Communi-K: A Living Sacrifice (Vol. 14 No. 1)

ISSN 2243-8939

communi-k VOL 14 NO 1

a Sacrifice

INSIDE

14 KMBI Awards

16 Unity in the Workplace

24 Kilala Mo Ba Siya?

INSIDE VOL. 14 NO. 1

ORGANIZATIONAL NEWS

FACTS

PG. 4 106 Convene for the 2018 General Assembly PG. 4 Ivy Millare Bags CMA Recognition PG. 5 KMBI Hosts International Exposure Visits PG. 5 Adopt-a-Daycare Program Serves 1,120 Children PG. 6 KMBI Mounts CAMPS 2018 in Davao City

about the human body PAGE 19

NEWS BRIEF PG. 7 PG. 7 PG. 8 PG. 8 PG. 9 PG. 9

KMBI-APPEND Reaches Out to Rizal Fire Victims Cebu North Conducts Feeding Program & Gift-giving Branch and Satellite Unit Inaugurations Tagum Clients Initiate Coastal Clean-up Drive Wellness Caravan Visits Bulacan Area 2018 Sports Fest Champions

THE

Couch Potato’s guide to

SAVING the WORLD Page 22

COVER STORY PG. 10 A Living Sacrifice

FEATURE STORY PG. 12 Serving with Purpose

CAMPS 2018 SPECIAL PG. 14 KMBI Excellence Awards PG. 15 Groufie Corner

KMBI EXCELLENCE AWARDS Page 14

LEADERS’ EDGE PG. 13 The Sacrifices of a Great Leader PG. 16 Maintaining Workplace Unity

TIPS PG. 18 PG. 19 PG. 20 PG. 22

Fit and Right: Tips to be the Best Version of You Facts about the Human Body Sa Klasrum ni Kuya K: Save Up, Save the Future!

The Couch Potato’s Guide to Saving the World

MF INDEX PG. 24 Kilala Mo Ba Siya?

PG. 26 Should You Vote?

SA KLASRUM NI KUYA K Page 20

POEM PG. 27 Baka Bukas by Nikki John Nabat Cover page artwork: “Laurence The Lamb” illustrated by Ros Shiers. www.ros-shiers.com Graphics and images courtesy of: www.freepik.com & www.pexels.com 2

Communi-K vol. 14 no. 1

CHECK OUT PG. 18

THE

PRESIDENT’S NOTE Sacrifice can be defined as “an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy.”

As I read this definition, the very first thing that came into my mind was the people within the organization. For 32 years, the organization has been witness to the sacrifices made by the countless men and women who endured living away from their families, long hours at the field and numerous instances where employees offered their time and skills beyond what was required, without asking anything in return.

We all sacrifice ourselves to sustain KMBI. We give ourselves to the organization so we can serve others better. This, in turn, gives us a sense of purpose. But, apart from work, there is a much greater purpose that we need to fulfill.

In this edition of Communi-K, we define the most essential part of our existence—to revere our Creator. Acknowledging the living God who made all creations. Without Him, there is nothing. So to pay Him back the glory of our existence, it is only proper that we acknowledge Him through worship. And being that God is a Spirit, our acts of worship should accordingly be spiritual, not physical.

It is my fervent hope that this edition would give us a better appreciation of the purpose of our existence, as this will become our guide towards living a holy life and accomplishing His purpose.

This pursuit of holiness is going to be a lifelong mission, but it is a journey we can all travel together with the help and mercy of God. Masaya Dito sa KMBI!

EDUARDO C. JIMENEZ President

EDITORIAL BOARD Princes O. Dacca Editor-In-Chief

Margaret N. Rodriguez Creative Direction

Kenneth S. David Managing Editor

For editorial contributions, suggestions and inquiries, please contact:

COMMUNI-K IS LOOKING FOR WRITERS! Kung mayroon kang talento sa pagsulat at nais mo itong ibahagi, pwede kang magcontribute ng iyong article o mag-iwan ng mensahe sa ksdavid@kmbi.org.ph.

Lanie C. Montaño Corporate Affairs Office Rianne Aybil U. Peñaredondo Kabalikat para sa Maunlad Samantha Elaine S. Castillo Nikki John C. Nabat na Buhay, Inc. (KMBI) Dawn Jandie I. Ulangca 12 San Francisco Street, Blesilda H. Visaya Karuhatan, Valenzuela CityInc. (A Microfinance NGO) Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Contributors (02)373-1339 or (02)373-1297

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ORGANIZATIONAL NEWS

106 Convene for the 2018 General Assembly

A total of 106 Officers from the Head Office and Branches gathered for the annual assembly last January 17-19, 2018 to uncover KMBI’s plans for the year.

The three-day activity was held at Quest Hotel and Conference Center, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. The event

focused on KMBI’s future plans anchored on its seven strategic directions.

It brought a series of framework orientations and policy reinforcements which are expected to be cascaded to the staff at the branch level.

A commitment run was held on the last day, symbolic of the long

Ivy Millare Bags CMA Recognition The 15th Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA) recognized Ms. Ivy Millare, KMBI Program Member, as the regional awardee for Mindanao during its awarding rites last December 6, 2017 at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Ivy is the second Mindanao Regional Awardee from KMBI since 2015, following the success of Ms. Maternidad Salili, a manufacturer of high-quality coil springs.

The CMA celebrates a wide variety of businesses and the exceptional enterprising skills of microentrepreneurs. This prestigious award-giving body is made possible by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Citi Foundation, Citi Philippines, and Microfinance Council of the Philippines (MCPI).

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Communi-K vol. 14 no. 1

road ahead that requires sacrifice and dedication from the participants to be able to achieve the long-term vision of the organization.

Since 2014, the General Assembly is being held annually to solidify communication, cooperation, and fellowship among Branch and Head Office Officers.

