I N S I D E

KMBI creates circle of success

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

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

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

Aside from clustering members into clubs, “KSC is a way of empowering them so they may gradually take initiative in facilitating the BDS program,” according to Hazel Christine Rosacia, BDS Officer for Luzon. Rosacia further stated that with 24 branches on hand, their aim to institute BDS has become bigger all the more. This was no excuse, however, for the department to continue pursuing its dreams for the program members. Through the establishment of KSC, BDS has provided an avenue for entrepreneurial enhancement for those who are already on the brink of success and have remained faithful to

K

KMBI in “Kumikitang Kabuhayan” ...........2KMBI staff march toward MBA degree ...........2Soaring like an eagle ...........3 Learning with fun ...........4Performance at a glance ...........5Building the “house” of your dreams ...........6A heart with a mission ...........7Reflections: “You are so blessed!” ............8

the program . To qualify to the SUCCESS circle, a member must possess the following qualifications: manufactures one of the branch’s best products; should be on the fourth loan cycle and below; has a 100% repayment record; has at least 98% attendance to weekly center meetings and other activities; demonstrates remarkable moral character; maintains a good relationship with co-members, family and community; and possesses significant business indicators, such as number of employees, production capacity and market extent. KSC members will have the opportunity to be exposed to trade fairs and festivities. Despite the set criteria, BDS does not discount that a new program member may qualify to the club if her business exhibits exceptional performance and products. BDS also designed a program for those who are in their fifth loan cycle and above which is called KSC

Plus. However, the program is intended only for members from General Santos, Metro Davao and Metro Manila South 1 branches. Aside from the traits mentioned for qualifying in the KSC, a KSC Plus member must also have the following characteristics: strong leadership skills, community involvement and exceptional business indicators such as growth in profit, employment generation and savings generation. KSC Plus members will be candidate recipients of envisioned products like individual loans, among others. They will also be groomed for local and international competitions. At present, the top 30 program members from each branch are being tapped for the program’s pilot implementation. While most of the branches have already identified their members for KSC, others are still in the process of selecting and nominating their members.

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

Ist Quarter 2005

Vol. 2 No. 1Head Office: KMBI Bldg., 12 San Francisco St., Valenzuela City | (02) 291.1484 to 86 | Fax: (02) 292.2441 | E-mail: kmbi@skyinet.net

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Central Cavite branch in:

“Kumikitang Kabuhayan”ABS-CBN featured KMBI on national television through its “Kumikitang Kabuhayan” (KK) program on January 20. Aired early in the morning, KK is a popular developmental program of Channel 2. Set in the Central Cavite Branch, KK interviewed Carmela Porras, Area Manager of CALABARZON I. Recalling the story of KMBI, Porras described how the once small, church-based credit program became a large organization with branches in Southern Luzon and Mindanao. Porras also articulated about the basic operations and services of KMBI, as well as the regular center meetings

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

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT. Program members pray during a center meeting.

THE GRADUATES. The first batch of MBA graduates share a happy moment before taking the exam on March 23. From left to right are: Ronel Castor, MIS Programmer; Donato Alcoba, Jr., VP for OMB operations; Marion Esther Cruz, PA of MMS-1; (seated) Rosemarie Castro, KMBI Executive Director; Billy Rivera, acting PUS of MMS-2; Liza Eco, HRD Manager; Jaer Asilum, PA of MMS-1 and Ferdinand Baptista, PUS of Lower Cavite.

Liza Eco, HRD Manager; Ronel Castor, MIS Programmer; Ferdinand Baptista, PUS of Lower Cavite; Billy Rivera, acting PUS of MMS-2; Marion Esther Cruz and Jaer Asilum, PAs of MMS-1. Along with the first batch of KMBI graduates is Donato Alcoba, Jr., former KMBI executive director, now VP for OMB operations. The course, which can be taken and completed in one year, comprises 36 units. Students enrolled in the program learn about, aside from managerial accounting, strategic management and economics, self-discipline,

especially in accomplishing course papers. Their ultimate test was the comprehensive exam they took last March 23, which lasted for about 12 hours and the oral defense before a panel of proffesors which they presented on March 30 at the PCU campus. One of the students, Liza Eco, HRD Manager of KMBI, shared some insights in taking up the course. “Aside from personal development, it’s a great opportunity for growth,” she said. Moreover, Eco encourages other staff to take up the MBA course. “Very few companies have institutional support for this kind of program. It’s great that our organization values staff development.” As for the graduates, KMBI rejoices with them, as it is not only a personal achievement. It is also another milestone for the entire organization, as well as a motivation for other staff to join the MSI.

