2006 1st Issue

1st Quarter 2006

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 | www.kmbi.org.ph

Vol. 3 No. 1

KMBI in action: serving the people

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n service to the affected program members, KMBI branch staff in calamity-stricken areas readily rolled up their sleeves to conduct relief operations early this year.

Flood-drenched Caraga In Caraga region, floodwater drenched 15 municipalities and two cities in February this year, due to a weeklong incessant rain brought by La Niña. The city government of Butuan and the province of Agusan del Norte declared the region to be in a state-of-calamity. However, no flood stopped KMBI from reaching out to its 654 flood-stricken program members.

KMBI Butuan branch, together with barangay officials, carried out a post disaster relief operation from February 20 to 24 in centers badly affected by the flood. Branch staff issued rice, noodles and sardines to 456 affected members in Baan Riverside, San Vicente, Maon and Buhangin areas. Counseling and prayer sessions were also done to uplift the spirits of the program members.

Similarly, San Francisco branch distributed goods to 198 program members in five centers from February 21 to March 3. The centers were situated in Barangays Borbon, Buenazuerte, Sta. Ana, Lucena and Bayugan 3. Local government officials and staff from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) office actively assisted in the operation.

Moved by this act of kindness, one of the recipients applauded KMBI for being “a microfinance organization faithful to its service, especially in the area of social transformation.”

“The loyalty of the clients was strengthened as they saw KMBI’s concern and solicitous response to the program members’ sad plight,” observed Sharon Cruzado, accounting staff of Butuan branch. Rhany Barrera, Area Manager of Caraga, noted that these operations conveyed KMBI’s commitment and dedication to the well-being of its clients.

Fire victims in Cavite & MMS1 KMBI Central Cavite branch helped answer an urgent need of rebuilding homes for 18 program members in Bacoor.

The office granted three sheets of plywood to each after a recent fire reduced their houses to ashes. The activity was held in Barangay Malumot on March 2 during which Transformation Manager, Rizaldy Duque, delivered a brief exhortation about facing life’s trials. Goods and used clothing pooled by program members and staff from Lower Cavite branch were also given.

Likewise, MMS1 branch granted galvanized iron sheets to 25 fire-affected clients on March 23 in Brgy. Tramo Riverside, Pasay City. Randy Bautista, Branch OIC, said,, “Through this act, they felt their importance as program members, as individuals and as children of God. ” Barangay officials assisted during the distribution, fostering hope and encouragement among the clients.

Top to bottom: Butuan Branch Manager Donald Cosmiano gives goods to flood-sticken clients; Clients in Cavite receive plywood; The son of a client watches over goods given to him

by Central Cavite branch

I N S I D E KBP provides comfort in times of grief .......2 Making the grade: KMBI’s university scholars .......3 MF clients converge in Oikocredit symposium ......4 KMBI brings in enhanced healthcare for staff .......5 KMBI staff take the LEaD .......6 A partner for life .......7 Retreats jumpstart 2006 ....8-9 A life that matters .......10 Reflections .......11 Peformance at a glance .......12

1st QUARTER 2006

KBP provides comfort in times of grief Recently, three branches of Calabarzon 2 area granted microinsurance to their first Karamay sa Buhay Program (KBP) beneficiaries. On January 27, program member Eden Baylon of Calamba branch received aid worth Php 50,000 due to the death of her husband, Nestor Baylon, who passed away because of cardiac arrest.

To help promote the program, Branch Manager Ednalyn Hospital, together with Barangay Councilor Eric Pecho awarded the check at the Barangay

Third from left: Program member Eden Baylon is the first KBP beneficiary of Calamba, as joined by BM Ednalyn Hospital and Mr Pecho.

Hall of Panadero. Program members from different centers and several local government officials witnessed the event.

After which, Pecho commended the branch for the services it renders to the barangay and other surrounding areas.

Likewise, Jenita Daniva of Bagumbayan, Laguna was teary-eyed when Sta. Cruz Branch Manager Reynald Alpajando handed the Php 50,000 KBP grant on January 16 in the Municipality of Paete.

