Communi-K 1st Quarter 2008

From SUCCESS to ENTREP

Behind the Great Mind

communi-k A quarterly publication

Operation officers get new assignment

Jan - Mar 2008 . VOL 5 NO 1

KORONADAL CITY COMMITS TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY PROJECT KMBI gets support for its community-based enterprise development project in barangay Carpenter Hill from the host city.

KMBI “Partner for a Progressive Life”

W H A T’ S I N S I D E ? communi-k “Reaching out to 250,000 Filipino households on our 25th year”

Vol. 5 No.1

Jan-Mar 2008 issue

COVER STORY

NEWS

Koronadal City commits to support community project

Organizational

KMBI gets support for its community-based enterprise development project in barangay Carpenter Hill from the host city.

From SUCCESS to ENTREP ------------------ 4

3

KMBI joins OI conference in Canada ----- 5 Employees get quick help thru 4HG-MPC 5

FEATURE STORY

Operation officers get new assignment --- 6

Behind the Great Mind

Area/Branch

“...he resolved to himself, as his service and ministry to God, that he would become a multiplier... training leaders who would train future leaders, too.”

10

ENTREP 101

Davao operations partner with Bombo radyo ------------------------------------------- 7

ER DEAL E! NAB WAN

Dealer Wannabe Can’t resist the offer? check this out...

11

Lipa celebrates Valentine with memorabilia ----------------------------------

7

NCR goes clean and green ------------------ 8 MMSB2 conducts BOTP refresher course ------------------------------------------ 8

MF INDEX 20 Ways to Become an Effective PA

11

Gumaca feeds 425 locals of Quezon ----- 7

Tips on how to become the best PA from Reynald Alpajando, Bicol area manager.

13 Daet clients renew marriage vows --- 9 Bicol staff come together for Burunyugan 9

ERRATUM NEWS Seven Mindanao staff earn masters’ degree Seven KMBI staff celebrate as they received their Masters’ degree in Business Administration.

2 | Communi-K |

5

In the article “Forging ahead: KMBI gear for 2008” of the previous issue of Communi-K (2007 year-end issue), it was mistakenly written that KMBI will expand in Urdaneta, Dagupan, San Carlos and Alaminos in Pampanga. It should have been “PANGASINAN.”

“Be strong and courageous, for you will lead my people to possess all the land I swore to give their ancestors.” (Joshua 1:6&7)

Koronadal City commits to support community project and agricultural products related to the development projects that constitute the CBEDP. Professional assistance will be provided through extension of technical expertise needed in executing and implementing plans, while budgetary assistance to finance sustainable development initiatives in the barangay shall be granted provided the project or program is aligned to the legislative and executive development plan of the City. It will also help in linking the project with proper agencies in promoting eco-tourism and City Administrator Marcelita Lucido gives her remarks during the commitment signing. (L-R) Brgy. captain Crisostomo welfare of the environment.

Gabud; first councilor Rose Dideles; chairman and president Amelia Gonzales; and executive director Edgardo Mercedes.

KMBI, for its part, commits to support the City’s An Agreement of Commitment (AOC) was forged between sustainable development initiatives Koronadal City and KMBI on March 10, 2008 to fortify the through transfer of CBEDP technology partnership and ensure smooth and ample delivery of support to the and holistic transformation programs, which includes microfinance, enterprise development of Barangay Carpenter Hill through the communitydevelopment, and values formation. It based enterprise development project (CBEDP). The signing of will also assist in building the capacity commitment, held at The Farm, Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, of Koronadal City in community was signed by first councilor and officer-in-charge Rose Dideles for development and provide professional Koronadal City and chairman and president Dr. Amelia Gonzales and financial assistance in building for KMBI, with city administrator Marcelita Lucido, KMBI executive the entrepreneurial capacity of Brgy. director Edgardo Mercedes, and Carpenter Hill brgy. captain Carpenter Hill constituents, collectively and individually. Further, KMBI will Crisostomo Gabud as witnesses. provide training to Brgy. Carpenter state that Koronadal City agrees to Hills officials and community leaders to

The AOC is a prelude to the signing of a Memorandum of Partnership (MOP) provide administrative, professional, enhance leadership skills and governance.

