Communi-K - Pearl Edition

ISSN 2243-8939

communi-k

VOL. 13 NO. 1

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay Inc.

INSIDE

12 The Trial of Endurance 18 Mag Akawnting Tayo

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24 Handle with Care

INSIDE VOL. 13 NO. 1

ORGANIZATIONAL NEWS PG. 4 8th Go Negosyo Summit recognizes Lydia Malot PG. 5 5-Year Plan Bared at the GA PG. 5 BOT Announces New Set of Trustees at the AGM PG. 6 9 KILOS Scholars Graduate PG. 6 10 KMBI PMs, 7 POs graduate from GEM PG. 7 KMBI Campaigns for APPEND Partylist PG. 8 KMBI Honors Partners Through Appreciation Night PG. 8 679 clients benefit from KKK Program PG. 9 2016 Retreat: Reinforcing the Family PG. 10 25 Valenzuela Kids, beneficiaries of Ambag Project

NEWS BRIEF

PG. 10 Davao Daycare Center Gets Adopted PG. 10 Nova and TSB Clients get Fit with Fun

LEADERS’ EDGE

FEATURE STORY PG. 12 The Trial of Endurance (The Russel Amoranto Story)

COVER STORY PG. 14 Celebrating the Pearl

TIPS PG. 22 What Makes a Staff Stay Long in a Company PG. 26 Business Tips: 5 Small Business Ideas with Big Potential

MF INDEX

PG. 24 Handle with Care: Improving Customer Relations PG. 27 Comics and Trivia 2

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PG. 11 Brushing Off the Cold Weather Hazards PG. 16 Solving the People Puzzle PG. 18 Mag Akawnting Tayo PG. 21 Christian Meditation

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The President’s Note 2016 is special for KMBI as we celebrate our 30th “Pearl” Anniversary. The pearl symbolizes “Wisdom acquired through experience”. It has an unlikely metaphor that seems appropriate as we recount the things that have come to pass in the last 29 years. We have been through a lot, but we are determined to be better, stronger, and brighter.

We don’t take this journey all by ourselves. The footsteps of our partner organizations are imprinted on the path alongside ours as we move towards the 30th year of our existence. I am in deep gratitude to all the support they have provided to help us stand firmer and undaunted.

In respect to our three decades of God’s faithfulness in serving the poor, we continue to move forward to the future that opens up opportunities. Together with our treasured clients, we will reinforce a burgeoning relationship through the forthcoming MicroEntrepreneurs’ Summit this October. This is an appreciative embodiment of our ceaseless commitment to help the poor by training and inspiring.

But we will not stop here. As we reminisce the past, we shall protect the future as we learn from past mistakes from the early years. Furthermore, we strive to transform our experiences-whether good or bad--into a glimmering figure that provides luminance to the underprivileged who are hidden under the shades of poverty.

Ultimately, with God’s guidance, we will remain fixated on the pursuit of our mission and vision.

We must move ahead and own the yearning to morph ourselves into a pearl-like image that gleams with Christ’s likeness.

We’ve had 30 years of God’s faithfulness, but we still have a lifetime more of service. The best is yet to come!

EDUARDO C. JIMENEZ

President and Vice Chairman, KMBI

EDITORIAL BOARD Princes O. Dacca Editor-In-Chief

John David I. Ulangca Graphics

Margaret Rose N. Rodriguez Managing Editor

For editorial contributions, suggestions, and inquiries, please contact:

Marvin E. Barrieta Kenneth S. David Timothy John A. Pasicolan Contributors

IBAHAGI ANG INYONG MASAYA SA KMBI EXPERIENCE!

Hinihikayat din namin ang lahat ng empleyado, anuman ang posisyon...

Corporate Affairs Office Na magsumite ng kanilang Kabalikat para sa Maunlad kwento ayon sa kanilang na Buhay, Inc. karanasan sa KMBI na 12 San Francisco Street., may kalakip na picture at Karuhatan, Valenzuela City ipadala sa Inc. email: 3 Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay jiulangca@kmbi.org.ph

ORGANIZATIONAL NEWS

8th Go Negosyo Summit recognizes Lydia Malot

Left Pic: 2015 National MOTY Award Winner, Lydia Malot joins her team in the nata de coco factory in Davao. Right Pic: Mrs. Malot with her 8th Go Negosyo Congress Award given at the World Trade Center, Pasay City early this year.

Lydia Malot gets recognized as one of the 18 Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs of 2016 at the 8th Go Negosyo Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit held at the World Trade Center, Pasay City on February 18, 2016.

Attended by almost 10,000 participants, the 8th Go Negosyo Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit seeks to inspire budding entrepreneurs through talks and Q and As with successful business owners.

Ms. Lydia Malot also graced the Awardee’s Forum alongside the likes of Rossana Llenado of AHEAD Learning Systems, Inc., Yolanda Sevilla of The Leather Collection, and Judith Versosa of Josiah’s Catering.

Mr. Siddarth Agrawal (second from right), Global Marketing Director for Emerging Markets of Unilever, visits the Panay office last Feb 19, 2016 to strengthen partnership between Unilever and KMBI. From left: Mr. Ed C. Jimenez, President-KMBI; Mr. Dave D. Gutierrez, Vice President-KMBI; Mr. Siddhart Agrawal, Global Marketing Director-Unilever; and Brian Dururin, Business ManagerUnilever.

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Communi-K vol. 13 no. 1

ORGANIZATIONAL NEWS

Five-Year Plan Bared at the GA

Left Pic: Luzon Branch & Area Managers and Head Office Officers greet each other during the opening ceremonies of the GA held at Sequioa Hotel, Quezon City. Right Pic: Mindanao Staff pose with KMBI Board at the Pinnacle Hotel, Davao City.

KMBI called all the Branch & Area Managers to round up for the General Assembly (GA) meeting held in two separate locations and timetables, one of which for Luzon Operations and the other for Visayas-Mindanao (VisMin) Operations.

The GA for Vis-Min Operations was the first to take place on January 4 to 6 at the Pinnacle Hotel and Suites in Davao City.