She saw this as a great help since the death of her husband crippled her photography business, the main source of family income.

“The amount I received is more than enough to venture into another income generating business to sustain the living needs and education of my three children,” says Daniva.

Meanwhile, Gilbert Masilungan of San Pablo received Php 95,200 last December after his mother, Purita Masilungan, client of KMBI San Pablo Branch, passed away. He said, “KMBI is not only a partner for progressive life, but is also a comforter in times of

grief.”

To date, 43 recipients from various branches benefited from the KBP. Benefits claimed ranged from Php 25,000 to Php 100,000 based on the number of dependents and premium paid by the client.

To claim the benefits, the enrolled client or dependent has to submit complete and certified true copy of necessary documents. This includes the Death Certificate and duly accomplished Claimant Form. The processing of the benefits in the Head Office requires three days upon submission of the said documents.

KBP is a microinsurance scheme that provides financial assistance to clients and their families in case of death.

Realized in partnership with the Cocolife Insurance Company, this was launched in September last year, and has been introduced to all 24 KMBI branches across Calabarzon 1, Calabarzon 2, Bicol, Caraga and Southern Mindanao areas.

Enrolment to the program is compulsory for all clients, and is currently being done through Edyline Ramos, MI Coordinator based at the Head Office.

AM Vencent Abraham is all smiles as he hands the KBP check to Gilbert Masilungan of San Pablo, with BM Hazel dela Cruz assisting.

Sta. Cruz BM Reynald Alpajando (right) and staff poses with Jenita Davita (middle).

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Making the grade: KMBI’s university scholars Two daughters of KMBI program members qualified for the Gordon V. and Helen C. Smith Foundation University Scholarship Program.

Christene Joy Jeresano and Catherine Salacup, rank 2nd and 4th respectively among the ten scholars that comprise the first batch of the scholarship program.

They are the children of Asuncion Jeresano and Marites Salacup, clients of KMBI Lower Cavite and Upper Cavite branches, respectively.

Catherine Salacup says, “Up to now I can’t believe that I am already a scholar of KILOS project because I didn’t expect this to happen. Of course, I am very happy. I would like to thank all those involved in this program like KMBI and especially God. I promise that I will grab this chance to become a good scholar.”

Currently, scholarship program manager Noel Embing of the Alliance of Philippine Partners in Enterprise Development (APPEND) is working out Jeresano’s enrolment reservations in MAPUA Institute of Technology and Salacup’s in Far Eastern University.

Among 16 applicants from KMBI centers in MMS-2, Upper Cavite, Lower Cavite and Legaspi branches, four made it to the final phase of the selection process.

Together with the two who bagged the scholarship are Jimson Alfabete and Ramielle Joie Quinto, children of clients of Lower Cavite branches.

The Smith Foundation coined this program as the “Knowledge for Inspiring Leadership, Opportunities and Spirituality” or KILOS project. Beginning the schoolyear 2006-2007, it was opened to graduating high school students and out-of-school

Clockwise from top: Catherine Salacup, Ramielle Joie Quinto, Jimson Alfabete, and Christene Joy Jeresano pose for a snapshot after their initial exam for the scholarship; Dr. Pricila Marzan, Director of Movere, administers the exam; Children of KMBI clients squeeze their brains to get the scholarship.

youth who exhibited outstanding scholastic performance. They should be children of clients of the Opportunity Microfinance Bank (OMB) and its investing partners, including KMBI. The project was designed to allow the students to rise above financial constraints in pursuance to tertiary education. Its guiding principle is to provide constructive assistance to talented people in need.

The ten scholars will be given the opportunity to study in wellknown universities in Metro Manila. The scholarship program will provide for all their school and living expenses such as board and lodging, transportation, books, uniform, health insurance and other incidental expenses.

In return, the scholars will be required to submit their grades three weeks after the end of every semester, render community service of at least 40 hours per semester (semestral) or 25

hours per term (trimester), and attend the monthly fellowship and other gatherings as determined by the Foundation.

On February 15, a program orientation and written examination were conducted at the KMBI Head Office. The four students came to the final interview facilitated by the APPEND, together with applicants from other organizations on March 17. The following day, they went to different schools to take the university entrance examinations.

