2004 Special Issue

SPECIAL ISSUE

KabalikatparasaMaunladnaBuhay,Inc. “Partner for a Progressive Life”

July - December 2004

Head Office: KMBI Bldg., 12 San Francisco St., Valenzuela City |  (02) 291.1484 to 86 | Fax: (02) 292.2441 | E-mail: kmbi@skyinet.net

Enlarging the territory

Vol.1No.3

By ALDY R. DUQUE

Y

ear 2004 for the KMBI can be characterized not only as a year that is full of steps of faith, but also a year of enlarging its territory. With only seven branches in 2003, God added another 17 branches into the KMBI’s fold, seven were established during the first semester, while another ten on the second. Despite the massive expansion that took place, KMBI continues to Baidon Daquit, center leader of center no. 23 in barangay Patadon, reports her group’s input during the participatory rapid assesment initiated by the BDSacknowledge that it happened only foremost because Transformation department of God’s grace , and secondly because of its desire to see its vision into realization, - people living in abundance and in right relationship with God and the rest of the creations.

The expansion is also KMBI’s response to the call of creating one million jobs in the Philippine network, APPEND, in 2006 by reaching, for its part, 150,000

By AMOR OÑATE micro-finance program members or poor Filipino families.

Third quarter storm “Panagtigum,” which means fellowship, Like the Philippine government history, the KMBI has its own version was the theme of KMBI Tagum Unit’s of “third quarter storm.” It was on this quarter of 2004 that God stormed the Christmas celebration, held in Tagum organization with opportunities to open nine more branches within its areas of City Pavillon on December 11, 2004. It operation. was attended by some 1,700 program For Luzon, after Naga and Legaspi branches, KMBI Iriga and Gumaca were members, with Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy birthed out through the leadership of Bicol area manager Vencent Abraham and as guest speaker. the assistance of Ruel de Leon and Sherwin The celebration started with a Arcipe, managers of the two branches, parade along the streets of Tagum City, respectively. Another branch particularly headed by the Drum and Bugle Corps Regalo Mula sa Puso ...........2 in San Pablo, Laguna was inaugurated and of Laureta National High School and is now operating with Hazel dela Cruz as escorted by Tagum traffic police officers. ...........3 KMBI in Action manager. The province of Laguna belongs KMBI staff and program members from to Calabarzon 2 which is also directed by Mr. different areas recognized through the ...........4 The Corporate Ladder Abraham. colors assigned to each of them followed In Calabarzon 1, two branches were the parade. It ended at the venue of the Performance at a Glance ...........5 established in the province of Batangas, event and immediately followed by the spearheaded by area manager Carmela planned program itinerary. ...........7 Know your enemies...

Porras. These were Lipa and Batangas City, For his part, Mayor Uy delivered Just think about this: Do we Turn to page 6 Turn to page 6 ...........8 have enough rest?

City dad joins Panagtigum 2004

I N S I D E

SPECIAL ISSUE 2004

Regalo Mula sa Puso

By HAZEL CHRISTINE Z. ROSACIA

I

n commemoration of the best center KMBI’s 18th anniversary and houses, and in anticipation of Christmas, a s e l e c t i o n

one-day gift-giving project, the first ever gift-giving venture of the organization, dubbed as “Regalo Mula sa Puso” was held simultaneously all throughout its areas of operation on November 27, 2004. Some 2,000 people from poor families benefited from the organizationwide project.

“Regalo Mula sa Puso” was held in different areas, such as Calabarzon 1, Calabarzon 2, Bicol, Caraga, and Southern Mindanao under the supervision of its respective area managers. Some branches, on the other hand, were tapped to sponsor the project on the chosen depressed barangays, such as Central Cavite, Lucena, Naga, San Francisco, and Kidapawan branches.

One of the highlights of the program was the distribution of the gathered used items, bags of food and assorted groceries to chosen indigents.

In every area, some 400 indigents received gifts – adults and children alike.

