2005 1st Issue

Ist Quarter 2005

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. “Partner for a Progressive Life”

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

Vol. 2 No. 1

KMBI creates circle of success K

MBI’s Business Development Services (BDS) department has recently embarked on a new program: the KMBI SUCCESS Circle (KSC). Through the new program, program members who have

demonstrated outstanding performance in their respective businesses will be formed into a group, which is the SUCCESS (Skills Utilized for Christ’s Commission to Enlighten and Serve Society) Circle. KSC members will receive special training, technical assistance, market linkaging, promotion, business counseling and mentoring. They will also have the opportunity for their businesses to be exposed in trade fairs and local festivities.

Aside from clustering members the program . into clubs, “KSC is a way of empowering To qualify to the SUCCESS them so they may gradually take circle, a member must possess the initiative in facilitating the BDS program,” following qualifications: manufactures according to Hazel Christine Rosacia, one of the branch’s best products; BDS Officer for Luzon. Rosacia further should be on the fourth loan cycle stated that with 24 branches on hand, and below; has a 100% repayment their aim to institute BDS has become record; has at least 98% attendance bigger all the more. This was no excuse, to weekly center meetings and other however, for the department to continue activities; demonstrates remarkable pursuing its dreams for the program moral character; maintains a good members. Through the establishment relationship with co-members, family of KSC, BDS has provided an avenue and community; and possesses for entrepreneurial enhancement for significant business indicators, such those who are already on the brink of as number of employees, production success and have remained faithful to capacity and market extent. KSC members will have the opportunity to be exposed to trade fairs and festivities.

KMBI in “Kumikitang Kabuhayan” ...........2 Despite the set criteria, BDS KMBI staff march toward MBA degree ...........2 does not discount that a new program Soaring like an eagle ...........3 member may qualify to the club if Learning with fun ...........4 her business exhibits exceptional Performance at a glance ...........5 performance and products.

BDS also designed a program Building the “house” of your dreams ...........6 for those who are in their fifth loan A heart with a mission ...........7 cycle and above which is called KSC ............8 Reflections: “You are so blessed!”

I N S I D E

PICTURES OF SUCCESS: Program member from Ternate, Cavite, Cecilia de Leon proudly displays her beautiful wind chimes.

Plus. However, the program is intended only for members from General Santos, Metro Davao and Metro Manila South 1 branches. Aside from the traits mentioned for qualifying in the KSC, a KSC Plus member must also have the following characteristics: strong leadership skills, community involvement and exceptional business indicators such as growth in profit, employment generation and savings generation. KSC Plus members will be candidate recipients of envisioned products like individual loans, among others. They will also be groomed for local and international competitions.

At present, the top 30 program members from each branch are being tapped for the program’s pilot implementation. While most of the branches have already identified their members for KSC, others are still in the process of selecting and nominating their members.

1st 2005 1STQUARTER QUARTER 2005

Central Cavite branch in:

“Kumikitang Kabuhayan” ABS-CBN featured KMBI on national television through its “Kumikitang Kabuhayan” (KK) program on January 20. Aired

and activities. “These meetings include discussions on how to save... KMBI seeks to help change people’s lives and improve their early in the morning, KK is a popular livelihood, ” she explained. developmental program of Channel 2.

Furthermore, the show Set in the Central Cavite Branch, emphasized KMBI’s contribution KK interviewed Carmela Porras, Area to gender equality, enlightening SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT. Program members pray during a center meeting.

Manager of CALABARZON I. Recalling the viewers about how the the story of KMBI, Porras described how organization helps women earn ang kanilang tulong sa pag-unlad ng the once small, church-based credit ispiritwal at sosyal na aspeto ng buhay ng additional income for their families. It program became a large organization also commended its impact on the lives kanilang mga kasapi.” (Beyond financial with branches in Southern Luzon and support, KMBI stands proud for its of its beneficiaries.

Mindanao.