The CBEDP aims to increase the that will formally seal the partnership budgetary, and linkage assistance in Through the entrepreneurial and leadership capacity of the two institutions. Requirement implementing CBEDP. to the signing and implementation of City’s line agencies, it will ensure of the microentrepreneurs in Koronadal the MOP is the authority to be vested coordination, proper operation, and City, and strengthen the capacity of by the Sangguniang Panglunsod to the complementation of initiatives and the poor in Barangay Carpenter Hill.

City’s chief executive, Mayor Miguel interventions of both parties. It will also The project is funded by Opportunity Fernando.

Both the AOC and MOP assist in obtaining necessary livestock International Australia and AusAID.

KMBI | 3

“Reaching out to 250,000 Filipino households on our 25th year”

From SUCCESS to ENTREP KMBI is on the process of finalizing the details for the new name it will call to its centers located all over the country. The name “ENTREP,” which stands for Entrepreneurial Nurturing through Transformation, Re-formation, and Empowerment Programs, shall replace “SUCCESS” starting January 2009. The name was conceptualized

by KMBI executive director Edgardo Mercedes in Dagupan City last May 6.

“The name ENTREP shall be registered in proper agency in order for KMBI to have a proprietary ownership of it,” Mercedes said.

With the new name, it denotes that the center is the main avenue in holding KMBI programs geared toward achieving transformation, re-formation and empowerment. “It denotes also the participation of the members of the center in achieving the desired impact rather than posing only a hope of success,” Mercedes added. “This time, our program members or clients can expect from us to pay special attention in delivering the necessary programs.”

Among the three programs, reformation is the new concept to KMBI

4 | Communi-K |

constituents. The concept is consistent introduced to the public, namely ENTREP with KMBI’s transformation framework of center, ENTREP magazine, and ENTREP “Affect and Influence,” as well as to its Life Stories. The two publications, which three-pronged approach in facilitating are part of the empowerment program holistic transformation. Re-formation integrated in ENTREP centers, aims to was brought up after the realization that enhance the knowledge and skills of in the process of change, some (clients’) KMBI’s women microentrepreneurs, as form or condition may need only action well as motivate them to grow their without radical or revolutionary change, respective enterprises. The magazine while some will require shall feature articles about total transformation.

The center is enterprise management, “Nevertheless, releadership, livelihood, the main avenue formation must not family relationship be related only to social in holding KMBI enhancement, spiritual aspect but programs geared responsibility, awareness also to economic, on environmental issues, toward achieving environmental, and social biblical truths, and others aspects of man’s life,” transformation, that will help the readers Mercedes cautioned. re-formation and experience transformation Empowerment, on the re-formation and empowerment. other hand, refers to the empowerment.

The institution’s expectation book, on the other hand, that after a client is given assistance will feature triumphs and victories of the empowered clients will be able to KMBI clients and staff, and even branch empower others. stories. The aim of the book is to

Prior to officially using ENTREP, motivate and encourage its readers to a launching will be held in October this work hard and give their best in doing year during the 2nd Microentrepreneurs’ their respective tasks for God’s glory, Summit.

Three ENTREPs will be and affect and influence others.

“

”

“Be strong and courageous, for you will lead my people to possess all the land I swore to give their ancestors.” (Joshua 1:6&7)

KMBI joins OI conference in Canada

Employees get quick help thru 4HG-MPC

With the theme “Growth Through Listening,” Opportunity International (OI) network partners gathered together at the Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver, Canada on February 19 to 22, 2008 to intentionally recognize and understand the needs of the program members in the community; listen and learn from experiences; listen to what God has to say corporately and individually; and to build baseline knowledge across leadership. KMBI president and chairman of the board of trustees Dr. Amelia Gonzales, trustee Eduardo Jimenez, executive director Edgardo Mercedes and deputy director for support services group Liza Eco represented KMBI during the said conference.