ORGANIZATIONAL NEWS

KMBI Hosts International Exposure Visits

Since December 2017, KMBI has spearheaded the study visit of 34 microfinance practitioners from India and Nepal. The Training and Advanced Education Department of the Transformational Development and Training Group (TDTG) facilitated the exposure visits.

The microfinance practitioners also paid a visit to one of KMBI’s top branches, Tandang Sora Branch, to observe center meeting practices and interact with KMBI Program Members.

KMBI was selected by its partners, namely Microfinance Council of the

Philippines (MCPI) and AsiaPacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association Center for Training and Research in Agricultural Banking (APRACA CENTRAB), as model institution for practitioners to learn about microfinance operations, services, processes, and strategies in the Philippines.

Adopt-a-Daycare Program Serves 1,120 Children Since April 2018, KMBI has been strengthening its efforts to partner with preschools in order to address the schooling needs of daycare students across the Philippines.

Through the Adopt-aDaycare Program, KMBI visited Daycare centers and distributed school supplies and hygiene kits to a total of 1,120 young pupils.

This initiative was done in cooperation with KDFI & APPEND. Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO)

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ORGANIZATIONAL NEWS

KMBI Mounts CAMPS 2018 in Davao City

KMBI’s best operations & support staff line up on stage to be lauded during the 2018 KMBI LEaD Camp held at the SMX Premier, Lanang, Davao last April 18, 2018.

KMBI successfully mounted its back-toback 2018 Leadership Enhancement and Development (LEaD) Camp and 27th APPEND Leadership Conference, dubbed together as “CAMPS 2018” at the SMX Premier, Lanang, Davao City, empowering more than 1300 microfinance practitioners.

KMBI LEaD Camp 2018 Kicking off the conferences was the KMBI LEaD Camp with the theme “Live a Holy Life. Accomplish God’s Purpose!” last April 18, 2018. Mr. David D. Gutierrez, KMBI Chairman, opened this year’s camp.

In his opening remarks, he urged the staff to practice godliness at all times by veering away from earthly customs.

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Pastor Jebo Banzuelo graced the whole-day conference. He dissected this year’s theme verse of Romans 12:1-2. Capping off the afternoon session were inspirational talks in the form of breakout sessions.

The two-day assembly, themed “Past Meets Future” centered on Hebrews 12:1-2, took a glimpse back into the history of APPEND, its humble beginnings, and how far it has gone about three decades later.

The evening was enlivened

by Disney musical presentations of all 14 areas. Davao Area, for the fourth time in a row, swept the first prize with their interpretation of Mulan.

Included in the conference were breakout sessions, Disney night, and tribute to Gordon V. and Helen C. Smith Foundation, the institution that supported the education of APPEND KILOS Scholars.

27th APPEND Leadership Conference Next in line was the 27th APPEND Leadership Conference held last April 19-20, 2018, attended by 1,300 staff and leaders from member organizations of the APPEND Network.

Communi-K vol. 14 no. 1

The CAMPS 2018 was an expression of KMBI’s commitment to strengthen the technical competence, leadership, and spiritual health of its employees and partner organizations.

NEWS BRIEF

KMBI-APPEND Reaches Out to Rizal Fire Victims Twenty-five (25) Program Members who were victims of fire in Meralco Village received basic construction supplies such as galvanized iron (GI) sheets for roofing, plywood, coco lumber and

nails to construct basic housing. This is through the relief efforts extended

by KMBI Angono Branch and APPEND last June 1, 2018. The same provisions were also afforded to another Program Member

in a separate fire incident the previous week. Apart from construction supplies, KMBI and APPEND also distributed relief goods to the victims to help ease their plight during this time of transition.

Cebu North Conducts Feeding Program and Gift-giving May 7, 2018 that razed around 100 homes in Sitio Kawit, Barangay Ermita, Cebu City.

The residents were thankful for the immediate assistance extended by KMBI Cebu North Branch last June 30, 2018.

Ms. Rebecca Prada, Branch Manager of KMBI Cebu North, spearheads the distribution of school supplies to children.

KMBI, in cooperation with APPEND and KDFI, extended relief efforts

to some 350 children who were affected by the fire incident last

Efforts included a mass feeding program for the residents and provision of school kits to the children of fire victims to augment the pupils’ schooling necessities.

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO)

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NEWS BRIEF

KMBI Opens 10 New Branches, 4 Satellite Units and Rosales. The North Cotabato Area, on the other hand, handles the newly instated branches of Midsayap and Kabacan, a former satellite unit now converted into a fullfledged branch.

Left: Tandag Branch Inauguration; Right: KMBI President, Mr. Eduardo C. Jimenez graces the inauguration of Kabacan Branch.

KMBI now serves more than 155,000 clients with its sixty-four (64) branches and thirteen (13) satellite units nationwide!

Alongside the realignment of some branches to their corresponding areas, the organization has inaugurated new branches in Davao (Mati & Lupon Branch), Caraga (Tandag & Mangagoy Branch)

and CALABARZON (Lipa Branch).

Three (3) new areas were also established, namely North Cotabato, Panay, and Central Luzon. Under the Panay Area are the following recently installed branches: Kalibo and Dumaguete. The Central Luzon Area also opened with its three (3) new branches: Tarlac, Paniqui,

Moreover, the intensified operations brought forth new satellite units: Bayambang (under San Carlos Branch), Balanga (Olongapo Branch), Passi (Roxas Branch), and Solano (Santiago Branch).

In total, the organization has seen the expansion of three (3) new areas, nine (9) new branches, one (1) branch conversion, and four (4) new satellite units over the first half of 2018.