Towards the end of the feature, ability to help develop the spiritual and Porras also articulated about the KK’s narrator declared some insightful social lives of its members). basic operations and services of KMBI, comments: “Higit pa sa pinansyal na What a great start for a promising as well as the regular center meetings suporta, maipagmamalaki ng KMBI new year!

KMBI staff march toward MBA degree Seven KMBI staff marched up the stage of the Philam Life Auditorium to receive their hard-earned Master in Business Administration (MBA) diploma on April 8. They are the first batch to complete the course offered by KMBI’s Microfinance Success Institute (MSI), in partnership with the Philippine Christian University (PCU).

The batch of graduates is composed of Rosemarie Castro, Executive Director; Liza Eco, HRD Manager; Ronel Castor, MIS Programmer; Ferdinand Baptista, PUS of Lower Cavite; Billy Rivera, acting PUS of MMS-2; Marion Esther Cruz and Jaer Asilum, PAs of MMS-1. Along with the first batch of KMBI graduates is Donato Alcoba, Jr., former KMBI executive director, now VP for OMB operations.

The course, which can be taken and completed in one THE GRADUATES. The first batch of MBA graduates share a year, comprises 36 units. happy moment before taking the exam on March 23. From left Students enrolled in the to right are: Ronel Castor, MIS Programmer; Donato Alcoba, Jr., VP for OMB operations; Marion Esther Cruz, PA of MMS- program learn about, aside 1; (seated) Rosemarie Castro, KMBI Executive Director; Billy from managerial accounting, Rivera, acting PUS of MMS-2; Liza Eco, HRD Manager; Jaer strategic management and Asilum, PA of MMS-1 and Ferdinand Baptista, PUS of Lower Cavite. economics, self-discipline,

2

especially in accomplishing course papers. Their ultimate test was the comprehensive exam they took last March 23, which lasted for about 12 hours and the oral defense before a panel of proffesors which they presented on March 30 at the PCU campus.

One of the students, Liza Eco, HRD Manager of KMBI, shared some insights in taking up the course. “Aside from personal development, it’s a great opportunity for growth,” she said.

Moreover, Eco encourages other staff to take up the MBA course. “Very few companies have institutional support for this kind of program. It’s great that our organization values staff development.”

As for the graduates, KMBI rejoices with them, as it is not only a personal achievement. It is also another milestone for the entire organization, as well as a motivation for other staff to join the MSI.

Communi-K Communi-K

Soaring like an eagle Eagles are powerful creatures.

With their mighty wings, they rise up and reach for the sky, soaring high above the clouds. From time to time, however, they take time to rest – renewing their energy before taking off again.

Like an eagle, KMBI soars high with outstanding accomplishments. Starting out with just seven branches in 2003, no less than 17 new ones were established last year, adding up to a total of 24 branches nationwide. This tremendous growth was no simple task, but with hearts committed to the vision and mission of the organization, everyone was up to the challenge.

Gearing up This year, KMBI is focusing on “inner” growth through intensive training and equipping of its most important resource… its people.

First among the gear-up activities was the “Good to Great” training, which was attended by KMBI department heads on January 12, held in Club Manila East in Taytay, Rizal. A similar one was held on February 18 for branch managers of all Luzon branches in the Head Office training room. The training was facilitated by Donato Alcoba, Jr., Vice President for Operations of Opportunity Microfinance Bank (OMB).

For branch managers, program unit supervisors and branch accountants from Bicol area, a training on supervisory skills was conducted on January 21-22 in Geewan Restaurant in Naga City.

In succeeding months, program assistants from Iriga, San Pablo, Calamba, Lipa and Batangas City had the opportunity to learn about Facilitation Skills. Spearheaded by the Human Resource Department (HRD), the training aimed to teach Program Assistants about the principles of facilitation and the importance of using Road Signs Book in center meetings.

More recently, on March 19, a Refresher Course on Basic Operations Training Program (BOTP) was held simultaneously in the Head Office, San Pablo and Parañaque branches.

Specifically designed for recent and newly hired staff, the training covered the brief history of KMBI, basic operations, microfinance methodology and its policies.