Meanwhile, Branch & Area Managers for Luzon Operations convened on January 11 to 13 at Sequoia Hotel, Quezon City.

The GA meeting aimed to make known to all the directions for the coming five years and the plans, particularly, for the years 2016 to 2017. It hoped to unite all movers of KMBI into one vision and one action for the better future of KMBI, and most especially its clients.

BOT Announces New Set of Trustees at the AGM KMBI announced its set of newly elected Trustees and Officers following the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on February 27 at the head office in Karuhatan, Valenzuela City.

The assembly is pursuant to the KMBI By-laws and the Corporation Code of the Philippines.

Mr. David Gutierrez remained as the Chairman of the Board. In his Chairman’s report, he thanked the Board of

Trustees for their time, expertise, commitment, and huge contribution in the previous year. The report also foresees that the implementation of the five-year plan (Paghandom sa Damlag: Vision 2020) will expand the organization’s operations and launch new financial and non financial services in the coming years.

President; Mr. Eduardo C. Jimenez, President and Vice Chairman; Atty. Romel R. Bagares, Corporate Secretary, and Mr. Edgardo F. Garcia, Corporate Treasurer. Other Board Members include Dr. Virginia P. Juan, Mr. Eduardo Sergio G. Edeza, Atty. Raineer Q. Chu, and Ms. Mila M. Bunker.

Presently, the Board of Trustees comprises of Mr. David D. Gutierrez, Chairman and ViceKabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay Inc.

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ORGANIZATIONAL NEWS ORGANIZATIONAL NEWS

9 KILOS Scholars Graduate

The nine graduates pose with KMBI and APPEND Representatives during the Thanksgiving Dinner.

Nine APPEND KILOS Scholars reached a milestone in their lives as they finished their college education. To celebrate this milestone, APPEND mounted the 7th APPEND KILOS Thanksgiving

Dinner last June 3, 2016 at the Manila Manor Hotel in Malate, Manila.

KMBI President, Eduardo C. Jimenez was present to personally congratulate Ronah Fae V. Directo, one

of the scholars recognized that night. She graduated Cum Laude from FEU with a degree in AB Communications.

APPEND established the KILOS Scholarship Program (Knowledge for Inspiring Leadership, Opportunities and Spirituality) in partnership with Gordon V & Helen C. Smith Foundation to extend educational scholarship to deserving children of microentrepreneurs to continue their college education in top colleges and universities in Manila.

10 KMBI PMs, 7 POs graduate from GEM Ten KMBI clients and selected staff graduated from the Grassroots Entrepreneurship (GEM) Program hosted by the Citi Microenterprise Development Center (CMDC). The graduation rite was held at Bayan Academy, Quezon City last Feb 29, 2016. Gracing the event was Ms. Aneth Lim, Corporate Affairs Director of Citibank Philippines.

The CMDC is a joint advocacy project of Citi Philippines and Bayan Academy for Social Entrepreneurship and Human Resource 6

Development, Inc. The Center promotes entrepreneurship and growth among microfinance clients by providing quality training, customized coaching, and business advisory.

Every year, KMBI sends a number of high-potential entrepreneur clients to join the workshop as part of the organization’s commitment to provide responsive non financial services. Both KMBI and CMDC aim for all clients to increase their income, employ more

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workers, improve their loan performance, and maximize the use of their capital for improving their business.

Graduates of the GEM Program are eligible to join the Citi-Small Business Advisory and Coaching Services (Citi-SBACS). It is a small business clinic and advisory center wherein micro entrepreneurs can receive personal mentoring from experts in the field of Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Operations, and Legal Requirements.

KMBI Campaigns for APPEND Partylist

Left Pic: Valenzuela clients & KMBI Staff are all smiles and fun during the APPEND Partylist Campaign.

Right Pic: NCR-North Area Manager, Lanie Montano and client flank the APPEND Partylist poster.

KMBI staff and program members from all over the country went all-out in their time and effort to secure APPEND Partylist a seat in the House of Representatives. The series of campaigns, which began from the whole month of April up to first week of May, were conducted through branch-initiated activities, dance contests, palengke (wet market) days, and social media promotion.

This endeavor seeks to raise the voice of the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector and address the issues relating to the taxation and protection of microbusinesses.

The MSME sector, which

constitutes about 98% of all industries in the Philippines, includes Filipinos who are engaged in small enterprises that procure an annual income of below Php 3,000,000.

These are typically the small and widespread businesses such as food stands, sari-sari stores, and parlors, among others.

According to Reginold Reyes, Director of General Services Department, the campaign mirrors KMBI’s vision to see people in communities live in abundance with strengthened faith in God and in right relationship with their fellowmen and the rest of creation.

“It (the vision) can be realized not only through

economic means. In fact, in this country of ours, politics determines economics,” he said, stressing the importance of Christians to be active in politics to formulate more laws that will benefit the poor and unheard.

He added that until one is able to exercise influence in making laws and articulating the support needed by microentrepreneurs, no one will develop such legislation.

To date, APPEND has helped 5 million microentrepreneurs and students. The partylist was the principal author of RA 10693 (Microfinance NGOAct) and co-authored 48 more bills, 4 of which became laws.

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay Inc.

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ORGANIZATIONAL NEWS

KMBI Honors Partners Through Appreciation Night

Left Pic: Ed C. Jimenez, KMBI president raises a toast to lasting partnerships. Right Pic: Virginia P. Juan (lady in white), representing APPEND Inc. , stands up to be recognized by peers and colleagues.

More than 50 valued guests from 25 partner organizations converged in celebration of the first-ever Partners’ Appreciation Night held last July 8 evening at Le Reve Pool and Events Place, Quezon City.

The event gave recognition to the significant involvement of affiliated companies in realizing the organization’s mission of serving the

poor through God’s faithfulness.