Tagum Clients Initiate Coastal Clean-up Drive

KMBI Tagum Branch initiated a clean-up drive around the coastal area of Mabini, Compostela Valley last June 30, 2018. KMBI staff, local residents and clients removed seaside rubbish from the beachside area. This was done as part of the branch’s clientinitiated activity in partnership with KDFI and APPEND. 8

Communi-K vol. 14 no. 1

NEWS BRIEF

Wellness Caravan Visits Bulacan Area

Wellness Caravan goes to Valenzuela City! 245 Program Members from the branches of Valenzuela and Marilao acquired useful insights on health and wellness last May 25, 2018 at the Valenzuela City Center for Performing Arts. This project was spearheaded by the Programs & Services Department of the Transformational Development & Training Group (TDTG). The Caravan is expected to visit SOCSKSARGEN Area in September and Rizal in December.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE KMBI 2018 SPORTS FEST CHAMPIONS! BADMINTON LUZON A

BASKETBALL LUZON B

Mr. Ronel Castor | Ms. Evelyn Cadag

VOLLEYBALL (MEN) MINDANAO

TABLE TENNIS LUZON A

Mr. Timothy John Pasicolan

VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN) MINDANAO SWIMMING MINDANAO

CHESS LUZON A

Mr. Robert Carlo B. Samortin Jr.

DART LUZON A

Mr. Rommel L. Meneses

MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS (MVPs) BASKETBALL Mr. Luben M. Cancino

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL Mr. Paul Ryan D. Tan

WOMEN’S VOLLEBALL Ms. May Grace P. Porquillo Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO)

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A

COVER STORY

Living

SACRIFICE

By Dawn Jandie I. Ulangca

Know Your Real Purpose Lumingon ka sa iyong kanan, sa kaliwa, sa harapan, at sa likuran. Ang lahat ng mga bagay na iyong nakikita, nadarama, naaamoy, at naririnig ay sadyang nilikha para sa isa o higit pang mga layunin. Ang lahat ng manlilikha ay LAGING may TIYAK na rason kung bakit niya ginagawa ang isang bagay. Ang ilaw ay may layong magbigay ng liwanag; ang damit ay nagbibigay ng proteksyon at nagtatakip ng kahubaran; ang musika ay nagdudulot ng iba’t ibang damdamin sa mga nakikinig nito; at ang bawat tao ay nilikha upang luwalhatiin at bigyan ng papuri ang Diyos.

Tama ang iyong nabasa. Ang layunin kung bakit ka nabubuhay sa mundo ay simple lamang: luwalhatiin at papurihan ang Diyos na lumikha sa iyo. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit ka ginawa ng Diyos. Marami sa atin ang nag-iisip nang malalim kung ano ang ‘purpose’ ng iyong buhay. Ang akala ng marami ay nagagawa na nila nang lubusan ang kanilang misyon sa buhay – tumulong sa pamilya, maging successful, at gumawa ng mabuti sa kapwa. Ngunit, kung hindi nauunawaan ng lubos ang tunay na dahilan kung bakit mo ginagawa ang isang bagay, at kung hindi malinaw sa iyo ang purpose ng iyong buhay, balewala lang ang lahat.

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You always need to go back to the SOURCE. Sino ang lumikha sa akin? Bakit Niya ako nilikha? Ano ang Kanyang plano para sa akin? Sa oras na maging klaro ang mga bagay na ito, ay saka mo pa lamang magagawang makapamuhay nang naaayon sa kalooban ng Diyos.

Be a Living Sacrifice and Pursue Holiness Sabi sa Roma 12:1, upang magawa nang lubos ang layunin na bigyan ng pagluwalhati at tunay na pagsamba ang Diyos, kailangang ialay ang sarili bilang buhay na handog, banal, at kalugod-lugod sa Diyos.

Kapag ‘kabanalan’ o pagiging ‘banal’ ang usapan, marami ang umiiwas. Ang kadalasang litanya ng marami “Hindi ako banal. Ang hirap maging banal.” Akala ng marami, ang kabanalan ay para lamang sa mga taong laman ng simbahan. Mga taong regular na dumadalo sa church service, mga pari, pastor, church workers, at mga tao na active sa iba’t ibang ministry ng simbahan. Akala rin ng marami, ang paggawa lamang ng mga ‘maka-langit’ o mga gawaing espiritwal ang tanging paraan upang masabing sila ay banal.

COVER STORY

Kaya nga mga kapatid, nakikiusap ako sa inyo alang-alang sa maraming pagkakataong kinaawaan tayo ng Dios, ibigay ninyo sa kanya ang inyong mga sarili bilang mga handog na buhay, banal at kalugod-lugod sa kanya. Ito ang tunay na pagsamba sa kanya. Huwag ninyong tularan ang mga pag-uugali ng mga tao sa mundong ito. Hayaan ninyong baguhin kayo ng Dios sa pamamagitan ng pagbabago ng inyong mga isip, para malaman ninyo ang kalooban ng Dios – kung ano ang mabuti, ganap, at kalugod-lugod sa kanyang paningin.

Roma 12:1-2 (ASD)

Ngunit sabi sa Bibliya, ang mga tao na nagsusuko ng kanilang buhay sa Diyos at may personal na relasyon sa Kanya ay nagiging banal, sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang biyaya. Nagpapasakop sila sa kapangyarihan ng Banal na Espiritu na baguhin ang kanilang maling gawi at paguugali. Tinatalikuran nila ang kasalanan, iniibig ang kanilang kapwa (kahit ang kanilang mga kaaway), at pinaglilingkuran ang Diyos na may buong katapatan.

Change Your Perspective Hindi ka robot na de-kontrol at sunudsunuran sa kung ano ang ipag-uutos ng lumikha sa iyo. God created men with free will. Ang tao ang namimili, nagpapasya, at nasusunod sa lahat ng gusto niyang mangyari sa kanyang buhay. But a person who truly surrendered himself to Christ is being transformed daily. God wants to transform your mind (Romans 12:2).

He wants you to see and appreciate the beauty of all of His creation. God wants you to see His grand purpose for your life.

Pilitin mong hanapin ang mabuti sa lahat ng mga tao at mga bagay sa iyong paligid.

