Celebrating success of the Bahag Footwear from Mindoro

Last February 23, 2016, Nanay Ester Shiela Vitto – owner of the Bahag Footwear and a CARD Bank member for more than 8 years was given a town hall recognition at Benito Hall, St. Augustine Parish Church, Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro for being the Regional Awardee for Luzon in the Citi Microenterpreneur Awards (CMA) held last December 2015.

The CMA is a nationwide search for the most outstanding micro business owners. It is a partnership among Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Citi Philippines, and the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI). It started in 2002 as part of the celebration for Citi’s 100th year in the Philippines and is funded by Citi Foundation. The CMA has since recognized more than 100 winners across the country.

The Regional Awardee for Luzon, Ester Shiela Vitto and husband Ronald were able to carve a market for their homegrown sandals and slippers using old tires for the footwear’s outer soles complemented with a unique service offering of free repair. (See full story)

The celebration was graced by more than 70 guests with the presence of Honorable Wilfredo Hernandez, Sr. – Mayor of Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro, MCPI Representatives, CARD Bank Management Committee and Staff, local media partners from Oriental Mindoro, the family of Nanay Shiela and CARD Bank members.

Mr. Allan Robert I. Sicat (MCPI Executive Dierctor) and Ms. Marivic M. Austria (CARD Bank President and CEO) giving the awards recognition to Nanay Ester Shiela Vitto.

(From left to right: Mr. Gaudencio Mendoza & Glenda C. Magpantay – AVPs of CARD Bank, Marivic M. Austria – CARD Bank President & CEO, Ronald Vitto, Ester Shiela Vitto – 2015 CMA Regional Awardee for Luzon, Honorable Wilfredo Hernandez, Sr. – Mayor of Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro, Jonel Rapera  & Marissa Escalona – Regional Directors of CARD Bank and Mr. Allan Robert I. Sicat – Executive Director of MCPI)