During the conference, issues that promote and foster spiritual enrichment and mutual learning among the partners were discussed and anchored on Proverbs 4: 20-22.

Topics discussed were vision and global landscape of OI network, which was presented by Opportunity Network CEO Adrian Merryman; industry issues such as pricing, profits and prevarication by Microfin founder and industry analyst Chuck Waterfield; and, “Reveal: Listening to Client Feedback” by author Cally Parkinson.

The 4HG Multipurpose Cooperatives (4HG-MPC) finally started its operation last February 22, which was highlighted by the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the 654 members of 4HG-MPC and KMBI on the first day of its operation.

Initially, it offers several types of credit services such as multipurpose loan, special loan, emergency loan, and Alma Cabacungan, 4HG-MPC cooperative cashier working petty cash loan. Asked about the on the loan ledger of members of the cooperatives. utilization of loans, “Special loan was designed to encourage our members to invest in education and existing loans in KMBI for the purpose of housing,” said Aldy Duque, chairman paying-off the financial obligation to the of the Board of Directors. Depending latter. As of March 31, 2008, the Coop on type of loan, loan proceeds are has released 58 pre-approved loans with a total amount of Php892,889.16, released from one to three days.

From February until the first and 20 emergency and multi-purpose week of March 2008, some 4HG- loans amounting to Php419,596.75. It MPC board of directors and officers is expected that applications for loan visited staff of Luzon and Mindanao will increase on the next few months operations to conduct pre-membership especially that KMBI is working for the education seminar (PMES).

The transfer of staff’s fidelity bond to the seminar aimed to orient staff on Coop amounting to some Php8 million. membership qualifications, rights and Once transferred, the fidelity bond will responsibilities, benefits and privileges, be converted to paid up share capital and products and services offered. of the members and will be available

To boost its loan activity, to fund loans. The transfer of fidelity the Coop issued pre-approved loan bond is part of the agreement KMBI and applications to its members who have 4HG signed in 2007.

Seven Mindanao staff earn master’s degree Seven KMBI staff from Mindanao operations marched at the Philippine International Convention Center to accept their graduate diploma in business administration from the Philippine Christian University on March 27, 2008. The graduates were Caraga

area manager Enrique Maca, Koronadal branch manager Rhany Barrera, Surigao branch manager James Anthony Russel, Metro Davao 2 unit supervisor Jerzon Solomon, San Francisco unit supervisor Shiela Dianne Ostrea, Butuan accountant Jennifer Mendaje, and Butuan program

assistant Leah Edulzura.

Maca and his group were the second batch of Microfinance Success Institute (MSI) since it started in 2003.

The first batch graduated in 2005.

Currently there are 21 active staff Turn to page 12 KMBI | 5

“Reaching out to 250,000 Filipino households on our 25th year”

Operation officers get new assignment Staff Movements NAME

OLD ASSIGNMENT

NEW ASSIGNMENT

Area Managers Fay Lorraine Amodia

CALABARZON 3

CALABARZON 2

Margarita Robles

CALABARZON 2

CALABARZON 3

Emerlyn Singson

Meycauayan

San Jose

Mary Rose De Guzman

Metro Manila South 2

Meycauayan

Suzette Mandayag

Tacurong

Upper Cavite

Adonis Magallanes

Calamba

San Pablo

Sharon Marigon

Upper Cavite

Lower Cavite

Ian Mark Villacruz

Lucena

Naga

Jasmine Mendoza

Naga

Lucena

Amelita Andilab

Digos

Tacurong

Grace Asedillo

Metro Davao 1

General Santos City

Orbil Driz

Tagum

Digos

Ruth Sabio

San Jose

Metro Manila South 2

Evelyn Francisco

General Santos City

Tagum

Ednalyn Hospital

Compostela Valley

Metro Davao 1

Branch Managers

Branch Accountants Carmela Porras, Luzon operations manager discusses the staff movements to the branch accountants during the reshuffling orientation at KMBI head office.