Lagi mong alalahanin ang orihinal na disenyo ng Diyos sa pagkalikha sa mga ito. Kung magbabago ang iyong pananaw

sa mga ito, tiyak na magbabago rin ang iyong damdamin at aksyon, anoman ang maranasan mo sa buhay.

Ang pagbibigay ng buong sarili sa Diyos ay nangangailangan ng sinseridad, pagpapakababa, at pananampalataya.

When you offer yourself to God, you have to surrender your whole being. You have to surrender everything to HIM – even your dreams, your plans, and your will. With your whole heart, you allow Christ to take full control in your life. Sa madaling sabi, laging nakaangkla ang lahat ng iyong iisipin at gagawin sa kung ano ang nais ng Diyos.

You will be totally dependent on God, you will trust Him, and you will always allow His will to be done, not yours.

Accomplish God’s Purpose Live a holy life, because the God you serve is Holy. Honor and glorify God in everything you do and live according to His will. Be a good steward of your body, time, and resources. Nasaan ka man, ano man ang iyong ginagawa, hayag man ito o hindi, ang lahat ay magiging mabangong samyo at katanggap-tanggap sa Diyos kung ito ay gagawin mo na may pag-ibig at buong katapatan.

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO)

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FEATURE STORY

by Blesilda H. Visaya

S

imple, God-fearing, family-oriented, optimistic, survivor, and jolly. Ganyan i-describe ni Sir Teodoro Amores, Jr. ang sarili sa kanyang Facebook account.

If one gets a chance to talk to him, one will find out that his life is like a teleserye. Isang roller coaster ng ups and downs. Nagsimula ang lahat nang maulila silang magkakapatid sa magulang. Nanirahan sa tiyahing itinuring silang parang mga utusan. But he recalls na swerte pa rin sila dahil pinag-aral din naman sila nito hanggang high school. Kinailangan nilang matutong tumayo sa sariling mga paa para makatapos ng kolehiyo. Namasukan bilang katulong, waiter at marami pa para mabuhay. Bagaman dumaan sa matinding pasakit, nanatili siyang positibo. Alam niyang may dahilan ang lahat ng bagay at may magandang mangyayari sa kanyang buhay kung mananalig siya sa Diyos.

Simple lang ang kanyang pangarap: ang magkaroon ng sariling pamilya. Wala kasi siyang buong pamilyang matatawag noon.

He struggled to start his own family due to financial problems. Di kasi sapat ang kinikita niya sa mga napapasukang trabaho noon.

Laking tuwa niya nang maging answered prayer ang makapasok sa KMBI noong 2013. He told himself that he can and will overcome the challenges of a Program Officer (PO) for the sake of his family. Batid niya na lahat ng trabaho ay may challenges, pero makakaya itong lampasan kung alam natin ang strength at weakness natin. Pero sa kabila ng kanyang role bilang PO, siya ay una sa lahat isang asawa sa kanyang misis at ama sa kanilang tatlong anak.

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Bilang ama at asawa, pinagsusumikapan niyang maitaguyod ang kanyang pamilya at maging source ng strength nito. Sa kasalukuyan ay dumaraan sila sa isang napakalaking pagsubok. Na-diagnose ang kaniyang misis ng chronic kidney disease at kinakailangan nitong sumailalim sa hemodialysis twice a week. Siya rin ang nag-aasikaso sa kanyang mga anak para makapasok sa school. Sa kabila nito ay hindi niya pinapabayaan ang kanyang tungkulin bilang PO, kahit pa inaabot siya ng puyat dahil sinasamahan niya ang misis sa dialysis center.

He faces each day with a smile on his face and a grateful heart. Naiisip niya na blessed pa rin siya sa kanyang buhay. Sabi niya, what he likes most about working at KMBI is that he gets to be an agent of transformation in the lives of his Program Members. Masaya siyang nakakasama niya ang mga ito sa center meetings. Sabi pa niya, maituturing niyang calling ang kanyang trabaho sa KMBI since it allows him to serve others and God. Bukas din siya sa pagtulong sa mga katrabaho. Laging handang magbigay ng payo sa mga kapwa PO na nahihirapan sa pag-handle ng sentro.

His life might not be a box of chocolates and it’s far from being a walk in the park but what we see in his life is that he walks in the grace of God’s love for him and his family.

From the bitterness that he had experienced in the past comes the sweetness of God’s promise for his life.

Mr. Teodoro “Ted” Amores Jr. is the 2018 Story Caravan winner for Visayas. He is now celebrating his 5th year anniversary at KMBI.

THE

LEADERS’ EDGE

SACRIFICES OF A GREAT

LEADER

D

o you dream of becoming a leader someday? The time when people look up to you, depend on you, and run to you?

Who doesn’t like that? But it takes more than respect and skills to become a leader; you must be willing to sacrifice a lot of things.

Leaders are busy They are always on the lookout for ways they can help others. They do not have time to think about themselves, because they know that being a leader is not about them; it is about their people. The very first thing you need to sacrifice in order to become a great leader is yourself. Whenever a leader sees a person in need, she immediately grabs the opportunity to help them, not minding if she loses all the money or resources. When a subordinate has nothing to eat, a true leader gives up the only meal he has left for himself, even if it means he will starve.

Biblically speaking, Christ became the epitome of leadership and selflessness. As the Son of God who became flesh, Christ felt the same kind of thirst, hunger, and temptation that we do. Despite being the Son of God, He let Himself be at the center of shame and chose to be one with the poor in their suffering. Never - even just for a second of His human life - did He ever think about Himself.

They make sure no one gets left behind This is where the idea “leadership from behind” comes from - it is an act of sacrifice.

A leader wants to secure his people by trailing behind them. The only time he takes the front is when he’s checking for dangers down the road. Once harm is out of the way,

by Kenneth S. David

he allows his people to go first, securing them one by one until they’re complete and he is the last person to march.

Leaders ask, not command Leaders are aware that their position is not there forever; they believe that their leadership is a temporary role that can be handed over to another person. Thus, they don’t assert authority to tell people to do things. Rather, they ask favors.