Ready for take-off Top management has been investing their time and energy into training as well. On February 10, Rosemarie Castro, KMBI Executive Director, together with Edgardo Mercedes (Operations Director), Liza Eco (HRD Manager) and

Carmela Porras, Area Manager of CALABARZON 1, delivers her lecture during the BOTP refresher course in the Head Office training room on March 19.

Annalie Concepcion (Finance Manager) attended the “Achievers Leadership Training,” which Salt & Light Ventures facilitated .

Likewise, other departments have been gearing up. On February 7-11, Research & Development Manager Rizaldy Duque and HR Training Officer Arthur Gonzaga attended a training on Monitoring and Evaluation in Community Development, facilitated

by APPEND in Diliman, Quezon City.

Also, Business Development Services (BDS) officers Hazel Christine Rosacia and Marifel Suplemento attended Community-Based Entrepreneurship Development Program on March 5-17. The activity involved hands-on experience and exposure to Barangay Yapac in Boracay. Both trainings were conducted in coordination with VASS-TEARFUND. Generally, all these aim to equip KMBI staff with the knowledge and skills needed to further expand the noble endeavors of the organization.

Like the soaring eagle, KMBI is simply gearing up before GEARING UP! (Left) Recent and newly hired staff listen attentively during the BOTP refresher course in San Pablo, taking off for the next flight.

Laguna; (Right) In the head office, participants pose for a shot after the training.

3 3

1st 2005 1STQUARTER QUARTER 2005

BOTP:

Learning with fun!

A number of recent and newlyhired staff participated in KMBI’s Basic Operations Training Program (BOTP) refresher course on March 19, 2005. Consisting of fun games, lively discussions and hands-on activities, the event was held simultaneously at the head office in Valenzuela, and in the San Pablo and Parañaque branches.

that implements the core program of the organization,” explains Vencent Abraham, Area Manager of CALABARZON II. “If they (staff ) do not know the program, how can they implement? At the same time, it is for the staff

LEARNING TIME. Reynald Alpajando, branch manager of Sta. Cruz, speaks during the BOTP refresher course in San Pablo, Laguna on March 19.

day, it was worth it, because it was detailed and the speakers were good,” he commented.

“The discussions were Indeed, the training truly helped clear and lively... even if the staff. “My knowledge became it took the whole day, more broadened, this is a really good it was worth it, because exposure,” states Jesselin Zurbito, it was detailed and the speakers were good.” accounting associate of Calamba branch. “The training was good, Michael Bomlarda because even if I am in accounting, (accounting assistant of I was enlightened as to how things San Pablo branch, should be in the actual program regarding the BOTP refresher course) operations. I am now more confident to answer program members’ questions from other departments, like HRD, about the rules, regulations and policies Administration, or even us managers. If of KMBI.” we do not know the program, how can One program assistant, Gecel Calma we support KMBI and its operations?” of San Pablo branch, expressed a In San Pablo, profound new learning: “In dealing with participants gave program members, I learned about positive remarks about discipline, that you must discipline the BOTP refresher yourself first, before you discipline course. your clients.” Calma also applauds “I learned how the resource persons for their lively the organization presentation of topics. operates, about loan Ultimately, it is not only the management and participants who benefited from the arrears management,” training. The resource persons have shared Michael much to gain as well.

Bomlarda, accounting “The opportunity that you get to assistant of San Pablo train people, to share even just a little branch. “The discussions in their development and you see them were clear and lively. grow… that is an enriching experience,” HAVING FUN! (Top) Participants at the BOTP refresher course in San Even if it took the whole shares Abraham with a bright smile.

Pablo, Laguna take a quick break.

The trainings were carried out by HRD staff and some of the area and branch managers.

Facilitators and resource persons included: Michelle Orodio, Vencent Abraham, Reynald Alpajando and Fay Lorraine Amodia at the San Pablo Branch; Arthur Gonzaga, Rose de Guzman and Edgardo Atienza at Parañaque; and Grace Burgos, Carmela Porras and Danilo Tolentino at the head office.