Present in the event were representatives from MCPI, BSP, First Life Financial Co. Inc., KRCI, APRACA CENTRAB, ASDECS, PAIS, FHG Multipurpose Cooperative, APPEND, Security Bank, Bank of Commerce, Intellicare, Roque and Butuyan, Ahon Sa Hirap, Inc., Nickosia, UNILEVER, REACH Inc., CCT Group of Ministries,

Design Plus, Bien D’Lour/ Focal Crest, SNS Security, Agile Technology, Philippine Business Bank, and Social Security System.

The Partners’ Appreciation Night aims to foster an atmosphere of trust built on integrity and to enhance personal valuing.

This event is also part of the celebration of KMBI’s 30th founding anniversary.

679 clients benefit from KKK Program KMBI, in partnership with Unilever PureIt, kicks off the Kabalikat sa Kalusugan at Kalinisan (KKK) program, the organization’s health and sanitation program.

A total of 679 clients benefited from the kick-off activities held in Novaliches, Davao, and Cebu. The events may be described as ‘an afternoon 8

of fun, games, and learning’. Unilever goodies were also given away.

The response was overwhelming from the same activity piloted in Angeles, Pampanga last year. The KKK program is now being implemented in three more branches, namely: Metro Davao1, Mandaue, and Novaliches.

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KKK program highlights the importance of clean and safe drinking water as part of good sanitation practices. The PureIt Excella device was introduced as a practical solution for purifying water and a safeguard device against waterborne diseases. Clients, as well as their family members, will be able to avail of

ORGANIZATIONAL NEWS

2016 Retreat: Reinforcing the Family

Left Pic: Father and daughter tandem, Don and Shaina Cua facilitates the Head Office retreat. Right Pic: Head Office Staff cheer on other group members during their team building exercises at the second day of the activity.

All KMBI staff nationwide allocated a slice of their time to reinforce personal, corporate, and most especially spiritual growth with the “Spiritual Retreat” that spanned from June to July 2016.

The event, bearing the theme “A family that

stays together,” aims to deepen their relationship with God by intentionally reflecting and meditating.

The activity also aims to strengthen their fellowship with one another as one KMBI family through shared experiences, and take time to retreat from their

normal activities to relax and unwind.

The branches also took part in the activity on their preferred dates and venues, with the Area Managers facilitating the event through supervision of the Acting Regional Directors.

the PureIt Excella device through KMBI’s PureIt Loan Program from the piloted branches.

This program is a manifestation of KMBI’s commitment to improve the wellbeing of its Program Members and deliver integral transformation to their lives.

A Mandaue client test & pours colored water into the PureIt device to check the machine’s effectivity in removing impurities out of the water.

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay Inc.

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25 Valenzuela Kids, beneficiaries of Ambag Project Twenty-five preelementary kids from KMBI Valenzuela Branch received bags and other school supplies through the “AmBAG ng KILOS sa Unang Hakbang Project” last May 27, 2016.

APPEND staff give away school supplies and other goodies for young children during the gift giving in KMBI Valenzuela Branch.

This initiative was made possible in partnership with APPEND Microenterprise Development, Inc. (APPEND MED), KILOS Association (the alumni

organization of graduates of the KILOS program) and supported by other members of the APPEND Partner-Networks.

APPEND MED and KILOS Association aim to achieve holistic development through transformative education. This is done by providing scholarships to deserving students and distributing school supplies to poor communities.

NEWS BRIEF

Davao Daycare Center Gets Adopted

Left Pic: A happy kid shows off his new bag sponsored by KMBI and Unilever. Right pic: CSG and operations staff from Davao sort out the gift packs before the start of the program.

KMBI and Unilever PureIt joined efforts in reaching out to the children of Barangay Calinan, Davao City. Hope Daycare Center has been selected to be this year’s beneficiary of the Adopt-a-Daycare Program, a pilot program of the Client Services Group (CSG), in 10

partnership with Unilever PureIt. School supplies and goodies were given away during the program. A PureIt device was also donated to the daycare center to ensure clean drinking water for the kids serviced by the center.

Communi-K vol. 13 no. 1

Nova and TSB Clients get Fit with Fun

Around 256 Program Members attended the Wellness and Fun Day last April 23, 2016 at the Millionaire’s Village Covered Court in Novaliches, Quezon City.

The half-day activity included a Zumba workout, parlor games, and dance contest using the jingle of APPEND Partylist.

LEADERS’ EDGE

BRUSHING OFF

MF INDEX

The

WEATHER HAZARDS

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alf of 2016 has flown away so quickly.

That means we are now left to deal with what the remaining half has to bring--rain. Lots of it. Left and right, we see mud, puddles, floodwaters, and slippery streets. As we take a nice sip of hot coffee to battle the cold weather, let us take on the rainy season with a few notes to stay safe and dry during this time of the year:

3. Take dry plastic bags with you: Anything can get wet from the rain, and you can’t afford to infect your other things through moisture. Put your umbrella or anything damp inside the plastic bag to avoid leaving a trail of puddle in the office. If by accident you soaked one of your things, at least there’s a place to stuff it in without having to drop it off elsewhere waiting for it to dry.

1. Keep mosquitoes away: For sure, mosquitoes are having a feast right now. Rain results to stagnant water, and stagnant water means breeding ground for mosquitoes that carry disease-causing bacteria, especially the dreaded dengue.

Clean out all the possible things that can stock up rainwater. It may be flowerpots, tires, washtub, or anything that can be a potential basin for rain water. If the interior is infested with mosquitoes, invest in an insect repellent or citronella. You may opt for an insect killer spray, but make sure you do this minimally, as too much exposure to the chemicals can be detrimental to your health.

4. Wash your hands regularly: The eyes might be windows to our soul, but in times like this, our face is the door where flu virus enters. Our hands are in constant contact with a variety of things throughout the day, so we can’t just trust them to be clean enough to do the job of scratching away the itch on our eyes. Soap and warm water can do the trick to rid our hands of bacteria and viruses. Plus, it only takes less than a minute.

2. Eating street food may be unwise: Some street food lovers may argue, but really, it’s best to stay away from it during the rainy season. Humid breeze can transfer air and water borne bacteria to foods sold in the open, to be ingested by people. If you have to buy, make sure the food is piping hot to kill off bacteria. Better safe than sorry!