Based on their performance on the university exams and a final interview that followed, the top ten scholars were chosen.

The KILOS program is a great opportunity for KMBI and partner organizations to help extend educational assistance to deserving and eligible children of microfinance clients.

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1st QUARTER 2006

MF clients converge in Oikocredit symposium Clients and staff from Metro Manila South 1 (MMS 1) branch attended a microfinance symposium at Hotel Rembrandt in Quezon City last December 1, 2005. Dubbed with the theme, “Tinig ng mga Nanay, Ating Ipatnubay: Huling Hirit sa Taon ng Microcredit,” the event was sponsored by Oikocredit and the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI).

The activity gathered together clients and representatives from microfinance organizations all over the country to culminate Oikocredit’s celebration of the International Year of Microcredit. It was the first symposium held especially for micfofinance clients.

Situated right outside the hotel ballroom was the Microentrepreneur Product Exhibit, where clients showcased their best products. KMBI program member Amy Maralit displayed a batch of her homemade sweet pili nuts, offering a free taste to all who passed by her booth. By the end of the day, she had sold out the entire batch.

In the afternoon, participants were divided into four groups to determine perceptions of the clients on the following: (a) impact of microfinance services at personal, household and community levels; (b) microinsurance products, the way mutual benefit associations are operated and managed; (c) gaps in financial products and services of MFIs; and (d) how to serve poorer clients or those currently excluded from MFI coverage.

The day got even more exciting, as clients from each organization showed off their talents through song, dance and drama

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Clockwise: MMS 1 clients pause for a smile during the symposium; a customer buys Aling Amy’s homemade sweet pili nuts; participating clients interpret the song “The Mission” and form the words “LOVE” through handmime

presentations. KMBI’s very own program members performed a handmime interpretation of the song, “The Mission.”

The audience cheered as they skillfully formed the words “God”, “Love” and “Jesus” with their gloved hands, swaying in tune to the music. For this, the clients won the prize for best presentation during the session.

“Among all the presentations, KMBI’s performance clearly portrayed the heartbeat of our mission which is to proclaim the love of God,” cited one of the spectators. Ultimately, all participants gained a deeper sense of unity, understanding and mission, making the symposium a great success.

Oikocredit conducted this activity in accordance with the United Nation’s declaration of 2005 as

International Year of Microcredit.

Oikocredit is an international organization providing financial support to microfinance companies worldwide.

Today, it is one of the largest financiers of the microfinance sector. It is also one of the few ethical investment funds that supports development projects in the South, benefiting disadvantaged and marginalized people. It started as a pioneer in the field of development financing.

Privately owned, Oikocredit is a unique cooperative society that believes that poor people can build themselves a better life if only given the chance.

As a socially responsible investment opportunity, it promotes global justice by converting investments into credits, and aims for high social impact and sustainable development.

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KMBI brings in enhanced healthcare for staff

Prudential Guarantee representative Emalyn Velasco talks on insurance policies.

To orient KMBI staff on accident insurance and health care, Prudential Guarantee and Philam Care representatives discussed the benefits and coverage on March 23, 2006 at the Head Office training room. Head office staff and branch managers from Calabarzon 1 and 2 participated in an open and lively discussion.

Everybody seemed eager to know

We are blessed to have these benefits. I am more aware of what to do in times of sickness, and was reminded to take good care of my health. After all, health is truly our wealth.

- Marites Firmanes, Cashier

as Prudential Guarantee representative, Emalyn Velasco, discussed on group personal accident insurance, a type of insurance which provides indemnity benefits in cases of losses to the person due to accident.

Clarifications and questions popped up as she further tackled the monetary compensation of Php1M granted in cases of accidental death.

Percentage payables are also given on bodily injuries arising from accidental, violent, external and visible means, such as 70% for loss of arm, 35% for loss of four fingers, so on. The company provides the compensation when the injury is reported within 180 days from the date of accident.