During the training, speakers presented the brief history, operations and microfinance methodology of KMBI. “This training is important since it is the operations department

4

Communi-K Communi-K

PERFORMANCE AT A GLANCE (1st quarter) Top PA hails from Upper Cavite

GenSan tops in branch performance

Jennifer Piguing from Upper Cavite branch ranked first among all the program assistants for the first quarter of 2005. In terms of average rating, there was a tie among the top performers, each garnered a score of 5.5. However, Jennifer outweighed them all in terms of client outreach, having the most number of clients at 354; 0% PAR and no client turn-over. The other top performers were: Jeneth Binwek, Upper Cavite Branch; Hazel Villaruel, General Santos branch; Allan Alaba, General Santos Branch; and Vanessa Flores, Metro Davao Branch.

In the first quarter of 2005, General Santos branch ranked first in the branch performance evaluation with a total score of 21.5. This figure was based on a set criteria of quantitative and qualitative indicators. Second is Metro Davao branch, followed by Central Cavite branch. Though they both scored 21, Metro Davao outweighed Central Cavite in terms of average number of clients, loan portfolio, client turn-over and FSS. The evaluation covered branches that have been operating for at least one year. Butuan branch came in fourth place, followed by Davao Province, Upper Cavite and MMS-1 branches, respectively.

Top PA Performers

1st

JENNIFER PIGUING Upper Cavite Branch INDICATOR

Branch Performance Ranking

AVERAGE

RATING

Client Outreach

354

0.9

Loan portfolio (million PhP)

1.14

0.8

PAR (%)

0

1

Client Turnover (%)

0

1

Loan Administration

4

1

Center Management

1

2nd

JENETH BINWEK Upper Cavite Branch INDICATOR

0.8

5.5

AVERAGE RATING

AVERAGE

RATING

Client Outreach

346

0.9

Loan portfolio (million PhP)

1.27

0.8

PAR (%)

0

1

Client Turnover (%)

6.32

0.8

Loan Administration

4

1

Center Management

3

1

AVERAGE RATING

5.5

HAZEL VILLARUEL

3rd

GenSan Branch

INDICATOR

AVERAGE

RATING

Client Outreach

344

0.8

Loan portfolio (million PhP)

RANK

TOTAL SCORE

1

AVE. CLIENT NO. of OUTACTIVE REACH CLIENTS (active) per PA

FSS (%)

OFC. MGT.

FILE & POLICY ADMIN.

TRANSFORMATION

14.64

184.13

3

2.5

3

0

15.65

187.65

3

2.5

2.5

13.36

0

16.94

168.63

2

3

3

307.50

10.11

0

11.08

181.13

2

3

3

4056

289.71

12.32

0.47

14.83

183.94

2.5

2.5

3

Calabarzon 1

4354

311.00

11.72

2.74

16.55

144.61

2

1.5

1.5

Calabarzon 1

3994

285.29

10.29

1.98

16.70

137.20

1

1.5

1.5

BRANCH

AREA

21.5

GEN. SANTOS

Southern MIndanao

6638

316.10

17.18

0

2

21

METRO DAVAO

Southern Mindanao

4495

321.07

14.90

3

21

CENTRAL CAVITE

Calabarzon 1

4747

316.47

4

20

BUTUAN

Caraga

4305

5

18

DAVAO PROVINCE

Southern MIndanao

6

14

UPPER CAVITE

7

10

MMS-1

Organizational Performance TOTAL CLIENT OUTREACH: 91,187 AVE. NO. OF CLIENTS PER PA: 265.85 CLIENT TURNOVER: 14.17%

1.08

0.7

PAR (%)

0

1

Client Turnover (%)

0

1

PORTFOLIO AT RISK: 1.11%

Loan Administration

4

1

FINANCIAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY: 146.96%

Center Management 3 1 *BranchesAVERAGE considered are those at least one year old RATING

5.5

LOAN CLIENT PORTPAR TURNFOLIO (%) OVER (million (%) PhP)

LOAN PORFOLIO: PhP 222.94 M

OPERATIONAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY: 155.11%

TOTAL NO. OF STAFF DEPARTMENT

NO. OF STAFF

MF Operations

462

Support Group

32

TOTAL

494 5 5

1st 2005 1STQUARTER QUARTER 2005

Building the “house” of your dreams Dina is a natural artist. With her skillful hands, she fashions an enchanting miniature house out of an ordinary piece of wood… a “doll house” that would capture the heart and imagination of any little girl.