They celebrate small victories with people They treat obedience as debt, not privilege.

Leaders empower their people by rewarding them with a sense of fulfilment once something is accomplished, no matter how small. They know that victories motivate people to work harder. When people feel appreciated, they strive to do better than their best.

Leaders think it’s not them When people become better, leaders don’t credit themselves with the thought “it’s all because of me”. They think it is not they who empowered their people; rather, it’s the people who empowered themselves.

After all the sacrifices leaders have gone through, they still think they wouldn’t have done much if not for their people. It is seeing the smile on people’s faces that drives leaders to continue leading their flock without asking for anything in return.

To become a great leader means to lose bits of yourself and give it to other people. This is the challenge of a leader. Are you willing to become one?

Reference: https://www.inc.com/ilan-mochari/mandelalead-from-behind.html

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO)

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2018

KMBI EXCELLENCE AWARDEES BEST BRANCH MANAGER Mirasol B. Ligad Metro Davao 1*

BEST PROGRAM UNIT HEADS Gladys T. Obena Tandang Sora

Zerbrian O. Blantucas Metro Davao 1*

BEST PROGRAM OFFICERS Engelyn G. Pauig Cauayan*

Alquinn Ceresola Angono*

April Joy M. De Guzman Laoag Albino Carpio Olongapo*

Jocelyn C. Cortez Mabalacat*

Michael Angelo S. Morales Tandang Sora Mylene C. Varona Tandang Sora

Arnel M. Dorol Tandang Sora*

Robe Narl B. Melano Tandang Sora

Mary Ann G. Nadlang Tandang Sora

BEST BRANCH ACCOUNTANT Julie Ann P. Dillera Tandang Sora*

BEST BRANCH ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT Cherry Mhae Maque Digos

BEST SUPPORT SERVICES STAFF Janice B. Baselonia Human Capital Department

5 MOST OUTSTANDING BRANCHES

Blesilda H. Visaya Corporate Affairs OfďŹ ce

Janet B. Bayaca Human Capital Department

1. TANDANG SORA 2. METRO DAVAO 1 3. DIGOS

4. KIDAPAWAN 5. METRO DAVAO 2

14 branch Communi-K vol. 14 no. 2017; 1 *detailed as of December have been either appointed to higher capacity or moved to another area at the time of this publication.

CAMPS 2018 GROUFIE CORNER

KMBI, Magkakabalikat

Unity P

inagtatalunan pa ba kung kailangan ng pagkakaisa sa isang organisasyon?

Kung ikaw ay tatanungin, malamang sasabihin mong ito ay kailangan. Talagang mahalaga ang pagkakaisa o ang unity. Ang isang nagkakaisang organisasyon ay mas efficient at mas productive, ito ay may mas mataas na employee retention rate at higit sa lahat mas madali ring matutupad ang mga objective ng organisasyon at ang mission at vision nito.

Bawat kabalikat ay may bahagi sa pagtaguyod ng ating pagkakaisa.

Palaganapin ang malinaw na vision sa lahat ng bahagi ng KMBI at siguruhin nating tayo mismo, naiintindihan natin kung ano ang ibig sabihin nito. Bukod diyan, mahalagang magkaroon ng kultura ng respeto, pagkakapantaypantay, at tiwala sa isa’t isa, lahat tayo ay nakakaimpluwensiya sa kulturang ito. Bilang mga professional, importante ring marunong tayo sa epektibong komunikasyon – bukod sa pagsasalita at pagsusulat, ang komunikasyon ay tungkol din sa pakikinig at pag-intindi. Dapat sadya tayong gumagawa ng mga paraan upang magkaroon ng pagkakaisa o mapagtibay pa ito. Hindi ito aksidenteng nangyayari na lamang.

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IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF UNITY Shared vision/shared values Equality, respect, and trust

LEADERS IN ACTION Sino ang leader? Kahit sino ay maaaring maging leader. Ang iba ay nasa leadership position na, ang ibang leader naman kahit walang titulo, ay leader na sa mga aksyon nila.

Ang pagkakaisa ay magsisimula sa inyong mga leaders, kaya heto ang ilang tips na maaaring gamitin sa team, sa group, at sa buong organisasyon.

LEADERS’ EDGE

by Samantha Elaine S. Castillo Intentional relationship building Ang relationship ay hindi lang naman tungkol sa crush o sa significant other.

Intensyonal na kilalanin ang mga katrabaho – ang mga lunch break, mga fellowship, Accountability Groups, at mga pagbiyahe ay mabubuting pagkakataon para dito.

Ang isa ngang Strategic Direction natin ay Build Close and Healthy Relationships.

Pero hindi naman kailangang maging best friend ng lahat at, siyempre, respetuhin ang kanya-kanyang personal boundaries, alalahanin ang ating code of conduct.

Look out for your teammates Isaalang-alang ang kapakanan ng mga katrabaho, maging sensitive sa mga may pinagdadaanan at tumulong kung kaya.

Lalong lalo na kung busy at stressed ang karamihan, mas kailangan ng pagunawa at malasakit sa isa’t isa. Tandaang hindi tayo mga robot. Ngunit huwag namang pagtakpan kung may maling gawain, bagkus, una sa lahat, iiwas sila sa alanganing posisyon at maging mabuting halimbawa.

Appreciate and understand different personalities Kilalanin na magkakaiba ang pagkatao ng iyong mga officemates at bigyang halaga ang maibabahagi ng bawa’t isa sa ikabubuti ng inyong department at ng organization. Isang mahalagang kakayahan ng mga leader at mga magiging leader ang mahusay na paghawak sa iba-ibang personalidad. Kasama sa paglawak ng karanasan at mga dagdag kaalaman, paghusayin din ang people skills. Empower the people around you and know how to let them work effectively, mas mapapadali rin ang iyong trabaho.