Mark Benitez

Meycauayan

Central Cavite

Ronwaldo Viray

Tandang Sora

Camarin

“Reshuffling of branch staff to maximize their potentials and to enhance control and operations” - this is the call of management during one of their meetings. This led to the reshuffling of branch accountants and some area and branch managers.

Effective April 1, 2008 reshuffled branch accountants will start to work on their new assignments while branch managers have already moved on March 18, 2008. The management’s decision took a lot of considerations before its implementation and because of this they are expecting that transferred staff would take the movements as a challenge that will shape them and the operations towards efficiency and effectiveness.

Branch accountants, managers and area managers were carefully picked according to their strengths and weaknesses. They were intentionally teamed-up to produce quality operation, for them to learn from each other, and achieve professional growth. Branch accounting head Harry Dalanon said, “Giving new assignments will also eliminate familiarity and avoid compromises in the operations.”

“Reshuffling is one of the strategies of the organization in order to produce well-organized operations,” he added.

Marvin Barrieta

Pasig

Biñan

Angelito John Endaya

Metro Manila South 1

Metro Manila South 2

Keith Gella

Metro Manila South 2

Pasig

Gamelba Sanoy

Upper Cavite

Metro Manila South 1

Maria Wilma Velarde

Central Cavite

Lower Cavite

Michael Bomlarda

Biñan

Upper Cavite

Liza Recio

Lipa

Batangas

Lyren Aquino

Batangas

Lipa

Edwin Relativo Jr.

Legaspi

Iriga

Sheila Marie Panesares

Iriga

Legaspi

Ulysses Mendoza

Digos

Surigao

Greggy Canja

Metro Davao 1

Tagum

Norman Semilla

Metro Davao 2

Metro Davao1

Rhea Lecong

Tagum

Metro Davao 2

Jocelyn dela Cruz

General Santos City

Koronadal

Beniefe Tungala

Kidapawan

Digos

Sheillah Tanawan

Koronadal

General Santos City

Miller Placeros

Surigao

Tandang Sora

Mirazon Rivera

Compostela Valley

Kidapawan

Marietta Japson

Camarin

Meycauayan

6 | Communi-K |

“Be strong and courageous, for you will lead my people to possess all the land I swore to give their ancestors.” (Joshua 1:6&7)

Gumaca feeds 425 locals of Quezon to 425 less fortunate mothers and children on March 15, 2008.

The branch conducted a feeding project held in Brgy. Caridad Ibaba, Atimonan, Quezon.

T h e branch collected contributions from some staff and program members which amounted to Php7,000.

Further, Gumaca staff gave bags of groceries to the participants of the feeding program. some program members contributed in-kind such Aside from enterprising poor, KMBI also as clothes, rice, noodles, and canned aims to reach more to poorest of the foods. The activity started early in the poor by sharing non-financial services afternoon with a praise and worship and to them and this is what Gumaca invocation led by program members branch fulfilled when they reached out from B-322. Barangay captain Sabino

Lemosa and Department of Social Welfare and Development barangay Nutritionist Alita Sarmiento graced the activity by delivering inspirational talks. Jesus Lord of the Nations Church pastor Jay Morelo facilitated the short reflection and talked on the value of respecting parents being one of God’s commandments. Games for children were also facilitated alongside the devotion in order to help the mothers focus on the topic.

While the mothers and children were having their meals, program assistant Jaywarren Escleto narrated a short story to educate them on the importance of balanced diet. At the end of the activity, 400 plastic bags containing used clothes, one-kilo rice, four pieces noodles, and two canned goods were distributed to the participants.

Davao operations partner with Bombo radio Davao area manager Hazel Laurente discussed on the air KMBI’s role in community development in Bombo Radyo Philippines, a local radio program in Davao City.

Bombo Radyo Davao strongly advocates livelihood program thru business and entrepreneurship. Part of its mission is to provide public information.

During the interview, Laurente discussed KMBI’s vital role in community development especially in empowering women microentrepreneurs socially, economically, environmentally and spiritually. She shared the organization’s holistic transformation goal which advocates for a positive change in the four facets of its members’ lives through

the proclamation and actualization of the Word of God.