Spiritual feeding in the forms of short reflection and counseling were also given through the partner churches.

The latter part was a simple expression of thanksgiving and get together of KMBI constituents. A parade of production numbers, awarding of

“All goes well for the person who is generous and lends willingly. He earns an honest living. He will never fail... He is not afraid of bad news. His heart remains secure, full of confidence in the Lord... He gives freely to poor people. His righteousness continues forever.

His head is raised in honor.”

- Psalms 112:5-9

2

of the most stunning G i n a n g KMBI of the day perked the event.

Government officials, m e d i a people, bank managers, and other special guests graced the occasion.

Staff of San Francisco branch while preparing the solicited gifts a day before the launching of the project.

Aside from uplifting the spirit of giving and sharing among the KMBI family members, the ”Regalo Mula sa Puso” project also aimed to boost the feeling of profusion from its Board of Trustees down to the officers, staff, and program members, as they extend their blessings to the less fortunate communities.

During the solicitation and preparation of gifts for distribution, all KMBI program members generously contributed used clothes, shoes, bags, and belts; excess housewares and toys; and surplus business products. Some even managed to donate rice, noodles, sardines, sugar, soap, and other grocery items. Several supporters of KMBI also gave their share in the fulfillment of the project through spending some of their time in sorting, packaging, loading and unloading, and distributing the gifts to the people. It was a classic example of bayanihan.

“We always encourage our program members to help themselves and fight poverty, and now here they are, not only helping themselves but also helping others. In this manner,

we believe that our vision is, little by little, being put into action, and we are grateful that even just a glimpse of it is happening in our generation,” KMBI Executive Director Rose C. Castro said.

At the last minute, the gift-giving project almost seemed impossible to push through because of the occurrences of calamities and unexpected challenges.

Naga City was devastated by typhoons Unding and Violeta. Kidapawan was surprised by a military-rebel encounter.

San Francisco was threatened by an electric blackout, and other last minute jitters almost hindered its success. But despite the unexpected occurences, the project turned out to be successful.

“No amount of obstacles were able to stop us in pursuing this mission of breaking the bondage of selfishness and making love and care prevail. Our volunteers, partner churches, and barangay officials displayed sacrifices not only in terms of material resources, but also of time and energy. Nevertheless, the KMBI as an organization continues to attribute this success to no one but to the Almighty God alone. He deserves all the praises,” Castro concluded.

Communi-K

BI

M I.A. (KMBI In Action)

K

The KMBI-Calabarzon 1 staff while giving gifts to the children in Central Cavite (top); on the same site, beneďŹ ciaries lined up, waiting for their turn (below)

KMBI-Caraga staff busy as a bee. The project was hosted by Kidapawan branch (top); KMBI-Bicol staff happily distributing the gifts as hosted by Naga branch (below).

Volunteers and program members posed with the KMBI Southern Mindanao team (top); Below are the Bicol team rendering a Christmas song.

Bicol team dances with the children during the program (top), while the Southern Mindanao team presented their own native dance (below); Caraga staff and volunteers give their best smiles (bottom)

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SPECIAL ISSUE 2004

The Corporate Ladder TOP PROGRAM ASSISTANT PERFORMERS 4TH QUARTER

3RD QUARTER

(October - December 2004)

(July - September 2004)

JENETH BINWEK

JEANMAR LABANERO

Upper Cavite Branch

Gen. Santos Branch

First

INDICATOR

AVERAGE

RATING

Client Outreach

332

0.8

Loan portfolio (million PhP)

1.17

0.8

0

1

4.84

0.8

PAR (%) Client Turnover (%)

Client Outreach

360

0.9

Loan portfolio (million PhP)

1.05

0.7

0

1

Client Turnover (%)

3.19

0.9

4

1

3

1

PAR (%)

4

1

Center Management

3

1

Center Management

INDICATOR

JEANMAR LABANERO Gen. Santos Branch

AVERAGE

RATING

Client Outreach

373

0.9

Loan portfolio (million PhP)