5. Newspapers come in handy: No, this is not to read all the hottest news stories while heavy raindrops are clattering on our roof. If your shoes get soaked in water, newspapers do a great job at keeping out the moisture. Crumple it up in ball shape and stuff it inside your shoes. Wrap the remaining newspaper around the shoes.

Close them up with rubber bands or maybe a raffia string. You might need to replace the newspapers a couple more times before the shoes get completely dry.

Avoid drying your shoes with hot air, as the leather may shrink and get damaged.

With references from: http://www.businessinsider.com, http://rappler.com

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay Inc.

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Trial of Endurance The Russel Amoranto Story The

By Kenneth S. David With excerpts from Life in KMBI Blogs

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raise our God, all peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. Psalm 66: 8-12 NIV Abundance. A word commonly associated with worldly riches and good harvest.

And for most people, it is a concept most would aspire. Who doesn’t want a life of abundance? Never having to worry about what to eat for the next day, where to live or how to educate the children.

Abundance. This seems to be the opposite of the scarcity embedded in the memory of Russel Amoranto, one of KMBI’s Admin Staff as he was growing up.

Life was tough. Russel’s family had to consolidate their meager resources for education. “I decided to take a two-year course on auto-mechanic training,” he says. He remembers how he had to decide to get a vocational course to give way to 12

Communi-K vol. 13 no. 1

a “smarter” sibling so that he could finish a four-year degree. After graduation, he landed a job in Mitsubishi as a mechanic and was proud to bring home every month a sack of rice as part of the employee perks.

“It’s a different feeling when you bring home the sack of rice as compared to receiving allowance. You really feel the value of your hard work when you see the awe and happy reaction of your family to the rice.”

Maybe this was one of those concrete manifestations of abundance, when it is seen, touched, and experienced. Maybe that’s why the feeling and satisfaction of giving is different.

During the Asian crisis of 1997, Russel joined the millions who got laid off in their jobs. Stocks plummeted and the Philippine economy staggered. This was also the time when he tried working in a lot of temporary jobs. He tried doing part time as Promodiser in Makro, rider in Jollibee, Factory worker for toys, and tricycle driver…. Then in an almost unlikely place, he answered an ad to a community post in a small Christian church for a utility/messenger position in KMBI in 2007.

FEATURE STORY

Quiet. Shy. Meek. Sincere. These were just the first few impressions of the people who Russel had the luck to work with.

Often silent and timid, his supervisor would often need to coax him out his shell and encourage him to take on newer and bigger responsibilities. He was promoted to driver after a while. The new job took a little getting used to. This was a new experience for Russel since he was able to see most of the Philippines driving higher management and KMBI staff for activities and area studies. He felt so blessed being able to see and experience travel that would be otherwise out of his reach, given a different circumstance. For him, this is his greatest achievement. He plans to share the same experience to his family in the future.

He recalls one of the peaks of his abundant experiences, “It was the 2008 Lead Camp where it was my first time to ride a boat, visit Cebu, stay in the Waterfront Hotel and accept Christ as my Lord and Saviour –all in the same week!” There were many more experiences that made him feel blessed to be part of KMBI. But he thinks that during one of the most trying times of his life, was the time he felt most abundant –as blessings poured through.

It was in late 2011 that Russel’s only son had to contend with a congenital heart disease that left him bedridden and fighting for his life. The family had to spend a good deal of time in the intensive care unit of PGH. Each day that passed was heartbreak for Russel. He was a father who felt helpless looking at his son fight for his life as the bills piled left and right.

Three years later, in 2014, another boulder

impeded his path. He was lightning-struck when his wife was diagnosed with an ailment. Currently, she is battling a stage 3 breast cancer. This is where his world crumbled and fell apart. At first he was tightlipped with his coworkers and friends about it so as to avoid adding more to their burden. But then too much weight had already laden on his shoulder, that one time he was compelled to speak out to be included in the prayer request during devotion. His strength to sustain its weight all alone wasn’t nearly enough, which is why he had to draw more of it through his colleagues, relatives, and churchmates.

He admits there were times when he couldn’t help but ask the Lord why he had to go through such painful travails--an ailing son and an enduring wife--despite giving his all to serve Him. However, thanks to the people surrounding Russel, they gave him his much-needed strength to keep holding on to God’s mighty grip. Instead of slipping from His hands, this breakthrough just solidified his faith and trust in Him. Abundance. Does it need to be quantified in money and riches? Health? Friends?

Or Maybe real abundance comes from the heart? When you have hope and joy?

Maybe abundance is really all about having Christ in your heart and looking forward to each day with a promise that today will be better than your last.

Russel recently celebrated his 9th year anniversary with KMBI. “I have come to love my job. I will stay here in KMBI as long as they want me here,” he reveals. He ends with a smile that gleams with a hint of the promise that the best and abundant years are yet to come.

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earls have long been highly prized for their brightness and luster. In fact, it was around 2206 BC when the first documentation was released on the existence of these gems from the sea by a Chinese historian. This gem has since then been treasured for its beauty and rarity to be passed on from generation to generation.

It is often said that pearls symbolize “wisdom acquired through experience” due to how they were formed. The pearl starts out as an irritant that unwittingly settles inside the mollusk’s shell. As a defense mechanism, the mollusk tries to secrete “Nacre” to cover the irritant. This “Nacre” constitutes of calcium carbonate & conchiolin. The secreting action gets repeated for years until a “pearl” is finally formed.

We find the same parallelisms in the formation of the pearl to how KMBI took shape. The organization was born out as a reaction to address the problem of poverty besieging the country today. The organization started with 37 clients in 14 14

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the markets of Malinta and began their loan program using a small choir room of the Valenzuela United Methodist Church in 1985. From humble beginnings, the program grew in width and breadth.

What was a simple loan program offered to the poor vendors of Valenzuela before, became more holistic and sophisticated. It addressed not only the economic needs of the clients, but the spiritual, psycho-social and environmental dimensions as well.