According to Laurente, Bombo radio appreciated the work of KMBI in the community and they look forward to partnering with the organization in attaining quality life of the people of Davao.

Lipa celebrates Valentine with memorabilia Lipa branch conducted a “Sweet Couple Photo Contest” on February 14, 2008 at the branch office to recollect memories of program members with their husbands.

Three among 34 photo entries from program members won the contest.

They were Maria Paz Dinglasan, Arnelia Atwil, and Cristina Eje. The winners received a dinner set while certificates of recognition were given to program members who submitted entries.

From February 1 until February 13, the staff helped gather photo entries from program members. Based on criteria, the photos must depict sweet and affectionate bond between couples legally joined together.

The activity was organized to remind the program members that God and love must continue to unite them together.

Lipa sweet photo contest winners: (Left to right) Maria Paz Dinglasan, Cristina Eje, and Arnelia Atwil with their husbands.

KMBI | 7

“Reaching out to 250,000 Filipino households on our 25th year”

NCR goes clean and green

(1) Tandang Sora program members posed after the clean-up drive; (2) Program members from Marikina hand and hand in cleaning the vicinity; (3) Pasig program members started to clean up Pleasant Hills; (4) and West Avenue program members enjoyed cleaning-up their place.

National Capital Region (NCR) area helped nearby communities look good by conducting an area-wide clean-up drive activity. Nine barangays were covered through the help of 333 program members from Marikina, Pasig, Tandang Sora, and West Avenue.

Ronald Ravelo, NCR area manager together with NCR branch managers spearheaded the activity to build a good relationship between the staff, clients and barangay officials; to inculcate the importance of cleanliness of environment; and to help the community to have clean surroundings.

Through the activity program members learned the essence of cooperation and cleanliness. “Dapat magtulungan tayo para mapanatili natin ang kalinisan. Bilang mga magulang, dapat ay ituro natin sa ating mga anak 8 | Communi-K |

ang kahalagahan ng kalinisan upang ito ay kanilang makatutunan.” (We should learn to cooperate to achieve our goal.

As a parent, we should show and instill upon the importance of cleanliness for them to inherit it),” said Mrs. Annabelle Duka, program member from Marikina.

Another program member from West Avenue said, “Dati, harap mo linis mo, kaya nagkanya-kanya tayo (Before, we only cleaned our own vicinity) but now through this activity we became more concerned to clean our community.”

Marikina branch successfully conducted the activity in Industrial Valley and Brgy. Nangka in coordination with 50 program members. Pasig branch, on the other hand, through the participation of 30 program members made the Brgy, Pleasant Hills a pleasant place. Tandang Sora branch implemented three separate

MMSB2 conducts branch operation workshop Aiming to improve customer service, Metro Manila South 2 Branch (MMSB2) officers conducted a Center Orientation Session Workshop for eleven staff on January 11 to 15, 2008 at the branch office. The purpose of the course is to refresh their knowledge on the microfinance operations and to address specific needs of the operation.

The workshop focused on equipping program assistants (PAs) in handling properly their microfinance operation. As part of the activity, the participants had an actual demonstration on the delivery of the five-day orientation sessions, including information meeting, pre-qualifications visit and center recognition/management test, for prospective program members (PMs). Co-participants acted as PMs while the demonstrator conducted the mock-up sessions. After each session, they commented and gave suggestions to improve their peer’s approach. The Training Department provided materials for the said workshop.

Further, branch manager Mary Rose de Guzman and the rest of the officers provided inputs on how to properly deliver the organization’s KMBI products and services to the program members. The workshop also included problem analysis and ended with a written examination.

clean-up drive activities in Brgy. Holy Spirit, Payatas, and Pasong Tamo. They were able to muster the support of 180 program members; while West Avenue held the clean-up drive at Brgy. Tandang Sora, Paltok and Gulod with the help of 73 program members.

“Be strong and courageous, for you will lead my people to possess all the land I swore to give their ancestors.” (Joshua 1:6&7)

13 Daet clients renew marriage vows As KMBI pursues to strengthen family relationships, Daet branch organized a marriage counseling and renewal of vows for program members and their respective spouses on February 9, 2008 at the Bagasbas Pavilion and Talisay Sports Complex, Daet, Camarines Norte.