1.22

0.8

PAR (%)

5.5

AVERAGE RATING

5.4

Upper Cavite Branch

Second

RATING

Loan Administration

MA. FRANCISCA TAN

INDICATOR

AVERAGE

RATING

Client Outreach

344

0.8

Loan portfolio (million PhP)

1.28

0.8

0

1

0

1

Client Turnover (%)

5.41

0.8

Client Turnover (%)

3.38

0.9

Loan Administration

4

1

Loan Administration

4

1

Center Management

1

0.8

Center Management

3

1

MAGDALENA DE ROXAS

Gen. Santos Branch

AVERAGE

RATING

Client Outreach

362

0.9

Loan portfolio (million PhP)

1.12

0.8

0

1

PAR (%)

5.5

AVERAGE RATING

RACHEL BASIYA

Upper Cavite Branch INDICATOR

PAR (%)

5.3

AVERAGE RATING

Third

AVERAGE

Loan Administration

AVERAGE RATING

INDICATOR

AVERAGE

RATING

Client Outreach

337

0.8

Loan portfolio (million PhP)

1.18

0.8

0

1

PAR (%)

Client Turnover (%)

6.79

0.8

Client Turnover (%)

3.9

0.9

Loan Administration

4

1

Loan Administration

3

0.9

Center Management

8

0.8

Center Management

2

0.9

AVERAGE RATING

TOTAL NO. OF STAFF (As of December 31, 2004)

DEPARTMENT

MF Operations

NO. OF STAFF 462

BDS

2

Support Group

22

TOTAL 4

INDICATOR

486

5.3

AVERAGE RATING

5.3

Cont...KMBI receives, fr. p.5

because it does not talk of portfolio at risk, number of clients, figures; but of women empowerment and genuine transformation.”

“We never aimed for it. We just did our work and God recognized it through OI,” KMBI Executive Director Rosemarie C. Castro replied when asked about the award.

The award goes with US$10,000 grant for expanding programs that promote gender equality and for creating a gender policy recording tremendous success in reaching women in poverty and promoting women leadership. Also, an additional gift, the Gender Awards Leadership Scholarship fund of US$3,000 is given for the travel and accommodation expense of KMBI representative to the Global Conference in 2007.

Communi-K

Performance at a Glance TOTAL CLIENT OUTREACH

AVE. NO. OF CLIENTS / PA

CLIENT TURNOVER (%)

90,000

240

14

80,000

235

12

70,000

230

10

60,000

225

8

50,000

200

6

40,000

175

4

30,000

2nd

3rd Quarter

150

4th

LOAN PORTFOLIO (M Php)

2nd

3rd Quarter

2

4th

PORTFOLIO AT RISK (%)

400

0.10

130

300

0.8

125

250

0.6

120

200

0.4

115

150

0.2

110

100

0

3rd Quarter

4th

TOTAL CLIENT OUTREACH:

85,457

AVE. NO. OF CLIENTS PER PA: 3rd Quarter

2nd

234

4th

CLIENT TURNOVER:

11.4%

135

0.12

2nd

(As of December 2004)

FINANCIAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY

500

3rd 2nd Quarter

Organizational Performance

105

4th

LOAN PORTFOLIO:

PHP 232 M

PORTFOLIO AT RISK:

0.76%

FINANCIAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY: 2nd

3rd Quarter

116%

4th

BRANCH PERFORMANCE RANKING (4TH Quarter)

RANK

TOTAL SCORE

1

NO. OF UNITS

CLIENT OUTREACH (active)

AVE. NO. of ACTIVE CLIENTS per PA

LOAN PORTFOLIO (million PhP)

PAR (%)

CLIENT TO (%)

FSS (%)

OFC. MGT.

FILE & POLICY ADMIN.

TRANSFOrMATION

BRANCH

AREA

MO. & YR. OF INAUG.