While it is known that pearls are usually formed after three years, it took three decades and more than 110,000 Program Members for KMBI to stand where it is right now.

Pearls symbolized

“ Wisdom acquired through experience ”

KMBI’s journey was never a straight path.

Like the mollusks of the ocean, it has

COVER STORY

Celebrating The Pearl

By Margaret Rose N. Rodriguez

By Margaret Rose N. Rodriguez

experienced the richness and bounty of the sea as well as survived the multiple waves of strong undercurrents and tumultuous storms often known to visit open waters. The institution stands strong as it clings to its Mission & Vision as it built its foundations on Christ’s words and ministry.

to the formation of rare gems through the transformed lives of their program members. It is through the stringing of these pearls together that becomes the collective success story of KMBI.

While the institution still has a long way to realizing a progressive life for all fellow Filipinos, KMBI has been a witness

A beautiful achievement worth celebrating 30 years for this 2016.

Pearls that are refined by wisdom and experience, perfected through time.

Kabalikat para para sa sa Maunlad Maunlad na na Buhay Buhay Inc. Inc. Kabalikat

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SOLVING THE

PEOPLE PUZZLE

With reference from: https://temperaments.fighunter.com/

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ccording to Hippocrates, people are born with four distinct temperaments, each of which representing the elements of fire, earth, air, and water. Find out which type of behavior is more like you and learn to deal with each of them.

Sanguine

Sanguine

Sanguine symbolizes the air. People with this kind of temperament are easy-going and active. They are fond of making friends and expanding their social circles, and doing so is quite easy for them. In other words, Sanguines are extremely peopleoriented and extroverted. Because of this, they cannot acknowledge the idea of being alone, for they get bored quickly in the absence of interaction. They also love being at the center of attention, as it is their number one source of energy. However, they tend to be very emotional at times and prone to emotional breakdowns. After that, they’ll feel terribly sorry for having done and said things out of their outburst.

They easily move on from the past and try to live in the moment, expecting you to do the same. In general, Sanguines are fairly easy to get along with; as long as you give them their much-needed attention, there’ll be no problems keeping with them.

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Choleric

By Kenneth S. David

CHOLERIC

Choleric people represent fire. And just like fire, they burn--with passion for excellence.

They are more inclined to think that they are ahead of others. Nothing gives them more thrill than proving their capabilities through competition. They are men and women of action. Cholerics are keen on asserting their superiority by leading others, giving orders at them, and even challenging them to prove themselves as well in the way a Choleric would. They see every opportunity as a spotlight for others to see and appreciate. Similar to Sanguines, Cholerics are extroverted by nature; however, more than attention, they strive to get recognition and a spot in the hearts of people. Dealing with Cholerics may need lots of patience and self-control. Fighting them head-on may not be a good decision, as they will not back down easily.

Melancholic

Melancholic

Melancholic represents the earth. They set out on a journey to find perfection in an imperfect world. Contrary to Sanguines and Cholerics, Melancholic people are very sensitive and introverted. Because they

LEADERS’ EDGE

are disappointed with the imperfect state of the world, they seek refuge in solitude.

Most of the time, they can be seen alone.

One reason they are settling for isolation is that they are slow to put their trust in other people. For instance, when they order somebody else to do a certain task, they will be riddled with doubts--whether the other person will be able to finish the work flawlessly--and end up doing bulk of the work themselves. Their perfectionism causes them to set high expectations on the world, even though not everyone shares the same standard they have. Melancholics are consistent with the belief that it’s not enough for things to be just ‘good enough’, and due to this notion, they get easily dismayed when they commit mistakes and be unable to live up to their own standards.

Being watchful of your words will help in dealing with Melancholics, as they get hurt easily.

Phlegmatic

Phlegmatic

Lastly, Phlegmatic manifests the element of water. They are envoys of peace; one thing about Phlegmatic people is that they dislike trouble and do whatever it takes to escape from it. They are known for placing the desires of other people above theirs, which causes them to submit

to the demands of those around them.

Phlegmatics have the tendency to give high regard to the feelings of others, but lack the ability to decide for themselves. They are selfless, so to speak. Moreover, they are particularly quiet too--they will spill not a single word when you share them your top secret. Unlike Cholerics, Phlegmatic people avoid competition, because all they want is to be on constant good terms with everyone. Overall, they are really nice and will try their best to hold themselves back when they feel they are losing their cool in pressing situations, because they want to minimize any emotional pain they may inflict on others. People with Phlegmatic temperament are probably the kindest ones you are likely to encounter. If you know someone possessing this trait, keep him or her around you and avoid exploiting their indecisiveness.

Perhaps you have somebody in mind as you read each temperament. And whether we like it or not, we have to deal with different kinds of people every single day.

Our ultimate goal is to forge harmonious relationship with them. Although our personalities serve as bridges that set us apart, we have to bear in mind that understanding and acknowledging our differences is the first step to making ourselves all in the same family under God.

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ENTREP 101

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AKAWNTING TAYO Ni Marvin E. Barrieta

M

ga Ka-Entrep, kumusta ang iyong negosyo?

Naitatala mo ba ang paglabas at pagpasok ng iyong pera?

Alam mo ba kung magkano ang benta at kita mo sa isang araw, isang linggo, buwan o taon? Nagtataka ka ba kung bakit sa kabila ng malalaking benta mo araw-araw ay lugi ka pa rin? Ang simpleng pagtatala ay malaking tulong sa pag-monitor at paglago ng isang negosyo. Ito ang magsisilbing gabay natin para sa mga susunod nating hakbangin gaya ng kung anong produkto ang mabenta, pagtaas ng presyo, pagdadagdag ng puhunan at marami pang iba.

Gawin nating halimbawa na negosyo dito ay syempre ‘yong patok at sikat na sikat na Sarisari store. Madali lang itong i-manage at sa kaunting puhunan lang ay pwede na ngunit kung napabayaan ay mabilis din itong maglalaho. Mahalagang tandaan at dapat malinaw sa bawa’t myembro ng pamilya na ito ay negosyo at hindi kusina ng bahay o maging ng kapitbahay na kahit anong oras ay pwede silang kumuha o umutang. Dapat nakahiwalay ang personal na pera at mga gastusin sa iyong negosyo. Mahigpit na ipatupad ang Cash Basis o No Credit Policy; maiging maglagay ng karatula sa harap ng tindahan hinggil dito.