In addition, Velasco discussed insuother matters covered by the rance like Unprovoked Murder and Assault (UMA), Accidental Medical Reimbursement (MR) to as much as Php 100,000, motorcycling coverage, and Php 10,000 accident burial/bereavement assistance. On the other hand, the insurance excludes self-inflicted injuries, mental disorders, cosmetic surgery, among others.

Philam Care representative, Jeffrey del Valle, discussed afterwards the package of comprehensive health service.

I learned that Philamcare offers benefits that were not available to us before, like pre & post natal care.

- Eureka Pesigan, Audit Associate

This package includes the following benefits: (1) in-patient service like room and board accomodation in the hospital, anesthesia and its administration; (2) outpatient service such as Annual Physical Examination (APE), preventive health care and pre-natal and post-natal consultations at PhilamCare Metro Manila free-standing clinics; (3) emergency care service like blood transfusions, intravenous fluids, oxygen, and plaster casts, which are of no charge in Philam Care affiliated hospitals; (4) other special services like 24-hour medical advisory and automatic room upgrade; (5) Php 5,000 reimbursement upon the use of latest modalities of treatment; (6) provisions on motor vehicle liability, Philhealth and eligibility; and (7) optional benefits.

Executive Director Rosemarie Castro encouraged the participants by saying, “We must avail of the benefits provided by these insurance companies for us to continually provide lasting impact in our workplaces.”

Consequently, the orientation will be cascaded to all the 24 branches of KMBI. Area managers, branch managers and human resource personnel shall conduct echo orientations in their respective areas.

I am now more informed about the benefits of Prudential Life. Aside from the Php1M accident insurance, there is reimbursement of medical expenses.

- Jay de Mesa, Bookkeeper II

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1st QUARTER 2006

KMBI staff take the LEaD Envisioning the deepening of KMBI’s impact to its clients, the Transformation Unit kicked off the continuous leadership program dubbed as the“Leadership Enrichment and Development” or LEaD. With this program, the BOT members, senior and junior management officers (of both the Head Office and the branches), and other decision-making staff will be regularly educated on biblical principles, built up, inspired and stirred into action to become effective instruments of God in facilitating transformations to their immediate communities. Thus, they will undergo three continuous development sessions, namely Educate, Apply and Mentor.

The Educate session was piloted in the Head Office training room on March 29, whereby Rev. Philip Tarroja, Regional Director of WorldTeach and BOT member of APPEND, taught on “The Power of Knowing God.” He elaborated Exodus

19, 24 and 32-33, highlighting the verses that showed the four levels of intimacy depicted in the lives of Moses, Joshua, the Elders and God’s covenant people which is Israel. He emphasized that “we should be the people who, like Moses, know and understand God. Then God will cause us to be strong (power), do great exploits (wealth), and to teach people (wisdom). ” Head Office staff and Calabarzon 1 and 2 leaders attended the session.

The content learned then has to be given a physical context where it can be applied, i.e. Apply session. In the course of the month, the students will put into act the knowledge gained by identifying leadership problems or seeking opportunities where the principles and values learned can be made relevant. The Mentor session is then integrated as the students coach and counsel their peers.

Monitoring and evaluation comes with this session to determine the program’s efficiency and effectiveness. Through this

also the content learned will be reviewed and affirmed.

The output of this program shall come in qualitative terms as servant-leader characteristics are observed in the lives of the staff. In so doing, they become proactive in pursuing the vision and mission of the organization while intensifying KMBI’s impact through the transformative Word of God. BOT Chairman Dr. Amelia Gonzales accounted that “transformation must start with us before we could influence the people in the communities we visit everyday.”

Transformation Unit Head Rizaldy Duque added, “This program is a God-sent opportunity so that we will lead others to transformation. We exist to help change people’s lives. We will be servant leaders.”

This program will be implemented in all areas of operations once the system is fully in place and cascaded to the Success Centers for maximum impact.

FOUR LEVELS OF KNOWING GOD INTIMATELY •

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Rev. Philip Tarroja discusses the four levels of intimacy during the first Educate session piloted at the Head Office; while Dr. Amelia Gonzales challenges that transformation must start from the management to the clients.

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Level One: Merely an outward experience of God. The Lord will not allow when there is idolatry. God’s chosen people, Israel, was idolatrous in God’s eyes.