and activities. “These meetings include discussions on how to save... KMBI seeks to help change people’s lives and improve their livelihood, ” she explained. Furthermore, the show emphasized KMBI’s contribution to gender equality, enlightening the viewers about how the organization helps women earn additional income for their families. It also commended its impact on the lives of its beneficiaries. Towards the end of the feature, KK’s narrator declared some insightful comments: “Higit pa sa pinansyal na suporta, maipagmamalaki ng KMBI

ang kanilang tulong sa pag-unlad ng ispiritwal at sosyal na aspeto ng buhay ng kanilang mga kasapi.” (Beyond financial support, KMBI stands proud for its ability to help develop the spiritual and social lives of its members). What a great start for a promising new year!

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Eagles are powerful creatures. With their mighty wings, they rise up and reach for the sky, soaring high above the clouds. From time to time, however, they take time to rest – renewing their energy before taking off again. Like an eagle, KMBI soars high with outstanding accomplishments. Starting out with just seven branches in 2003, no less than 17 new ones were established last year, adding up to a total of 24 branches nationwide. This tremendous growth was no simple task, but with hearts committed to the vision and mission of the organization, everyone was up to the challenge.

Gearing up This year, KMBI is focusing on “inner” growth through intensive training and equipping of its most important resource… its people. First among the gear-up activities was the “Good to Great” training, which was attended by KMBI department heads on January 12, held in Club Manila East in Taytay, Rizal. A similar one was held on February 18 for branch managers of all Luzon branches in the Head Office training room. The training was facilitated by Donato Alcoba, Jr., Vice President for Operations of Opportunity Microfinance Bank (OMB).

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

GEARING UP! (Left) Recent and newly hired staff listen attentively during the BOTP refresher course in San Pablo, Laguna; (Right) In the head office, participants pose for a shot after the training.

Soaring like an eagle For branch managers, program unit supervisors and branch accountants from Bicol area, a training on supervisory skills was conducted on January 21-22 in Geewan Restaurant in Naga City. In succeeding months, program assistants from Iriga, San Pablo, Calamba, Lipa and Batangas City had the opportunity to learn about Facilitation Skills. Spearheaded by the Human Resource Department (HRD), the training aimed to teach Program Assistants about the principles of facilitation and the importance of using Road Signs Book in center meetings. More recently, on March 19, a Refresher Course on Basic Operations Training Program (BOTP) was held simultaneously in the Head Office, San Pablo and Parañaque branches. Specifically designed for recent and newly hired staff, the training covered the brief history of KMBI, basic operations, microfinance methodology and its policies.

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

Annalie Concepcion (Finance Manager) attended the “Achievers Leadership Training,” which Salt & Light Ventures facilitated . Likewise, other departments have been gearing up. On February 7-11, Research & Development Manager Rizaldy Duque and HR Training Officer Arthur Gonzaga attended a training on Monitoring and Evaluation in Community Development, facilitated by APPEND in Diliman, Quezon City. Also, Business Development Services (BDS) officers Hazel Christine Rosacia and Marifel Suplemento attended Community-Based Entrepreneurship Development Program on March 5-17. The activity involved hands-on

experience and exposure to Barangay Yapac in Boracay. Both trainings were conducted in coordination with VASS-TEARFUND. Generally, all these aim to equip KMBI staff with the knowledge and skills needed to further expand the noble endeavors of the organization. Like the soaring eagle, KMBI is simply gearing up before taking off for the next flight.

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BOTP:

Learning with fun!A number of recent and newly-hired staff participated in KMBI’s Basic Operations Training Program (BOTP) refresher course on March 19, 2005. Consisting of fun games, lively discussions and hands-on activities, the event was held simultaneously at the head office in Valenzuela, and in the San Pablo and Parañaque branches. The trainings were carried out by HRD staff and some of the area and branch managers. Facilitators and resource persons included: Michelle Orodio, Vencent Abraham, Reynald Alpajando and Fay Lorraine Amodia at the San Pablo Branch; Arthur Gonzaga, Rose de Guzman and Edgardo Atienza at Parañaque; and Grace Burgos, Carmela Porras and Danilo Tolentino at the head office. During the training, speakers presented the brief history, operations and microfinance methodology of KMBI. “This training is important since it is the operations department

HAVING FUN! (Top) Participants at the BOTP refresher course in San Pablo, Laguna take a quick break.

