9 Filipinos and 1 Lao graduate with the degree Master in Arts in OD with specialization in Microfinance Management from the partnership program of SAIDI Graduate School of OD and CARD MRI held at the Lao Plaza, Vientiane, Lao last 5 June 2009.

The graduates were: Fundard A. Buncaras, Amalia R. Ditchoso, Agnes M. Garcia, Aurea D. Magpantay, Baby Analyn A. Malborbor, Marlyn M. Marudo, Catherine M. Patay, Rey B. Rivera and Khantaly Seanvilayvong.

The Guest Speaker was Ms. Kaesone Manivong, Microfinance Division Head of the Bank of Lao PDR. The Special Guest was HE Marilyn Alarilla, Philippine Ambassador to Lao PDR. About 40 visitors came to witness this acdemic rite.

The Philippine delegation was led by: Dr. Rosalina O. Fuentes, Dean, SAIDI GSOD, Dr. Enrique Navarro, Institute director, CARD MRI, and Ms. Marie-Paul de Luna, Director, PCN-SAIDI GSOD.

The Graduates with HE Marilyn Alarilla, Philippine Ambassador to Lao, Ms. Kaesone Manivong, Bank of Lao PDR, and Heads of SAIDI, CARD and International Funding Organizations.

Dr. Rosalina O. Fuentes, Dean, SAIDI Graduate School of OD presented the partnership program of MA in OD with specialization in Microfinance Management at the Microfinance Forum held at Lao Plaza, Vientiane last 5 June 2009. The theme of the forum was "Transforming into Formal and Registered MFIs: Opportunities, Challenges, and Legal Framework in Lao PDR."

Immediately, follow-up face-to-face marketing conversations were conducted by Ms. Marie-Paul B. de Luna, Director for PCN of the SAIDI GSOD. Promising applicants will soon be registering for the program.