Level Two: Experiencing reality of fellowship with God only from a distance. There is little intimacy where there is compromise. Israel’s Elders were in this level.

Level Three: The preparation for deeper intimacy. God is pleased with you because you have the right heart. Joshua was the best example for this.

Level four: God is delighted with you because you have a pure heart passionately seeking after God and God alone. At this level, He immensely enjoys you. Moses experienced this.

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Living out KMBI’s legacy...

“A Partner for Life”

husband died due to a respiratory illness. family. I am also able to help support the Even so, she is happy in the presence of education of my grandchildren.” her children, 20 grandchildren and two great grandchildren!

Recently,

Lucrecia

was

recognized as the Best Chairwoman of

Lucrecia joined KMBI in 1999, the year by the KMBI General Santos to obtain additional funds for her hog- Branch. It goes to show that she is not raising business. Aside from this, she only an impressive businesswoman, manages a sari-sari store, selling rice, but a superb leader as well. According Lucrecia Gable, KMBI client

canned goods and other products. A to her, she greatly enjoys the company terrific cook, she also whips up home- of her group members during weekly

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n 1999, KMBI established a branch in General Santos, for the purpose of reaching out to poor communities in the city and nearby municipalities. Since

cooked meals and snacks. Customers center meetings. especially like her fried maruya, a specialty made from banana and sugar.

Now on her 13th loan cycle, the businesses are flourishing. Her backyard

then, the organization has benefited pen currently has four breeders and 12 many clients in the area, some of whom fatteners, which sell for Php 58 per kilo. have remained with the program for the Asked why she has stayed with KMBI up past seven years. One of them is Lucrecia till now, she responded,“I am encouraged

“With KMBI, I am encouraged to save.”

Gable, member of KMBI Success Center to save, and it has been a big help to my 08.

Born and raised in Cebu City, 63-year-old Lucrecia moved to General Santos in 1960, where she got married to Telesforo Gable. They have ten children, majority of whom have settled down with their own families. Two years ago, however, her

L-R: Lucrecia poses with Cindy Lopez, a program assistant; She enjoys quality time with other clients during center meetings.

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1st QUARTER 2006

Laughter filled the air as the Head Office, Sta. Cruz, Lucena, San Pablo, and Central Cavite branches held spiritual retreats and teambuilding activities to jumpstart year 2006.

Retreats Jumpstart 2006 Clockwise: Joy exudes in Sta. Cruz staff’s faces; HO staff Edwin Roberto and Jay de Mesa grind to the tune of “Ang mga Ibon”; Lucena staff climb up a copra truck in their “Extreme Challenge.”

The retreats brought about not just fun, but also strengthened relationships, unity, trust and refreshed bodies and spirits for them to be ready to face the challenges of the year.

Head Office shouts 4HG! Bushed out bodies and pressureworn minds of Head Office staff perked up to life on their first retreat in La Frontrera Resort de Taal, Talisay, Batangas from March 31 to April 1.

With the theme “Embracing God’s Move as One,” the staff explored 1 Corinthians 12:12-31’s admonition on unity in the Body of Christ as KMBI prepares for further expansion this year.

Having gone through a long and winding three-hour travel, all 33 staff breathed a sigh of relief as they stepped into the resort grounds. After refreshing themselves, they gathered around a bonfire to dance and sing praises to God. BDS Unit Head Hazel Christine Rosacia shared that the bonfire symbolizes “victory.” Under the clear night sky, they had a robust group sharing until the wee hours of the morning. Facilitated by Executive Director Rosemarie Castro, the staff bared the things they knew about