World International Ministry workers, Pastor Camilio and Maggie Mata, led the renewal of vows and marriage counseling of eight couples from Unit A, while Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) representative Sylvia Lamadrid and Camarines Norte Christian Church pastor Pepito Yago led that of five couples from Unit B.

After the ceremony, a film with the topic “Mahal Ko ang Aking Asawa”

by Pastor Clem Guillermo, managing director of Back to the Bible, was shown. On the video, Pastor Guillermo

discussed the biblical principles of healthy marriage which gave hope to those who are struggling in their relationship. A Daet branch officer said it provided the participants biblical and practical motivation for them to grow deeper in love with each other.

Cleofe Salva, one of the clients who renewed marriage vow, testified that the activity helped in strengthening her Daet program member kissed her husband after the renewal of relationship with her husband. marriage vows.

Her husband,on the other hand, said it feedback to the community. According was his first time to join an activity for to her, DSWD representative commented marriage enrichment and it was worth that KMBI is the only microfinance institute who is conducting transformational giving time. in Camarines Norte.

Daet branch manager Roselyn activities Embac also said the activity gave positive

Bicol staff come together for Burunyugan

Bicol area staff during the opening ceremony of the annual sportsfest.

Bicol area promoted unity and friendship as they came together for an area-wide two day activity called Burunyugan Festival. “Burunyugan” is the native term of Bicolanos for unity, camaraderie and friendship.

The event was subdivided into

two major activities – the search for Mr. and Ms. KMBI Bicol and the sportsfest. As part of KMBI’s culture, the program did not push through without the time for the Word of God. Invited pastor Domingo Nacario of Buhi Christian Fellowship gave a short reflection on Esther 2.

After the event, Legaspi branch was declared over-all champion bagging most of the awards in basketball, women’s volleyball, and badminton single and double category.

Jose Banania, program assistant, and Arlene Araya, branch accounting assistant, were crowned as Mr. and Ms. KMBI Bicol.

According to Bicol area manager Reynald Alpajando, Burunyugan festival was a refreshing and fun experience for the staff. “It was designed for social, spiritual, physical and mental transformation of staff.

It was a venue that promoted friendship and camaraderie among staff in the area.

The festival also served as a retreat for everyone – a temporary break from the operation,” Alpajando said.

KMBI | 9

“Reaching out to 250,000 Filipino households on our 25th year”

Behind the Great Mind “...he resolved to himself, as his service and ministry to God, that he would become a multiplier... training leaders who would train future leaders, too.”

Edgardo Mercedes, KMBI executive director led the crowd in a praise and worship.

Edgardo Simene Mercedes, fondly called “Egay,” grew up in a little town called Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental in Mindanao Island. Third of six siblings, Egay found time to walk in the beaches near their home to enjoy the intermingling of hues and tints as the sun would go 10 | Communi-K |

down the horizon. The solitude of the place gave ample room for his reflections and early musings about life. It was then that Egay began wondering what was beyond the horizon and what he could possibly contribute if he were out there.

Egay’s appreciation for nature first led him to dream of becoming an international painter or a play director.

As a child, he would draw the Belen scene using colored chalk on the wall of his parent’s house. His first fine art drawing was the image of Jesus Christ with his Sacred Heart using pencil as medium. On his wedding day, he made his wife, Imelda Avila, a painting of waterfalls in the forest which they used as backdrop during the church ceremony.

Later on, Egay chose to take Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Accounting in Far Eastern University.

He was active in extra-curricular activities during his college days. In 1991, he first joined KMBI as program assistant. Then he was promoted to hold various posts, including research and development and operations. It was during his stint in KMBI that he resolved to himself, as his service and ministry to God, that he would become a multiplier... training leaders who would train future leaders, too. In 1998, he worked with People’s Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC), and implemented, monitored and evaluated its retail microfinance program.