18

CENTRAL CAVITE

Calabarzon 1

Apr 2003

2

4316

287.73

16.91

0

7.73

152.56

2.5

2

2.5

2

17.5

METRO DAVAO

S. Mindanao

Sep 2001

2

4070

290.71

15.01

0

5.85

179.26

3

2.5

2

3

17

GEN. SANTOS

S. Mindanao

May 1999

3

5991

285.29

23.32

0

8.11

159.52

3

2.5

2.5

4

16

DAVAO PROV.

S. Mindanao

Mar 2003

2

3973

283.79

14.25

0

7.28

152.91

2.5

2.5

2

5

15

BUTUAN

Caraga

Sep 2003

2

4081

291.50

15.75

0

11.41

134.88

2.5

2.5

2

6

13.5

UPPER CAVITE

Calabarzon 1

Nov 2003

2

4309

307.78

12.42

4.19

4.7

128.76

2

2

2.5

7

10.5

MMSB1

Calabarzon 1

Nov 2001

2

3808

272.00

7.67

3

11.6

150.24

2

1.5

2

KMBI receives Gender Excellence award anew

of its tireless effort in empowering women in poverty and facilitating holistic transformation. OI particularly gave premium on the testimonies of KMBI’s program members whom they interviewed as part of the selection process. They

By EDWIN C. ROBERTO noticed from the interviewed program members, particular from the southern Philippines, not only economic progress, For the second time for its service to women and but also a change in attitude among them through the KMBI commitment to gender equity and women’s leadership, success centers.

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. (KMBI) bagged the Taking note of the selection criteria, “I think this Opportunity International’s (OI) Gender Excellence award for is our distinctive from other MFIs; aside from providing the year 2004. The award was received by Dr. Amelia Llenadofinancial assistance, ours is committed to facilitating holistic Gonzales, BOT Chairman of KMBI, on January 19, 2005 in San transformation in their lives and that speaks of values Diego, California, USA. KMBI was also OI’s recipient of the same award for the year 2003, which was awarded in Manila, formation, restored family relationship and a better view of faith in God regardless of religion,” Dr. Gonzales said. She Philippines. added, “Compared to other recognitions the KMBI had Out of various microfinance institutions (MFI) from received from OI and other bodies, this award is exceptional 36 countries, through the Women’s Opportunity Fund, OI chose KMBI to be its gender excellence recipient because Turn to page 4

5

SPECIAL ISSUE 2004 Cont...Enlarging the territory, from p. 1

by Michelle Damayo and Danilo Tolentino, respectively.

In Mindanao, four KMBI branches were installed during the third quarter. KMBI operations in Mindanao are divided into two areas: Caraga, with area manager Rhanny Barrera, and Southern Mindanao (SM), with area manager Nemwell Arzaga.

The new branches in Caraga are located in the municipalities of Compostela Valley and San The KMBI-Kidapawan team, with branch manager Rhodora Francisco. Managers Judith Pabia Ranque (seated, 3rd from left) and Lina May Osorio operate the said branches. insurgency problems, Mercedes For the SM area, two new replied, “Operating in some areas with branches were established in Kidapawan insurgency problems like Bicol, Caraga, and Digos through the assistance of their and Southern Mindanao is not an managers, Rhodora Ranque and Amelita easy task. But it would not stop us in Andilab. advancing our objectives. Besides, God “These expansions, by doing it has given us the opportunity to expand on our own would be very tiring. But and we’ve got no other recourse but thanks be to God for since it was He who to grab them. Otherwise, they might ordered us, it was also He who sustained slip from our hands.” He added that, us,” KMBI Operations Director Edgardo “Insurgency problem is partly brought Mercedes said. by poverty and by choosing to serve in Asked why in areas with the areas where God has brought us, will Cont...City dad joins, from p. 1 an inspiring message. He encouraged the program members to be responsible in little things in order for the microfinance institutions, like the KMBI, continue to grow.