Ang pagpepresyo ng produkto ay dapat nagsisimula lamang sa 10 hanggang 20 porsyento depende sa laki ng puhunan, dalas ng pagbenta, at konsumo ng kuryente.

Huwag manlamang ng kapwa. Huwag na huwag mandaya. Higit kailan man ay hindi nagtatagumpay ang panlalamang o pandaraya. Nguni’t mas bibiyayaan ng Panginoon ang tapat sa anumang kaniyang ginagawa.

May tatlong pangunahing uri at paraan ng pagtatala na magagamit sa iyong sari-sari store.

Tayo ay gagamit ng Cash Basis of Accounting o ang pagtatala lamang tuwing may lumabas o pumasok na pera.

1. Talaan ng mga Pinamili at Nagastos o Cash Disbursement Book – dito nakatala lahat ng mga pinamiling imbentaryo o grocery product, bayad sa tubig, kuryente, pamasahe at iba pang gastos na may kaugnayan sa iyong sari-sari store. Nakasulat dito ang detalye ng transaksyon gaya ng petsa, uri ng transaksyon, buong halaga at halaga ng mga produktong pambenta, gamit o supplies, at iba pang mga nagastos.

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LEADERS’ EDGE

Halimbawa ng Cash Disbursement Book: Petsa

Uri ng Transaksyon

Halaga ng Nagastos Produkto

7/12/16

Namili ng produkto

30,200

7/12/16

Bumili ng tray, timba, 3,000

30,000

Transportation Supplies Expense Expense 200

Other Expense

3,000

display glass, atbp.

Paid Electric bill

2,220

2,220

Paid Water bill

750

750

7/15/16

Paid KMBI loan

1,000

7/30/16

Bayad sa Upa

2,000

7/31/16

Namili ng produkto

6,020

3,000

3,000

Total

45,190

33,000

6,000

7/15/16

1,000 20

2,000

220 5,970

2. Talaan ng Pangaraw-araw na benta o Daily Sales Journal- Dito nakatala lahat ng benta sa buong araw. Nakasulat dito ang item o pangalan ng produkto, dami, halaga ng nabenta, puhunan, at kita. Dahil sa bilis ng pagbago ng presyo sa merkado at paiba-ibang porsyento ng kita, mainam sa isang sari-sari store na isa-isang nakalista ang lahat ng nabenta.

Daily Sales Journal Item no.

Product / brand name

Date: _______________ Dami ng

Halaga ng

Puhunan o

Nabenta

Benta o Sales

Cost of Sale

Kita o income

1

yelo

5

15.00

0

15.00

2

Tide bar

1

7.00

5.50

1.50

3

Softdrinks 12oz

5

25.00

20.00

5.00

Total

11

47

25.50

21.50

4…

3. Talaan ng Buwanang Kita o Monthly Income Report- dito napapaloob ang kabuuang benta sa isang buwan kasama ng mga gastusin sa pagtitinda. Mula sa pinagsama-samang Daily Sales Journal ay makukuha natin ang Total Sales, Cost of Sales at Income o kita sa buong buwan. Sa Disbursement Book naman makukuha ang mga nagastos o expenses sa buong buwan. Mula sa kabuuang Sales ibawas dito ang puhunan o cost of sales para makuha ang kita ng iyong tindahan, pagkatapos ay ibawas mo na rin ang lahat ng “expenses” sa buwan na iyon at tumpak! `Yon na ang totoo mong kita o ang tinatawag na Net Income.

Revenue + Gains

-

Expenses + Losses

=

Net Income

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay Inc.

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Monthly Income Statement For the Month ended July 31, 2016 Sales

Php120,000

Less: Cost of Sales

101,585

Gross Income

Php18,415.00

Expenses: Transportation Expenses

Php2,640.00

Light and Water

2,970.00

Upa sa Pwesto

2,000.00

Utang sa KMBI – 4 weeks @ 1k/wk

4,000.00

Total Expenses

11,610.00

Net Income for the month

Php6,805.00

O ayan, mga nanay! Kitang kita mo na ang iyong kita. Pwede mo ring gawing yearly income statement ang iyong monthly income statement sa pamamagitan ng pagsama-sama ng iyong monthly income hanggang mabuo mo ang isang taon, pareho lang sila ng porma ng monthly income statement.

Pagba-Badyet para sa Pamilya Ngayon na alam mo na ang kita ng iyong negosyo, mahalaga na maplano mo rin ang mga gastusin ng pamilya o ang tinatawag na Budgeting. Mahalaga na ang pagbabadyet ng pamilya para maiwasan ang pagkalugi ng negosyo at pagkabaon sa utang. Tumutulong din ito para madisiplina tayo kung ano lang muna ang dapat nating bilhin (needs) at ano yung mga pwedeng ipagpaliban (wants).

Halimbawa ng pagba-budget.

Monthly Home Budgeting Plan Mga Pinagmumulan ng Kita: Take Home Pay ni Mister Kita ng Tindahan

PhP 8,700.00 6,000.00

Kabuuang Kita sa isang Buwan

PhP14,700.00

Mga Gastusin: Pagkain at bigas

PhP4,600.00

Groceries

2,000.00

Tubig at Kuryente

600.00

Upa sa Bahay

2,000.00

Tuition Fee

1,500.00

Transportation Mga Bayaring Utang Medical/Emergency Fund Total Estimated Expenses Total Savings (Deficit)

800.00 1,000.00 PhP12,500.00 PhP2,200.00

Para sa karagdagang kaalaman, mag log in sa: http://www.kmbi.org.ph 20

Communi-K vol. 13 no. 1

LEADERS’ EDGE

Christian Meditation Developing Intimacy with God through Quiet Time

By Timothy John A. Pasicolan

T

o meditate means to spend time in quiet thought; to engage in contemplation or reflection; or to consider and examine attentively (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2016). It implies focusing of thoughts on something so as to understand it deeply (same source).

talking to God before immersing ourselves into our daily tasks. I remember him describing meditation as “strategizing with God” before diving into our busy schedules. This helped me appreciate God and His working, as morning meditations remind me of how God wants us to live – being renewed in Christ.