Egay decided to go back to KMBI in 2002 and became its regional head for operations in Southern Philippines. His main assignment involved the preparation of staff and

program members to be transferred to Opportunity Microfinance Bank (OMB).

He also served as the overall team leader in the revision, consolidation and writing of KMBI’s operations manual.

Eventually, he was appointed as operations director, leading both Luzon and Mindanao operations.

Through the years, he spearheaded major projects for the organization bringing the program to far-flung areas and establishing new branches, while continuing to manage and direct overall operations. On July 1, 2006, Egay became KMBI’s executive director.

Today, he brushes shoulders with directors and presidents of businesses, religious groups, academe, government agencies and other like-minded institutions just so to rally his vision for poverty alleviation in the Philippines.

He has read countless books, studied economies and business trends, and continually observed the ever-changing preferences of the Filipino populace to strategically direct KMBI. He sees the organization as a vehicle for national transformation with the support of other institutions focusing primarily on moral recovery. Egay has never been resolute in his goal to usher Filipino communities to positive change through consolidated efforts of individuals who chose to grasp this mission.

“Be strong and courageous, for you will lead my people to possess all the land I swore to give their ancestors.” (Joshua 1:6&7)

Entrep 101 There are many companies out there that might ask you to join their company and become one of their dealers and give you lots of good and exciting commissions. The offer was good and hard to resist, right? However, bear in mind that promising is part of dealership scheme being offered.

Anyhow, there are many truths behind and many good companies presenting an opportunity of this manner, but there are still some who only pretend and never have any resemblance of order. In order to be counted as one of the many individuals who became successful in this kind of scheme, bear in mind the following reminders:

Do a research on the company

MF Index A program assistant (PA) is an important part of KMBI’s structure. PAs should be the epitome of the mission and vision of the organization to the clients.

Hence, becoming a PA is not an easy task. From building 10 centers up to its maintenance plus the developing of client’s outlook in life towards holistic transformation is indeed a hard work for them. Below are ten of the 20 ways to become an effective PA:

Show up to work early. Early bird catches the worm. The earlier you show up to work, the earlier you can finish your stuff and make your day productive. This will result to a more organized work.

Develop a passion for the poor and needy. To implement the life transformation program, one should

Dealer Wannabe that you want to join. Know its legal personality, history, performance, and feedback from existing dealers.

Study well the products to be sold. It is necessary that you, as a dealer, have the confidence on all of these products. Do not be overly excited on the potential income that may be generated in order for you to listen and understand intently all the important information regarding being a dealer of a product.

Find out how much is the total capital that you have to shell out in order for you to be an accredited dealer.

Read carefully the Dealership Agreement form so that you may know all obligations of a dealer. Make sure that it is clear and fine with you

all the stipulations stated there.

Find out how long would it take and how will you get the income as a dealer of all of those products.

Ask also the availability of marketing or technical support on those products, if necessary.

It is necessary to know if there are improvement seminars available for dealers.

Following the above reminders does not necessarily mean achieving one hundred percent success in the dealership business. However, these could guide you to make sound and critical judgment if you want to be a successful dealer.

Source: Kapihang Entrepinoy Magazine

20 Ways to Become an Effective PA

by: Reynald Alpajando

have a passion for the poor or to help the needy. PAs are representative of the organization in reaching out to the poor and helping them get away from poverty.

Hence, appreciate, love, and take good care of your program members. Above all, PAs should be the one to know their clients well.

Practice transparency and honesty. What you see is what you get.

Be honest, if you commit mistakes then do something to correct it. Do not forge signature or plagiarize. One should not keep secrets from program members and colleagues to earn trust and respect.

However, do not gossip. Always value confidentiality of information that you are going to disseminate to others. For instance, during the process of credit investigation, if a program member fails from the criteria, tell the client right away

in a tactful way that she is disqualified.

Learn to appreciate. A simple “thank you” can touch the program members’ heart. It makes them feel they are important. Sooner or later, more and more individual will learn how to appreciate others.

Be a good listener. Most of our program members and colleagues have their own stories to share. These can be happy or sad stories. Whatever they are, learn to listen to them. They shared it to you because they trust you.