Communicate Effectively Mas maiintindihan ng iyong team ang mga kailangang gawin at kung gaano ito kahalaga kung alam nila ang mga objectives, gayon din kung talagang nauunawaan ang ating Mission at Vision.

Siguruhing malinaw ang mga usapan at maging bukas sa mga katanungan. Tiyakin ding magkakaroon ng pagkakataon na magsalita ang bawat staff – maging bagong ideya, ibang pamamaraan, o mga hinanakit man. Maaaring gamitin ang mga ideya at pamamaraan para ma-improve pa ang mga programa. Ang hinanakit naman, huwag nang hayaan pang maging malalim na hugot. Bigyan agad ng resolusyon.

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO)

17

TIPS

FIT AND RIGHT: Tips to be the best version of

by Rianne Aybil U. Peñaredondo

A

s they say, it is never too late to switch to a healthy lifestyle. Nowadays, looking good and being healthy is just a click away through video tutorials and articles on losing weight and burning fats.

When we think of our own life that is full of activities, schedules and commitments; we wonder, how are we supposed to do all this?

Here are some practical tips on how to achieve your #bodygoals: 1. Don’t Fear the Facts A lot of Filipinos don’t visit hospitals for regular check-ups and consult with doctors only when they can’t endure the pain of their condition. We need to change this mentality and visit our doctor regularly.

Joining some corporate wellness programs and orientations can help. Plus, an annual physical check-up is also vital to keep you updated on the state of your health.

2. Manage Your Diet Have you ever wondered why your diet isn’t working at all? This may be due to inappropriate food intake. Most of us think that to reduce weight or fats, we should eat less and stop taking in carbohydrates.

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However, studies show that when we eat too little or skip our meals, our body slows down our metabolism in order to conserve energy. When this happpens, fat becomes harder to burn; hence the continued accumulation. Remember to eat the right amount of food as often as possible and align it with your energy requirements.

3. Move around!

For short distances, take a walk instead of hitching a ride and take the stairs instead of using the elevator. Stand up from time to time, because sitting for long hours can lead to slower metabolism which impairs the ability of our body to regulate blood sugar.

We also need to find out the type of physique we want to achieve. The main reason we work out is surely to become fit, whether to be super buff or achieve an “hour glass” look. We should work out according to our body type so that the gym trainer can recommend the right exercise program to attain your body goals.

These are some practical tips you can do to achieve a healthy lifestyle. But why is it so important to put these into action?

It’s because keeping ourselves healthy means we have to sacrifice the pleasure of unhealthy habits to maintain the body that God has designed for us.

FACTS

TIPS

about the human body

Appreciate God’s masterpiece with these amazing facts!

1

Laughing is good for the heart and can increase blood flow by 20 percent.

When awake, the human brain produces enough electricity (about 10-25 Watts) to power a small light bulb.

3

The acid in our stomach is so acidic that, if it got onto your skin, it would burn a hole in it.

Your heart can keep beating even if it is separated from your body because it can generate its own electrical impulse.

5

2

4

Chocolate is good for your skin; its antioxidants improve blood flow and protect against UV damage. It also helps reduce stress.

To lose one pound (450 grams) of fat, you need to burn roughly 3,500 calories.

6

References: https://www.thegoodbody.com/health-facts/ www.factslides.com Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO) 19

SA KLASRUM NI KUYA K

SAVE

Patok na patok ang serbisyong Capital Build-Up sa ating mga kliyente, ‘di ba?

Nakikita kasi ng Program Members natin ang kahalagahan ng pag-iimpok bilang paghahanda sa emergencies ng buhay.

Bakit nga ba natin kailangang mag-save?

Siyempre, para ma-secure ang future natin.

Buti pa nga ang Program Members natin, nabibigyan natin ng opportunity para magsave at kumita ang kanilang savings. Eh tayo kaya? Bilang KMBI staff, paano tayo makakapag-save?

Sa bangko ba? Mind you, naglalaro lang sa 0.5% per annum ang interest rate kapag doon mo inimpok ang pera mo. Let’s compute, ha. Kung halimbawang naglagay ka ng PhP 3,000.00 sa bangko, sa loob ng 5 years ay PhP 75.00 lang ang kikitain mo.

Kumita naman ang savings, ‘yun nga lang, hindi ganoon kalaki.

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Communi-K vol. 14 no. 1

UP, THE FUTURE!

ALAM MO BA?

Ang cooperative ay nangangahulugang “working together”. Ibig sabihin, mga miyembro mismo ang nagtutulong-tulong para i-manage ito.

Buti na lang at nasa KMBI ka! Kasi, kung ano ‘yung financial services na binibigay natin sa mga kliyente natin, pwede mo ring ma-avail! Being a KMBI staff earns you the privilege of enjoying the benefits of our cooperative. Di naman kasi ganoon karami ang mga companies na mayroong ganito, kaya kay swerte mo!

Bakit ko nasabi? Ano ba ang nagagawa ng pagiging miyembro ng coop?

“It’s not about how much you earn, but how much you save.”

Maliit man o malaki ang sahod, pwede ka pa ring mag-save! Pero paano?

You partly own the coop Siguro yung iba sa atin, napilitan lang sumali, kasi nandyan na eh. Pero let me tell you na hindi pagmamay-ari ng ibang tao ang coop. Once na naging member ka, nagiging pag-aari mo na rin ang FHG MPC. Kaya nga ang tawag din sa ating coop ay “KMBI Employees’ Cooperative” kasi kabilang ka sa mga nagmamay-ari nito.

Para ka nang may business So meron kang ownership. Again, in a way, nagiging pag-aari mo rin ang FHG MPC kapag member ka nito. Para ka na ring may business! But wait – nasabi kong business, so dapat kumikita ka, di ba? Oo naman!

Alam mo bang kumikita ka rin sa pagiging member ng coop? Yes, you read it right – kumikita ka sa pagiging miyembro ng coop.

Sa madaling sabi, ang pera mo, hindi sa iba napupunta kundi sa iyo rin mismo, kasi nga co-owned mo ito.