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

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

from other departments, like HRD, Administration, or even us managers. If we do not know the program, how can we support KMBI and its operations?”

In San Pablo, participants gave positive remarks about the BOTP refresher course. “I learned how the organization operates, about loan management and arrears management,” shared Michael Bomlarda, accounting assistant of San Pablo branch. “The discussions were clear and lively. Even if it took the whole

“The discussions were clear and lively... even if

it took the whole day, it was worth it, because it was detailed and the speakers were good.”

Michael Bomlarda (accounting assistant of

San Pablo branch, regarding the BOTP refresher course)

day, it was worth it, because it was detailed and the speakers were good,” he commented. Indeed, the training truly helped the staff. “My knowledge became more broadened, this is a really good exposure,” states Jesselin Zurbito, accounting associate of Calamba branch. “The training was good, because even if I am in accounting, I was enlightened as to how things should be in the actual program operations. I am now more confident to answer program members’ questions about the rules, regulations and policies of KMBI.” One program assistant, Gecel Calma of San Pablo branch, expressed a profound new learning: “In dealing with program members, I learned about discipline, that you must discipline yourself first, before you discipline your clients.” Calma also applauds the resource persons for their lively presentation of topics. Ultimately, it is not only the participants who benefited from the training. The resource persons have much to gain as well. “The opportunity that you get to train people, to share even just a little in their development and you see them grow… that is an enriching experience,” shares Abraham with a bright smile.

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*Branches considered are those at least one year old

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

GenSan tops in branch performance

PERFORMANCE AT A GLANCE (1st quarter)Top PA hails from Upper CaviteJennifer Piguing from Upper Cavite branch ranked first among all the program assistants for the first quarter of 2005. In terms of average rating, there was a tie among the top performers, each garnered a score of 5.5. However, Jennifer outweighed them all in terms of client outreach, having the most number of clients at 354; 0% PAR and no client turn-over. The other top performers were: Jeneth Binwek, Upper Cavite Branch; Hazel Villaruel, General Santos branch; Allan Alaba, General Santos Branch; and Vanessa Flores, Metro Davao Branch.

TOTAL CLIENT OUTREACH: 91,187

AVE. NO. OF CLIENTS PER PA: 265.85

CLIENT TURNOVER: 14.17%

LOAN PORFOLIO: PhP 222.94 M

PORTFOLIO AT RISK: 1.11% FINANCIAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY: 146.96%

OPERATIONAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY: 155.11%

JENNIFER PIGUING Upper Cavite Branch

INDICATOR AVERAGE RATING

Client Outreach 354 0.9Loan portfolio (million PhP) 1.14 0.8PAR (%) 0 1Client Turnover (%) 0 1Loan Administration 4 1Center Management 1 0.8

AVERAGE RATING 5.5

Top PA Performers

HAZEL VILLARUELGenSan Branch

INDICATOR AVERAGE RATING

Client Outreach 344 0.8Loan portfolio (million PhP) 1.08 0.7PAR (%) 0 1Client Turnover (%) 0 1Loan Administration 4 1Center Management 3 1

AVERAGE RATING 5.5

JENETH BINWEK Upper Cavite Branch

INDICATOR AVERAGE RATING

Client Outreach 346 0.9Loan portfolio (million PhP) 1.27 0.8PAR (%) 0 1Client Turnover (%) 6.32 0.8Loan Administration 4 1Center Management 3 1

AVERAGE RATING 5.5

Branch Performance Ranking

RANK TOTAL SCORE BRANCH AREA

CLIENT OUT-

REACH (active)

AVE. NO. of

ACTIVE CLIENTS

per PA

LOAN PORT-FOLIO (million

PhP)

PAR(%)

CLIENT TURN-OVER

(%)

FSS(%)

OFC. MGT.

FILE & POLICY ADMIN.