Other highlights of the celebration include various contests (caroling, dancing, and cheering), Ginang KMBI 2004 pageant, raffle, parlor games and recognition of best program members and center house. Charito Tenebro and Joji Pescador, both mothers, were judged as best program members. The best center

house, on the other hand, was awarded to Area 05 Center 09 of 5th Avenue, Tagum City.

Program members were all smile despite the tiresome activities and such result made the KMBI staff fulfilled. One of the program assistants remarked that, “It made us forget all the hardships and difficulties on assigned toil we had encountered after seeing them (the program members) happy.“ Branch manager Orbil S. Driz added, “This activity The KMBI Tagum staff bearing the Panagtigum will not be successful if not because of streamer (top); Awarding a raffled gift to one of the winning program members (below) God’s grace. To God be the glory!”

Program members of KMBI Tagum from different areas on their color-coded attire

6

somehow restore lost hope and dreams of these people.”

New challenge Aside from the opportunity God has allowed to come along the KMBI’s way, the organization realizes the challenge coupled with it, too.

Executive director Rose C. Castro is very much aware of the challenge. She explained, “The 24 branches do not speak only of enlarging a territory, it also speaks of managing 500 personnel. A new challenge right now in our hands, therefore, is how we can effectively mobilize and inspire our people to do the work and efficiently serve some 85,000 program members, and thereby achieve our vision,.”

With a new task at hand, all the organization’s departments are now gearing up - enhancing skills, walking extra miles, holding capacity building, entertaining innovative ideas, and the likes - and having expectant hearts that the God who enlarged their territory will also equip them.

Communi-K

Knowyourenemies..andyourpeople,too One of the very important principles in war is “Know your enemies.”

But this works only if you know your people, too. What is the sense of knowing your enemies if you do not know your own people? Knowing your people helps you put them in proper positions, maximize their potentials to their fulfillment, and work with them in harmony.

There are various ways to know people, and one is by knowing their intelligences. Research on human intelligence suggests that every individual possesses multiple intelligences (MI) although level of each intelligence varies. This is the reason some excel in one field while others in another field.

Howard Gardner of Harvard University, proponent of MI, has identified eight multiple intelligences a person possesses. He speculates that there may be many more (there are already ten intelligences, to date) yet to be identified.

MI has particularly strong ramifications in the workplace, because it identifies people’s different strengths through their intelligences, thus accommodating different people according to their orientation to learning is more successful. They are:

Did you know that...

(a) Visual/Spatial, people who learn best visually and organizing things spatially. They like to see

what you are talking about in order to understand. They enjoy charts, graphs, maps, tables, illustrations, arts, puzzles, costumes – anything eye-catching; (b) Verbal/Linguistic, people who demonstrate strength in the language arts: speaking, writing, reading, listening. They have the sensitivity to sounds, structure, meanings, and functions of words and language; (c) Mathematical/Logical, people who display an aptitude for numbers, reasoning and problem solving. They have the capacity to discern logical and numerical patterns, and the ability to handle change of reasoning;

(f ) Intrapersonal, people who are especially in touch with their own feelings, values and ideas. They have the ability to discriminate one’s own emotions, strengths and weaknesses; (g) Interpersonal, people who are noticeably people oriented and outgoing, and do their learning cooperatively in groups or with a partner. They have the capacity to discern and respond appropriately to moods, motivations, and desires of other people; (h) Naturalist, people who love the outdoors, animals, field trips. More than this though, these people love to pick up on subtle differences in meanings. They have the ability to recognize species of plants and animals, and survive in one’s environment.

(d) Bodily/Kinesthetic, people who experience learning best through activity: games, movement, handsIt pays to know the people on tasks, building. They have around us especially if they are the the ability to control one’s body people working for our goal. It does not movements, and handle objects only save time, efforts and resources, skillfully; it also promotes harmonious working (e) Musical/Rhythmic, people who relationship. As they say, “People are learn well through songs, patterns, gifts from God, wrapped in different packages.” Have you unwrapped God’s rhythms, instruments and music. gifts to you? Try it and you’ll find them They have the ability to produce wonderful. and appreciate different forms of musical expressions;

Some of the words we use are actually acronyms? Here are some examples.