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their officemates, pointing out strengths team danced the “Ibon song” with Jay as well as weaknesses. Each one had a de Mesa and Edwin Roberto as their star good glimpse of the identities of their performers. Yellow team also showed officemates. some spirit through singing “We will, we Though everybody lacked sleep, will squash you.” they woke up early to start the next The Kalabasa Awards followed day with a healthy breakfast plus huge next, and it hailed Blue team as the overdoses of God’s food through a devotion all champion. with their roommates. Time went so fast Lastly, Rosemarie Castro gave her that they had to end their sharing time closing remarks. Everybody then gathered to gather for an obstacle race. Teams to pray for Rev. Tarroja. He in turn prayed Yellow and Blue jumped in cheer as their to release blessings to the staff and the teammates clambered up monkey bars, organization and to close the retreat. balanced through logs, and ran through The said retreat rejuvenated spare wheels. Others were unfortunate the Head Office staff spiritually to stumble down as they beat the clock. and emotionally, Blue Team was overjoyed to finish first, making all of them but Yellow Team shrugged them off by shout “4HG!” cheering, “Cute pa rin kami!”

After that, they all walked Teambuilding in through a hanging bridge. Then , the island getaway teams vied in women’s volleyball and Curiosity, tension men’s basketball. and sheer excitement In the afternoon, they consumed the Sta. gathered in the conference hall Cruz branch staff as to sing praises and listen to the they got into a pump Word of God through Rev. Philip Transform boat to reach their ation Duque Man braves Tarroja, Regional Director of private island getaway the heig ager Aldy hts (!?)

Worldteach and BOT member of in Cavinti, Laguna on APPEND. In his talk, he emphasized that February 3 and 4.They might “no role is insignificant in God’s Kingdom.” have thought a Scooby-doo experience He added, “Each one plays a special part awaited them. But lo! An exhilarating completing a whole, and so we all perform series of teambuilding activities, games, our individual tasks 4HG! (i.e. for His and spiritual insights beset them. Trust glory!)” fall, spider’s web, and fireman’s drill were After that stirring talk, the teams among the teambuilding activities they rose to show their group cheer. Blue braved. Plus, pinoy football, dragon

Communi-K hunting, egg hunting and sack race jingled and allow them to get to know each other their funny bones to the blues. To refresh in a higher level,” Branch Manager Fay the spiritual side, the guest speaker, Amodia concluded.

Clarita Arante, branch manager Hazel de la Cruz and Calabarzon 2 area manager Beach escape in Cavite On March 17 and 18, the Central Vencent Abraham gave insights and Cavite branch headed encouragements. towards the beach in Victor Palce, Noveleta. Aside from taking event coordinator a cool dip in the water, said, “The retreat built they spiced up the event us to become more by having contests. Three matured Christians, t e a m s , responsible, integrated and committed to one God.” Branch manager Reynald Top: Grr! Sta.Cruz Alpajando added “The experience was staff jumble a game. not only pleasant, but the impact on the in Right: Lucena staff staff’s unity was more important.” carefully lift a teammate in the spider web

Extreme Challenge for Lucena Extreme Challenge made Lucena branch outing extraordinarily exciting. With the theme “Lucena Sabaysabay sa Pag-angat,” the staff exercised teamwork as they braved series of obstacles prepared within Pagbilao, Quezon’s vicinity on February 11.

What the teams went through in the morning were: (1) composing the team’s cheer in 5 minutes, (2) reciting KMBI’s mission, vision and core values (a real challenge, they said!), (3) becoming sampaguita vendors in the church of Santa Catalina, (4) searching for funeral parlors and inquiring on the expense of funeral ceremony and caskets, (5) straining their voices to hit the 99 mark in videoke singing challenge, and (6) hitching rides on trucks that carry loads of copra to reach Camp Trining Environmental Center at Malicboy, Pagbilao. In the afternoon, teambuilding activities like spider web, memory game, heads and tails and electric maze held in the camp-grounds energized them. That night, they had a dance presentation and impersonation. After all the bustles, they ended the night with devotion and prayer.

“This activity let the staff balance work with pleasure, have different kind of rest,

n a m e l y Numbers, John and Psalms, vied in cheering, flag making, building sand castles, ball relay and trust fall. “All these made them learn that communication, cooperation, trust, and unity are essential in our daily work as KMBI staff,” said Branch Manager Roschelli Clemente.

San Pablo can!

“Alone you can’t, together we can!” shouted San Pablo branch staff in their revival encounter on February 24 to 25 in Starlake Resort, San Pablo City.