As a layperson, I identify meditation as an activity for us to seek God wholeheartedly, to be attuned to His will.

It involves spending time with the Word of God, with prayer and reflection. In my upbringing, we usually call it “quiet time” or devotional time,” which is done in the similar manner as described in Mark 1:35:

In Psalm 119: 105, it is written: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” It describes God’s word as a guide for discerning the road we are taking.

Very early in the morning, while it is still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went early in the offVery to a solitary place, wheremorning, he prayed.

while it is still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Mark 1:35

During my formative years, my mentor taught me to meditate the Word of God first thing in the morning. He explained the importance developing a daily habit of

It took a lot of effort for me to develop the morning meditation – especially when it entails waking up early, but the beauty of it is appreciated when we realize that the Almighty God personally speaks to us directly – through the Bible, as an expression of His love and genuine concern. Daily morning meditations shaped me as a follower of Christ, and it is paramount to having a relationship with the living God. To conclude, I would like to convey that meditation is essential in every believer’s journey towards growth and transformation. Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples...”

(John 8:31).

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay Inc.

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What Makes

a

Staff in a Company Stay Long

By Kenneth S. David

Any relationship needs commitment to thrive. Be it with your sweetheart, a friend, or a pet, it is commitment that works to keep the bond intact. In the corporate setting, employee commitment is such a heavy thing to sustain for a long period of time, and this is what many employers fail to notice.

Quality of workers Employees are not only after the salary; they are aiming for self-growth, too. In fact, lack of growth is among the top reasons why employees are prompted to leave.

Companies that are successful in retaining their workers typically provide seminars and other activities that promote growth & development for their employees.

On the other hand, the absence of engaging activities will cause boredom and unproductivity, which will dampen the passion employees pour into their work. It’s very natural for them to seek

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other possible opportunities for growth.

Managers are obliged to hone their staff into better individuals, not just bark orders to them simply because they are being paid to work.

Mission and Visio--what?

Companies exist because they have a mission to fulfill and a vision to realize.

Ironically, very few institutions are serious about instilling the solemnity of their mission and vision in the hearts of employees. While only some of us are passionate about the mission and vision statement at work, the reality is that most people aren’t. An employee who is most likely to stick around would be one that aligns the company’s mission and vision perfectly to his or her goals. One must learn to stop seeing them as mere words in a frame. If you are getting paid for bringing your goal into realization, will you go?

Compensation Because who doesn’t? Cash is what we receive in exchange of the time, sweat, and ability that we offer to the company. In other words, it’s our primary motivation to get things done. However, compensation is not entirely limited to monetary value.

It’s true that some people will not be content with money alone, because they also need other forms of rewards. More often than not, they might be eyeing for overseas trips, recognition, or maybe some recreational bonuses. Or if the staff has done something nice, rewarding him will keep him motivated and directed towards improvement.

Environment This does not only encompass the ambiance of the workplace or where the office is situated. This also includes the set of co-employees working under one roof. Are they nice, competent, or serious about their job? Do they have a healthy relationship with their leaders? Some

“ Associating oneself with different kinds of attitudes is the key to surviving and lasting in competitive environments. “ employees may feel intimidated when there’s intense competition heating up inside the office. It’s a given that they leave because of rivalry, conflict, peer pressure or anything that doesn’t serve them right.

Associating oneself with different kinds of attitudes is the key to surviving and lasting in competitive environments. So it will help to have a servant-leader mindset or the willingness to identify and meet the needs of colleagues, customers, and communities first.

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay Inc.

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TIPS

CARE

Handle with

IMPROVING CUSTOMER RELATIONS

By Kenneth S. David

M

aintaining customer relationship is a tricky feat. Clients can be compared to glasses--they break when you mishandle them. No matter how many times you glue the fragments back together, they are cracked for life. And because they are fragile, one must know the essence of handling them with utmost care. So what must we do in order to keep it going well with our clients?

Be attentive. Customers used to be the listeners in communication. But nowadays, when one is displeased with your service, they’ll most likely resort to social media to flood your page with complaints, sometimes even getting other people’s cooperation to boycott your company.

What makes it worse is that most of these pages do not even bother leaving a comment or at least a private message asking their angry customers to explain the issue at hand. Instead, what you’ll see in the comments box are more customers sharing similar complaints, causing the company’s reputation to drop. You are in urgent need of hearing out their rage-filled complaints.

Listen to their problems, so that they know they are being heard. This is also a training 24

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ground for the company to go back to where it went wrong and avoid messing up with the same mistake. Apologize with sincerity and be critical on getting into the core of the problem. Although you may see some of them as self-centered because they care less about you and more about themselves, just remember what your business is all about--them.

Keep in touch. Building a lasting customer relationship requires hard work, because oftentimes when transactions are done, that’s it. That’s when ties are cut. There’s no longer any reason to stay in touch. But even so, you must keep them close to your contacts, for they can be your potential second-time customers. Keep them upto-date with the current happenings in your company. If you want, you can send newsletters to their e-mail address or simply ask how things are going for them.

Doesn’t matter if you don’t get a reply; what’s important is that you showed you still care about them, even if you’re not committed to each other anymore.

Chances are they might think of coming back for your service. On the other hand, if you’re dealing with existing customers,

MF INDEX

Be Attentive Keep in touch Communicate Be Personal same thing applies. Always be in your customers’ company to know if things are going smoothly for them. That way, you’ll be able to provide swift assistance in case anything unexpected happens. That’s a plus point to your company. The last thing you want to see is their irritated face barging in to your office and yelling at you with their frustration on your service.