Siyempre, dahil di lang ikaw ang nagmamayari ng coop, kailangan mo rin ng share capital. In other words, isa itong investment, puhunan sa Tagalog. Pag mas malaki ang nilagay mong share capital, natural mas

TIPS

OTHER COOP BENEFITS Loans. Basic ito. Through salary deduction ang payment ng loan, kaya worry-free ka sa pagbayad.

Insurance. Kung may mangyari mang hindi inaasahan, protected ka at ang family mo.

Group Medical Insurance for Dependents. Sa maliit na premium lang, our cooperative got your family’s health covered.

Travel. Passport assistance, visa, tours. Lahat ng ‘yan ay pwede mong ma-avail sa coop.

malaki ang ownership mo sa coop. Kapag kumita ang buong coop, bumabalik din sa’yo ang kita. Mas malaki ang share capital, mas malaki ang kikitain mo.

Malaki ang kita sa savings Kagaya ng nabanggit ko kanina, nag-aaverage lang sa 0.5% per annum ang interest rate ng mga bangko. Kung palagay mong PhP 3,000.00 ang savings mo, ang kikitain mong PhP 75.00 sa bangko sa loob ng limang taon ay magiging PhP 300.00 kung sa coop mo ilalagay. 2% per annum kasi ang interest rate ng coop natin.

Kumpara sa bangko, 4x ang tubo ng savings mo sa coop!

Ang laki ng difference, ano? Isa pa, pwede mong i-withdraw ang savings mo anytime!

Malaki ang nagagawa ng pagiging miyembro ng coop. Di ka lang nag-iinvest sa sarili mo, kundi sa future na rin ng pamilya mo.

Para sa karagdagang info, bumisita sa website ng FHG MPC: forhisglorympc.com

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO)

21

TIPS

THE Couch Potato’s

guide to

SAVING the WORLD Culled from https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/takeaction/ It seems impossible that the average person like you can make an impact. Should you just give up?

No! Change starts with you. Seriously. Every human on earth—even the most indifferent, laziest person among us—is part of the solution. Fortunately, there are some super easy things we can adopt into our routines that, if we all do it, will make a big difference.

Have a look at just a few of the many things you can do to make an impact!

THINGS You CAN DO FROM YOUR COUCH • Save electricity by plugging appliances into a power strip and turning them off completely when not in use, including your computer.

• Turn off the lights. Your TV or computer screen provides a cosy glow, so turn off other lights if you don’t need them.

• Report online bullies. If you notice harassment on social media sites or in a chat room, flag that person.

• Stop paper bank statements and pay your bills online or via mobile. No paper, no need for forest destruction.

THINGS You CAN DO at home • Air dry. Let your hair and clothes dry naturally instead of running a machine. If you do wash your clothes, make sure the load is full.

• Buy minimally packaged goods.

• Recycling paper, plastic, glass & aluminium keeps landfills from growing.

• Replace old appliances with energy efficient models and light bulbs 22

Communi-K vol. 14 no. 1

THINGS You CAN DO outside your house

• Use a refillable water bottle and coffee cup. Cut down on waste and maybe even save money at the coffee shop.

• Bring your own bag when you shop. Pass on the plastic bag and start carrying your own reusable totes.

• Take fewer napkins. You don’t need a handful of napkins to eat your takeout.

Take just what you need.

• Donate what you don’t use. Local charities will give your gently used clothes, books and furniture a new life.

• Take advantage of your right to elect the leaders in your country and local community.

THINGS You CAN DO at work • If you have a fruit or snack that you don’t want, don’t throw it out. Give it away to someone who needs it.

• Mentor young people. It’s a thoughtful, inspiring and a powerful way to guide someone towards a better future.

• Stay informed. Read about workers in other countries and business practices.

Talk to your colleagues about these issues.

• Bike, walk or take public transport to work. Save the car trips for when you’ve got a big group.

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO)

23

C

hances are you’ve met them in your ENTREP Center. They’re often unforgettable and enrich your life in the community. Let’s meet them:

1. ms. congeniality We all hope every client can be like her. Active na, good payer pa!

Concerned yan sa center at sa Program Officer. Di man magbigay ng abono, nanghihikayat yan ng kasamahan tumulong sa iba nilang kasapi sa sentro.

HI!

TIPS: Gawin ang lahat para manatili si Madam sa Sentro dahil malaki ang tulong ng kanyang influence sa vibe ng samahan ng sentro.

2. the nega star Sometimes you just don’t know what’s wrong. May pambayad naman. On-time sa attendance. Pero, sad pa rin. Minsan, sadyang worrier lang. Madalas, may pinagdadaanan sa personal na buhay, na siya namang nakakaapekto sa sentro.

HA

?

TIPS: Let’s give our emotional support. Extend our time to listen and visit our Program Member together with center officers. Let’s show that the Center Mutual Guarantee is not just forking out payments, but showing solidarity to those in need.

? o an ron me

24

? ? ?

lyf is hard

3. ms. wapakels Center problems? Malay ba niya? She’ll show up a few weeks before disbursement. She’ll be there during release. But after that? Absent.

Not consistent sa attendance. Good payer, but not active in the center.

TIPS: Pwedeng pagbigyan, pero pagsabihan. The whole center performance suffers when you have people like this. There is a possibility that her loan increase may not be approved due to her nonattendance.

Communi-K vol. 14 no. 1

MF INDEX

KILALA MO BA SIYA? 5 types of Program Members you will meet at the center

by Lanie C. Montaño

4. ms. doble kara She has exceptional communications skills and everybody is her friend. That is, until you are unable to give her what she wants. It could be an extension, a higher loan or something else. She is a “potential trouble source” and has an inclination to be manipulative.

TIPS: Be careful in handling personalities like these. Talk to the person immediately to nip unfounded rumors. Address agad ang concern sa kanya.