A MASTERPIECE. (Top) This miniature house with the unique design is one of Dina’s artistic creations.

THE ARTIST & HER CRAFT. (Top) Dina proudly carries one of her many houses; (Bottom) This twostorey building could be the house of your dreams.

6

Doll-house making is just one of Dina’s many talents. She also creates a variety of arts and crafts, including some brightly-colored Christmas lanterns or “parol” that a customer ordered as early as March. Aside from this, she is also a Jill of all trades, engaging in hog raising, repacking of spices and selling of fish to help provide for her family.

Segundina de Leon in real life, Dina resides in Ternate, Cavite with her husband and five children. She has been a program member of KMBI for almost a year.

At present, she uses the loan for their repacking business; buying and selling spices such as vinegar, fish sauce and soy sauce to retailers in the community. She repacks the spices, while her husband delivers them.

Everyday, Dina wakes up early to help prepare two of her children for school. After sending them off, she proceeds to do the chores, like cleaning the house and doing the laundry. The entire morning is spent on household responsibilities. Afternoons, on the other hand, are spent on work.

Although she derives income from many projects, Dina’s real passion is in making miniature houses. With excitement, she shares, “Noong dalaga pa ako, mahilig na akong gumawa ng iba’tibang handicrafts. Isang araw, may nakita akong mga bahay na maganda. Doon ako nagsimulang gumawa ng mga doll house” (When I was a young girl, I loved to make all sorts of handicrafts. One day, I saw some beautiful houses. That’s when I started making doll houses).

Dina’s creative streak stems from childhood. Reminiscing about her school days, she talks of getting the highest grade in class for arts and crafts.

Asked why she continues to make handicrafts, she responds, “Ito kasi ang hilig kong gawin. Hindi mo naman magagawa ang isang bagay kapag hindi mo hilig. Tulad ng pag-aaral… kung hilig mo ito, tatapusin mo” (This is what I like to do. You cannot do something that you do not really like to do. Like going to school… if you like to study, you will finish it).

With each house having a unique style of its own, Dina’s masterpieces cost about P 500 each. The larger ones sell for as much as P 1,000. However, the challenge is on how to market them, as they are custom-made and quite expensive. At present, she only makes them when a customer orders a doll house.

Meanwhile, Zenaida Enage, the KMBI Program Assistant who handles Dina and her group, suggested that it would be great for her to train people how to make doll houses. “Dina is very talented!” she exclaims proudly.

“It would be great for her to pass this talent on to others.”

Like every other parent, Dina aspires for her children to finish school and dreams of a better life for her family. She also plans to develop and expand her business. With continued support from KMBI, and driven by God-given talent and imagination… these dreams can become a reality.

Communi-K Communi-K

A heart with a mission Once upon a time, there were two men working as brick layers. Day after day, they labor under the hot sun, laying down bricks. One man sighs with exasperation as he wipes his brow. “This job is exhausting!” he thinks. “But I must do it, because it’s what I’m supposed to do. This is how I make my living.”

Meanwhile, the other man cheerfully hums as he sets the bricks into place. “This job is great! With my own hands, I am helping to build a magnificent cathedral!” The same job. Two different outlooks. Which man do you think is more happy and fulfilled?

With eyes aglow, Rosemarie Castro, Executive Director of KMBI, tells the story of the two brick layers with enthusiasm. At 35, this brilliant woman exudes warmth, wisdom and passion during an interview with Communi-K. Amidst her busy schedule, “Ma’am Rose” as she is fondly called, talks about her childhood, her first job and lessons learned along the way.