Communicate. Believe me. Customers do not like it when they’re actually talking to a human, but feel as if they are receiving automated replies. The most common mistake most companies make is the failure to teach employees the proper way of communication. They teach preconceived messages to the representatives so they learn to communicate “properly,” when all they ever do is annoy the customers by repeating sentences they’ve already heard five times in a row. Customers are there to--well, obviously--talk with their intention to simply state what they want or to solve problems, if there’s any. They want to be as personal as possible in placing their sentiments. Try to be personal, too.

This will make them feel that someone understands them and is ready to clip the problems out of the way. Don’t let formalities hold you back from lending the best form of assistance you can give.

Communication will take you several miles longer than you can imagine, only if you make use of its full potential.

Respond. As I mentioned above, one has to listen. But this one is about doing a little more than listening; it is more of acting on

the problems with the honest objective of solving them. Some if not most companies always seem to forget that they have a long list of customers waiting for a response.

Some companies take advantage of this situation and improve on their service to make it their selling point. Dealing with customers is far more important than getting them to bite into your marketing stunts. You may want to highlight a little bit on how you treat customers after-service, and it’s what potential consumers will look after. Let me tell you a secret: customers are most likely willing to pay for the peace of mind. After all, it’s our job to deliver that.

Be personal. Finally, customers are not “just” customers. Like you, they’re human beings. They have families, social circles, and a life to live. Dig a bit deeper into their life and have the desire to know more about them. How many kids they have, what’s their favorite food, where their grandmother lived and so on. This will establish a linkage between you and the customer. Being personal with them can also develop trust, which most companies lose more easily than they gain. Snatch them away from the competition by securing their trust. But don’t do this merely for the sake of retaining their patronage so that you keep your income. Do this because you really do care for them, and caring is what makes relationships go far. Don’t treat them as mere customers, but as brothers and sisters, which ultimately God Himself has instructed each one of us to do.

With reference from: http://blog.clientheartbeat.com Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay Inc.

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5 W

FEATURE STORY

BUSINESS TIPS:

small business ideas

with big potential

e have seen a lot of KMBI clients succed in their businesses. These are women who started off with small ideas that eventually netted them huge amounts of profit. This just goes to show that if you got the right business, people, and companies to help you, success will be right within your reach. And if you are eyeing for extra income, look no more, as EntrePinoys Atbp. has your back. The website cites a list of five small business ideas that can grow big when watered the right way:

3.) LANDSCAPING BUSINESS - Anyone

1.) FOOD CART BUSINESS - If you are

4.) HERBAL SOAP MANUFACTURING -

serious on getting into the vastly profitable food business for the long haul, a food cart business is one of your best and least risky bet. You could start in the business with a simple but heavy-duty cart worth P10,000 to P25,000 depending on the material used and how beautiful you want it to look. It is always wise to start on the street-level, while you are still perfecting your recipes and testing the market for the best price.

Being mobile, your business can safely penetrate some of the best locations in town without having to pay a centavo for rent.

2.) DRINKING WATER BUSINESS - Some believe the profit potential in a water station business has already dried up with the mushrooming of water stations nearly everywhere. The truth, however, is that it is easier for a smart newcomer to succeed than it is for an established old timer who resists competition. With more Water Stations to choose from these days, people naturally look for the best quality at a lower price. This leads unwise business owners to think they can cut on quality and offer a cheaper price. This never works. People will always put a premium on health over a few saved pesos. Location is key.

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with the talent and proper training for landscaping could start his own homebased landscaping business. Technology Resource Center Practical Landscaping Course includes training in ornamental plant production, to give the entrepreneur a huge potential profit margin over the long term. Those just starting out can start it as a hobby. Later they can offer the service as a part-time business or on a freelance basis. Soon they can target large institutional contracts and that’s when the big money starts rolling in.

The market may be filled with too many soap products but that does not mean you have no chance of making it big.

Indeed, despite the slippery competition in the presence of cosmetic manufacturing giants, the industry abounds with small soap makers who found a profitable niche.

Anyone with a few thousand pesos can start this business. The challenge, however, is to come out with a high-quality and effective product not currently available to your target consumers.

5.) COMMERCIAL BREAD MAKING -

Conventional entrepreneurs believe they must build a street corner bakery in order to start a commercial bread production.

This is not so. They can always sell to exclusive clients like groceries, restaurants, canteens and similar establishments at a premium. If you still want to go into the bakery business though, you don’t have to set it up like everyone else. There are those who succeeded selling only high-quality pandesal. Others only produce hopia, or just cupcakes or large ensaymadas and did very well. These are just a few examples but the possibilities are endless.

Article grabbed from: http://www.mixph.com/5-smallbusiness-ideas-with-big-potentials/

By Blesilda H. Visaya Illustration by John David I. Ulangca Character Reference by Ivyree Del Rosario of Little Things Ph

Comics

Trivia: Pearl Pearls are the only gemstone made by living animals.

Every pearl is unique. No two are alike, and all have some imperfections.

There’s a microscopic parasite encased at the core of every pearl. (Yikes!).

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay Inc.

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Organizational Performance Indicators

As of June 30, 2016

Efficiency

Loan Activity

Cost per unit Lent

0.19

Client Outreach

140,661

Cost per Loan Made

Php1,845.62

Loan Portfolio

638.9M

Financial Self-Sufficiency

112%

Value of Loans Made

Php 1.02B

Operational Self-Sufficiency 113%

Portfolio-at-Risk

Php 65.9M

Ave. No. of Client per PA

PA- 222

MF-Operations

601

No. of Loans Made

108,588

Support Group

179

Number of Staff

Our Vision “To see people in communities live in abundance with strenghtened faith in God and in right relationship with their fellowmen and the rest of creation”

Our Mission “KMBI is a Christcentered development organization existing to advocate and work for the integral transformation of the lives of its clients and their communities, by providing sustainable microfinance and responsive non-financial services.”

Core Values Christian Faith People’s Well-Being Good Governance Continuous Improvement Teamwork

12 San Francisco Street Karuhatan, Valenzuela City Tel (02) 291.1484 to 86 Fax (02) 292.1441 www.kmbi.org.ph 28

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