Be neat and tidy. Believe in the power of good dressing. This is not to intimidate but to earn respect, trust, and become a role model to your colleagues and program members. Do not meet your colleagues and program Turn to page 12

KMBI | 11

Top 5 Performing Branches RANK

BRANCH

1

Kidapawan

2

COR

LP

1st Quarter 2008

PAR

OSS

OFC.

(%)

(%)

MGT.

FPA

TRANS

SCORE

3

3

3

14.60

4,669 23,744,845.83

0.00 225.04

Koronadal

4, 662

11, 542, 390.82

0.00

184.14

2.7

3

2.3

13.60

3

Butuan

4, 223

13, 906, 959.16

0.00

208.47

2.7

2.7

2.3

13.50

4

Tacurong

4, 514

12, 695, 885.84

0.00

157.65

2.3

1.7

2.7

13.20

5

Lucena

4, 227

11, 685, 775.60

0.00

157.82

2.3

1.7

2.7

12.50

Abbreviations: COR - Client Outreach; LP - Loan Portfolio; PAR - Portfolio-at-Risk; OSS - Operational Self Sufficiency; FPA - File and Policy Administration; TRANS - Transformation.

“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.”

Our Mission

20 Ways ... from page 11 members without having a good bath, clean teeth, well-ironed clothes, and clean shoes.

Also, always stay fresh by putting a mild scent of cologne.

Think wisely. Learn how to make rational plans and always make considerations in all your plans especially in approving loans. Approve loan and loan increments based on capacity and issues on character of the program member. Do not compromise. Always consult and coordinate with the officers in developing plans to solve issues.

Do not assume. Ask if you do not understand. Do not be ashamed in asking questions because asking questions can help you decide and will put you on the right track.

Always Laugh. Laughter is the best medicine, right? Then, smile even in the middle of much tensions. One should laugh and have fun because it is important to be happy in everything he does. If you are not happy then, this job is not right for you.

Be creative and resourceful.

Program members are not easy to please and of course you cannot please everyone.

Hence, to avoid boredom, learn how to be more creative during center discussions.

Be resourceful; use the internet to find interesting topics for discussion. Also, you should learn to love reading books. You can invest on leadership books for you to share to your colleagues and clients. Communi-K

Our Vision

is also one resource material.

Reynald Alpajando, Bicol area manager once become a PA before he reached the peak of his career. Hence, he would like to share his personal experiences and learning on how to become a best PA to help our PAs to succeed. For Alpajando, becoming a PA is such a tough job and yet morally and eternally rewarding. For him, it became an avenue of opportunities to reach out people.

To be continued in the 2nd quarter issue.

Seven Mindanao... from page 5 under MSI program and they are expected to graduate in December this year. MSI program was established to encourage and equip the staff to take on greater responsibilities and be more competitive in their chosen field.

“KMBI is a Christ-centered development organization, existing to help transform the lives of its clients and develop its human resources who will provide sustainable microfinance, training and demand-driven non-financial services.”

Core Values Respect Integrity Stewardship Commitment to the Poor Discipline Innovation Excellence

Goal 25.250

“Reaching out to 250,000 Filipino households on our 25th year”

editorial box Editorial Advisers: Edgardo S. Mercedes Liza D. Eco

Master’s in Business Administration graduates (Left to right standing) Koronadal branch manager Rhany Barrera, Caraga area manager Enrique Maca, MD2 unit supervisor Jerzon Solomon, Surigao branch manager James Anthony Russel. (Left to right sitting) San Francisco unit supervisor Shiela Dianne Ostrea, Butuan accountant Jennifer Mendaje, and Butuan program assistant Leah Edulzura.

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. Head Office: KMBI Bldg., 12 San Francisco St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City Tel (02) 291.1484 to 86 l Fax (02) 292.2441 l http://www.kmbi.org.ph

Editor: Rizaldy R. Duque Assistant Editor: Kris Joy T. Guimary Contributors: Lea J. Gatpandan Hazel Christine Rosacia Reynald Alpajando