The staff started a blissful morning with an exercise, stretching out to ready their muscles for the fun that awaited that day. Then, they worshiped God to energize their spirit. After that,

dynamic activities were then facilitated by branch officers. Their first activity was egg hunting. Colorful eggs were scattered around the area for them to search. Every staff was thrilled to find those eggs because the person with the most eggs gathered would be hailed the winner.

However, what they didn’t know was that encased in every shell were consequences to perform. Their dismay over this fact ended up in laughter as they danced, sang and performed skits.

They were then divided into two groups; one was named “Survivor”, the other “Pretty”. Each team was given cut-outs to piece together. It was timepressured so the groups were fidgety, but they were able to solve the puzzles in time.

After this, they had cheering competition plus a videoke challenge. The pretty team won when they got 100% in singing “Butchikee.” More games followed suit.

Later in the afternoon, they all went swimming. In the pool, they enjoyed activities like trust fall and diving for colorful marbles.

Branch manager Hazel de la Cruz concludes, “Through this revival encounter, we learned the importance of teamwork. We need that as we perform our daily tasks as KMBI staff.”

Clockwise from top: Central Cavite staff show their best in a cheering squad; Deputy Directors Edgardo Mercedes and Liza Eco pray for Rev. Philip Tarroja during the HO Retreat; Sta. Cruz branch enjoys another game

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1st QUARTER 2006

A Life that Matters Living a life that matters is a choice.

One man chose to live that life. The man’s name is Aurelio C. Llenado Jr., Corporate Treasurer of Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. Born and raised in a Christian home in Valenzuela City, Mr. Aurelio or Jun, as he is fondly called, leads this kind of life as far as he can recall. Being the eldest of a brood of eight, he remembers busy Sundays in United Methodist Church, tagging behind faithful parents. Jun did not have much church involvement then, but the searing passion for the cause of Christ that he saw, especially, in his mother, Abigail Castro, was instilled in him early on.

Jun took BS Commerce (CPA) in Far Eastern University, and during his studies, he opted to take the night classes there because he believed that practitioners are better teachers. Likely so, his education led him to 34 years of fruitful service as bank executive officer for Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. He traveled to many areas in the Philippines during those years. However, he did not allow his work to press upon him so much that he forget what he had learned from his mother.

Therefore while working for BSP, Jun was also involved in 15 church and parachurch organizations, among which are KMBI, TSPI, Resources for the Blind, Philippine Bible Society, Back to the Bible, Gideons International, and Child Evangelism Fellowship. Now that he is getting older, Jun limits his involvements to ten. His wife, Paz, says he is born for

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Mr. Aurelio Llenado, Jr. meetings, going from one organization to another to strategize means in order to fulfill the mission and vision of those organizations. His ultimate satisfaction is to serve his fellowmen.

Jun is one of the five significant people whom God gave the vision of starting the church-based credit program in 1985, now KMBI. Along with his sister, Dr. Amelia Gonzales, concurrent chairman of the board of trustees, Noel Alcaide and Emmanuel de Guzman, they conceptualized a program geared towards sharing God’s love and seeing poor neighbors live in abundance. He never thought KMBI would grow to up to 24 branches today, serving to almost 90,000 clients and 500 staff, and to reach to as far as Southern Mindanao.

Even with all the hustle and

bustle in Jun’s life, God never missed to sprinkle doses of excitement in his younger years. He met Paz and was captivated by her beauty causing him to insist marriage before 23. Paz proves to be the suitable helpmate, seeing to every detail he dismisses as trifling being the active servant leader that he is. With her, he leads Robert Stephen and Deborah, their children, and his five grandchildren to the same path of service. His very prayer is that they abide in Christ all their lives.

His legacy of passion for Christ does not end with his lineage. KMBI and all those organizations he is pouring his life into are going to let the seeds that he has sown to grow fruitfully in the years to come. What he has started will flourish. He desires that everyone involved in every ministry, be they program assistants, accountants, auditors, managers, directors, will give their all for the cause of Christ.