1.

2.

3.

4.

RADAR - radio detecting and ranging LASER - light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation SNAFU - situation normal, all fouled up (army slang) SCUBA - self-contained underwater breathing apparatus

So next time, when you look for a laser printer in a computer store, you ask, “Do you have light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation printer?” (Enjoy your day! )

7



VISION

DoRosemarie we have enough rest?

C. Castro, Executive Director We thank God for all He had done in 2004, and we will continue to thank Him more for all that He is about to do, in and through you and me.

Some might wonder, why start it with a closing phrase? We at KMBI always thought of the “ending” and yet we never stop “beginning.” At the start of second semester of this year (right after establishing seven new branches during the first semester), we simultaneously expanded all throughout our five areas of operations in Luzon and Mindanao. Ten new branches were born - two branches in each area.

I could still recall everybody’s feelings and reactions during those times: the management team’s continuous strategizing while implementing the plan; the relocated officers and staff’s adjustment to the new environment; staff who were left to stay in the branch to take charge; co-workers and our program members (I guess) who would be missing the replaced staff. Then came the end of the year (but not the plan), I could still feel the feelings and reactions but somehow, this time, they were different. Two months before the closing of the year everybody was so anxious to go back home and rest. Why not! We hit the target! More than 85,000 program members, with 0.76% PAR, outstanding portfolio of PhP232M, with loans from our creditors amounting to PhP214.7M, an operating self-sufficiency rate of 118%, and financial self-sufficiency of 116% - indeed, we’ve got no reason why we could not rest.

No doubt, many wanted rest and it was legitimate because our body is subject as well to wear and tear. But what have we become as a person after that long and tedious six months? Have we become better (I hope not bitter) or best?

At times we are all tired and worn out...and maybe frustrated or disappointed.

Rest, I must agree, was and is necessary. But brethren and fellow workers, just think about this, “We could actually have hit all those numbers while resting.”

The reason why we were so tired might be because we were so focused in hitting the numbers. We might have not realize that there was something more than the numbers - that God was (and is) at work in us and with us. I encourage you to look back as to how far we have become, what we are here for, and who really is at work with us. The sovereign Lord says, “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.

You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.’ Therefore you will flee! You said, ‘We will ride off on swift horses.’ Therefore your pursuers will be swift! A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee away, till you are left like a flagstaff on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill. Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him (for they will find rest)” (Isaiah 30:1518). Thus, my prayer is that in whatever circumstances we are in right now, may we constantly find His rest, and trust that all things work together for our good.

Rest, therefore, is understanding that we all have limitations, and beyond these limitations He is the one at work. When God is at work, we can never grow tired and weary, we can only rest under the shadow of His wings.

We are so blessed to have you people who are so committed to the vision, mission and objectives of KMBI. Your commitment has served as our inspiration to continuously dream big for our God. And by thinking all of these, I already found rest. I hope you, too. God bless us all!

“To see people living in abundance with strengthened faith in God and in right relationship with their fellowmen and the rest of creation.”

MISSION

“To be a sustainable Christian development organization contributing significantly to a povertyfree and Christ-centered Philippines.”

CORE VALUES Respect Integrity Stewardship Commitment to the Poor Discipline Innovation Excellence

OBJECTIVE “To reach 150,000 Filipino families in 2006.”

Communi-K, a quarterly publica-

tion of KMBI, derived from the word “communique” - connoting any message, communication, announcement, statement, or letter intended to make know to everyone.

Editor: Aldy R. Duque (R&D/ Publication Mgr.) Editorial Consultants: Edgardo Mercedes (Operations Dir.), Liza D. Eco (HRD Mgr.), Annalie Concepcion (Finance Mgr.) Contributors: Hazel Christine Z. Rosacia (BDS Ofcr.), Amor Onate, (P.A., Tagum Unit) Editorial Adviser: Rosemarie C. Castro (Exec. Director)