Born and raised in Pulilan, Bulacan, Rose grew up with her grandparents, from whom she learned some virtuous values. “I learned about respect and putting other people first before myself,” she states. “I remember when we were young... at mealtimes we would always wait until everyone had arrived before we begin eating. It is a sign of respect and concern for other people.”

As a child, she studied in an elementary school near their home. During her teen years, she attended the Marcelo del Pilar High School in Malolos, Bulacan.

Afterwards, she pursued higher education in Centro Escolar University, where she took up Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in Accounting.

Rose admits that accounting was not her original choice in college. “Actually, I was more interested in taking up psychology, because I wanted to study about human behavior,” she recalls. “However, courses were limited then and I ended up choosing accounting. Nevertheless, I am a person who is determined to finish what I started. I believe God had a purpose why I took up accounting, and someday I would accomplish that purpose.”

In her first job, Rose worked as a clerk for a company that marketed medical supplies. Over the next few years, she developed and maintained a positive attitude, a trait that helped her advance in the workplace. In six years time, she became the head of the accounting department of the company. The key, she states with emphasis, is in having a positive outlook. Problems and challenges will always

A HEART WITH A MISSION. KMBI Executive Director Ms. Rosemarie Castro shares about her childhood, her first job and some precious life lessons.

come our way, but she affirms that if we think positively, we can overcome them.

Despite her successful career, Rose found herself searching for deeper personal growth and development. In her heart, she longed to serve people, especially the poor.

“I am moved to tears when I see people in the streets, living in poverty,” she reveals. “When we are moved by things like these, it is the time that God is speaking to our hearts.”

Indeed, God led her to a new purpose. It was in 1998 when she heard about KMBI. When she read the vision of the organization… to see people living in abundance… she knew that it was the mission she had been praying for.

She started out in KMBI as an accountant. Soon after, she became head of the finance department, then head of finance and administration departments. Eventually, with her exceptional skills and outstanding accomplishments, she became the executive director.

For the past seven years with KMBI, Rose expresses that God is still teaching her a lot. He continues to give her a compassionate heart for the mission and for the people.

She is also inspired by the dedicated program assistants.

“Whenever I get the chance, I always tell program assistants to take good care of their feet, because their feet are the ones who bring good news to the people,” she says.

Much like the brick layer thrilled in helping to build a grand cathedral, Ms. Castro joyfully pursues God’s vision and mission for the organization. “I believe that more exciting things will happen to KMBI,” she declares. “And as long as we are inspired by each other, we can achieve great things for God’s glory.”

7 7

Reflections In today’s fast-paced world, we have so many worries and concerns. Oftentimes, we are caught in the busyness of our daily lives that we forget to pay attention to the little things... the simple things that are truly worthwhile. The poem below, which was circulated through email, reminds us to count our blessings. Always bear in mind that no matter what you are going through... you are still being blessed by God.

“You are so blessed!”

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who won’t survive the week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 20 million people around the world.

If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death, you are more blessed than almost three billion people in the world.

If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.

If your parents are still married and alive, you are very rare, especially in the United States.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

If you can hold someone’s hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer God’s healing touch.

If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read anything at all.

You are so blessed in ways You may never even know.

 A call for writers:

Do you love to write? If you are an aspiring writer with a passion for conveying news, feature stories and literary compositions, Communi-K needs you! Join us in spreading the inspiring work of KMBI through news updates, success stories, essays, poems and other articles. You may send through fax at (02) 292 – 2441 or email to kmbi@skyinet.net.

VISION

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

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.

Editorial Adviser: Rosemarie C. Castro (Exec. Director) Editorial Consultants: Edgardo Mercedes (Operations Dir.), Liza D. Eco (HRD Mgr.), Annalie D. Concepcion (Finance Mgr.) Editor: Aldy R. Duque (R&D Mgr.) Contributor: Louise Anne P. Porciuncula