5. madam troublemaker We all know her. Siya ang sakit ng ulo ng ating Center President. I-categorize natin sila:

N

O

center hou

se

the stubborn one REMITTANCE express Hindi siguro tayo priority bayaran kaya natatagalan si Program Officer sa center.

Stubborn in nonpayment and stresses out her center officers.

TIPS: Bantayan siya! Negotiate with the client to pay on time; kausapin ang center for CMG. Alam mo na gagawin for next loan cycle.

May pera padala lang at hindi uma-attend sa mga meetings.

TIPS: Motivate our clients to become more active in their centers. Try to update their client passbook often and make center meetings livelier.

ms. dora Madalas ayaw mag-comply sa policy. Mahilig mag-reklamo.

Namimilosopo at galit.

TIPS: Potential Trouble Source!

They often compare systems and policies of other microfinance institutions. “Eh bakit du’n sa ganito may ganoon” Mag-ingat!

Monitor and assist your Center President when you deal with personalities like these!

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO)

25

Filipino citizens, like you, enjoy the benefits of democracy, a system of government where people have the power to choose their leaders. Voting rights allow us to participate in the national movement towards building a better nation.

SHOULD YOU

OTE?

quick FACTS ABOUT voting e there ar

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countries that DO NOT allow citizens to vote for their leaders.

These include North Korea, China, Saudi Arabia, and Cuba, among others.

VOTE

countries legally require their citizens to vote.

Thankfully, ours isn’t one.

such form of government is called autocracy (as opposed to democracy)

in australia, you will be fined $20 for not voting without justifiable reason. refusal to pay fines entails imprisonment!

$

NEW ZEALAND is the first country to grant voting rights to women (in 1893), followed by Australia (1902) and Finland (1906). Finland, however, is the first country to grant women full political rights (both to vote and to run for office)

66.35% average global voter turnout

78.08% voter turnout in the philippines in the past 3 elections

filipino women acquired voting rights in 1937 through a poll that required 300,000 positive votes of women (which was difficult to attain at the time). surprisingly, the poll earned a whopping 450,000 votes!

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worse, if you’re in brazil, you may be barred from receiving wages or taking professional exams!

54.3M total no. of registered voters in the philippines, of which 2.7 million are from cebu and 7.6 million from calabarzon

References: https://www.globalcitizen.org https://hapihumanist.org https://www.idea.int

Baka Bukas Sa mamahalin ko bukas,

POEM

ni Nikki John Nabat

Wag ka munang umiwas, Hindi pa ito ang wakas, Mamahalin pa kita nang wagas.

Huling iyak tapos ngumiti at bumangon, Sa nakaraan wag na muling lilingon.

Baka bukas pa tayo magtagpo, Wag ka munang magtampo, Hinahanda ko lang ang sarili ko, Para sa’yo’y maibigay nang buo.

Sa mamahalin ko bukas, Wag kang paghinaan ng lakas, Saglit na lang ang hihintayin, Tayo ay magtatagpo rin.

Nagkulang man sa atin ang nakalipas, Nagkamali man ng tama ang palasong matalas, Patawarin na muna natin ang nakaraan, Para bukas handa na tayong ipaglaban, Ang pag-ibig na sa ati’y nakaalan.

Baka bukas pa tayo magkasalubong, Sa lungkot wag ka munang magkukulong, Ang mundo ay hayaan mo na lang, Bukas sa atin wala nang hahadlang.

Sa mamahalin ko bukas, Wag ka munang magmadali, Mahaba pa naman ang oras, Magkakaroon din tayo ng sandali.

Baka bukas pa natin dadamhin, Ang pagmamahal na para sa atin, Wag ka munang tumakbo nang matulin, Para saglit lang ang hahabulin.

Nagmahal, nasaktan man tayo noon, Ang mahalaga mayroon pang pagkakataon,

Madami mang tanong sa iyong isip, Wag ka munang mabagot at mainip, Ang pag-ibig malapit nang sumilip, Madarama na hindi na lang sa panaginip.

Sa mamahalin ko bukas, Huwag na ‘wag kang bibitaw, Naghahanda pa akong isigaw, Ang laman ng puso ko ay ikaw, Hayaan mo ang ngayon na lumipas, Ang ikaw at ako ay magwawakas, Magkakaroon na lang ng “tayo”… baka bukas.

Want your poem published? Submit your piece (English/Tagalog) to ksdavid@kmbi.org.ph.

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO)

27

Organizational Performance Indicators

As of June 30, 2018

Our Vision

Efficiency

Loan Activity

Cost per unit Lent

Php 0.19

Client Outreach

155,383

Cost per Loan Made

Php 1,886.4

Loan Portfolio

Php 898M

Financial Self-Sufficiency

107.55%

Value of Loans Made

Php 1.5B

Operational Self-Sufficiency 112.16%

Portfolio-at-Risk

2.7%

Ave. No. of Client per PA

222

MF-Operations

892

No. of Loans Made

148,081

Support Group

255

Number of Staff

“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

TOP 10 PERFORMING BRANCHES As of July 2018

1 Angono 2 Antipolo 3 Cauayan 4 Tandang Sora 5 Olongapo

6 Santiago 7 Metro Davao 1 8 Koronadal 9 West Avenue 10 Tacurong

“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

Meet Kuya K. Siya ang makakatuwang natin sa pagbibigay-alam sa ating Program Members ng mga programa at polisiya ng KMBI. Di lang polisiya, marami pa siyang kaalamang pwedeng ibahagi sa atin. Pero sino nga ba siya?

• Ang tunay niyang pangalan ay Francisco K. Valenzuela.

• He’s turning 32 years old sa November 27, 2018.

(Gulat ka ‘no?)

• Sang-ayon sa tagline na “Masaya Dito sa KMBI”, isa siyang masayahing karakter.

Palaging nakangiti :) • Magaling siyang mag-breakdance!

• Ang life motto niya ay “Ang taong may alam, hindi malilinlang.”

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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