floor has been dedicated as a student lounge, providing a comfortable space where students can dine and study on the campus.

CARD MRI Founder and Chair Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip described the newly opened convenience store as practical support for students’ daily needs, enabling them to focus on their studies without leaving the campus. “The opening of this convenience store is designed to make your studies more convenient, so that you no longer have to go far for food or school supplies, especially during class hours,” he said. “Because what I want to see— is for all of you to graduate successfully,” he added, affirming the store’s purpose in supporting students’ academic journey.

The opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and store blessing facilitated by MLNI staff spearheaded by MLNI Chief Operating Officer Angela A. Poonin.

The event was attended by CARD MRI Founder and Chair Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip; CARD MRI Managing Director Aristeo A. Dequito; CARD Bank, Inc. Senior Management Adviser Dr. Dolores M. Torres; CARD SME BANK Senior Management Adviser Cynthia B. Baldeo; CARD Leasing and Finance Corporation (CLFC) President Ma. Rodessa R. Burgos. Ambassador Romeo Manalo also graced the opening with his presence. They were welcomed by CMDI President Dr. Edzel D. Ramos and Senior Adviser Dr. Flordeliza Sarmiento, alongside MLNI Chairman Frederick Nicasio Torres. Staff representatives from Ottokonek and CARD Indogrosir were also in attendance.

The store is located along Jose P. Rizal Avenue in Barangay VII-A, San Pablo City, Laguna, within the CMDI campus, which is strategically positioned at the heart of the city to serve not only the school community but also the surrounding area. Looking ahead, MLNI plans to open additional convenience stores across CMDI campuses in Bay, Laguna, and Tagum City, Davao de Oro, throughout 2026.