Choosing to live a life marked with faith, priority, dedication, service, and integrity, all for the love for Christ is no walk in the park. Do you want to know what helped him persevere until this very moment? It is coming to his knees in prayer and clinging to every promise of God in the Bible. He particularly claims the verse, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” (Prov. 3:5-6, NIV). It is the great big God of Mr. Aurelio Llenado, Jr. that made him live this kind of life.

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Reflections

Ready or not, someday it will all come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else. The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away. So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?

What really matters...

What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you got but what you gave.

What will matter is not your success, but your significance.

What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught.

What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.

What will matter is not your competence, but your character.

What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel lasting loss when you’re gone.

What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you.

What will matter is how long you will be remembered by whom and for what.

Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice.

Choose to live a life that matters.

Source: Internet

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PERFORMANCE AT A 1stGLANCE Quarter 2006

VISION “To see people in

Kidapawan makes it to the top

communities live in abundance with strengthened

Kidapawan branch ranks first in the branch performance evaluation for the first quarter of 2006 with a total weighted score of 11.35 points.

faith in God and in right relationship with their

Once again, it topped all the other branches in terms of overall performance, with a total of 4,449 clients, loan portfolio of more than Php 16M and exhibiting zero PAR as of March 31. In second place is San Pablo with a score of 11.1, followed closely

by Central Cavite, Davao Province and Metro Davao branches with 10.2, 9.95 and 9.8 points, respectively. Scores were based on a set standard of quantitative and qualitative indicators, covering branches that are already viable.

fellowmen and the rest of creations.”

MISSION “KMBI is a Christ-centered development organization, existing to help in

BRANCH PERFORMANCE RANKING RANK

TOTAL SCORE

BRANCH

AREA

COR (active)

LP

AVE. NO. of ACP

(Php - Million)

PAR (%)

CTO (%)

FSS (%)

OFC. MGT.

FPA

transforming the lives of the poor by providing TRANS

1

11.35

Kidapawan

S. Mindanao

4,449

317.79

16.28

0.00

16.77

182.34

2.5

2.5

2.5

2

11.1

San Pablo

Cal 2

4,232

302.29

10.87

0.00

11.06

166.06

3

3

3

3

10.2

Central Cavite

Cal 1

4,454

296.93

12.00

0.00

14.77

173.22

2

2

2

4

9.95

Davao Prov S. Mindanao

3,943

281.64

11.75

0.00

19.02

174.04

2.5

2.5

2.5

5

9.8

Metro Dvo

4,341

310.07

14.02

0.60

20.82

197.61

2.5

2.5

2

S. Mindanao

Abbreviations: COR - Client Outreach; ACP - Active Clients per PA; LP - Loan Portfolio; CTO - Client Turn-over; FSS - Financial Self Sufficiency; FPA - File and Policy Administration; TRANS - Transformation

ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE 86,716

FINANCIAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY:

160.49%

AVE. NO. OF CLIENTS PER PA:

252.82

OPERAT’L SELF-SUFFICIENCY:

165.52%

LOAN PORFOLIO: PORTFOLIO AT RISK:

TOTAL NO. OF STAFF:

453

PhP 241 M

MF OPERATIONS:

423

5.04%

SUPPORT GROUP:

30

 Call for writers

non-financial services.”

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

“To reach 150,000

TOTAL CLIENT OUTREACH:

18.63%

sustainable microfinance, training and demand-driven

GOAL

(As of March 31, 2006)

CLIENT TURNOVER:

opportunities through

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@pldtdsl.net.

Filipino families in 2006.”

Communi-K Editorial Adviser: Rosemarie C. Castro Exec. Director

Editorial Consultants: Liza D. Eco Edgardo S. Mercedes Annalie D. Concepcion Rizaldy R. Duque Hazel Christine Z. Rosacia Editors: Louise Anne P. Porciuncula Kris Joy T. Guimary Contributors: Vencent Abraham (Area Mgr.); Faye Lorraine Amodia, Roschelli Clemente, Hazel dela Cruz, Donald Cosmiano, Reynald Alpajando, Ednalyn Hospital, Lina May Osorio, Randy Bautista (Branch Mgrs.); Victor Palce (Prog. Asst.)