TRANS-FORMA-

TION

1 21.5 GEN. SANTOS

SouthernMIndanao

6638 316.10 17.18 0 14.64 184.13 3 2.5 3

2 21 METRO DAVAO

SouthernMindanao

4495 321.07 14.90 0 15.65 187.65 3 2.5 2.5

3 21 CENTRAL CAVITE

Calabar-zon 1

4747 316.47 13.36 0 16.94 168.63 2 3 3

4 20 BUTUAN Caraga 4305 307.50 10.11 0 11.08 181.13 2 3 3

5 18 DAVAO PROVINCE

SouthernMIndanao

4056 289.71 12.32 0.47 14.83 183.94 2.5 2.5 3

6 14 UPPER CAVITE

Calabar-zon 1

4354 311.00 11.72 2.74 16.55 144.61 2 1.5 1.5

7 10 MMS-1 Calabar-zon 1

3994 285.29 10.29 1.98 16.70 137.20 1 1.5 1.5

Organizational Performance

TOTAL NO. OF STAFFDEPARTMENT NO. OF

STAFF MF Operations 462

Support Group 32TOTAL 494

1st

2nd

3rd

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Building the “house” of your dreams

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

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

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

Doll-house making is just one of Dina’s many talents. She also creates a variety of arts and crafts, including some brightly-colored Christmas lanterns or “parol” that a customer ordered as early as March. Aside from this, she is also a Jill of all trades, engaging in hog raising, repacking of spices and selling of fish to help provide for her family. Segundina de Leon in real life, Dina resides in Ternate, Cavite with her husband and five children. She has been a program member of KMBI for almost a year. At present, she uses the loan for their repacking business; buying and selling spices such as vinegar, fish sauce and soy sauce to retailers in the community. She repacks the spices, while her husband delivers them. Everyday, Dina wakes up early to help prepare two of her children for school. After sending them off, she proceeds to do the chores, like cleaning the house and doing the laundry. The entire morning is spent on household responsibilities. Afternoons, on the other hand, are spent on work. Although she derives income from many projects, Dina’s real passion is in making miniature houses. With excitement, she shares, “Noong dalaga pa ako, mahilig na akong gumawa ng iba’t-ibang handicrafts. Isang araw, may nakita akong mga bahay na maganda. Doon ako nagsimulang gumawa ng mga doll house” (When I was a young girl, I loved to make all sorts of handicrafts. One day, I saw some beautiful houses. That’s when I started making doll houses).

Dina’s creative streak stems from childhood. Reminiscing about her school days, she talks of getting the highest grade in class for arts and crafts. Asked why she continues to make handicrafts, she responds, “Ito kasi ang hilig kong gawin. Hindi mo naman magagawa ang isang bagay kapag hindi mo hilig. Tulad ng pag-aaral… kung hilig mo ito, tatapusin mo” (This is what I like to do. You cannot do something that you do not really like to do. Like going to school… if you like to study, you will finish it). With each house having a unique style of its own, Dina’s masterpieces cost about P 500 each. The larger ones sell for as much as P 1,000. However, the challenge is on how to market them, as they are custom-made and quite expensive. At present, she only makes them when a customer orders a doll house. Meanwhile, Zenaida Enage, the KMBI Program Assistant who handles Dina and her group, suggested that it would be great for her to train people how to make doll houses. “Dina is very talented!” she exclaims proudly. “It would be great for her to pass this talent on to others.” Like every other parent, Dina aspires for her children to finish school and dreams of a better life for her family. She also plans to develop and expand her business. With continued support from KMBI, and driven by God-given talent and imagination… these dreams can become a reality.

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A heart with a missionOnce upon a time, there were two men working as brick

layers. Day after day, they labor under the hot sun, laying

down bricks. One man sighs with exasperation as he wipes

his brow. “This job is exhausting!” he thinks. “But I must do it,

because it’s what I’m supposed to do. This is how I make my

living.”

Meanwhile, the other man cheerfully hums as he sets the

bricks into place. “This job is great! With my own hands, I am

helping to build a magnificent cathedral!” The same job. Two

different outlooks. Which man do you think is more happy and

fulfilled?

With eyes aglow, Rosemarie Castro, Executive Director of KMBI, tells the story of the two brick layers with enthusiasm. At 35, this brilliant woman exudes warmth, wisdom and passion during an interview with Communi-K. Amidst her busy schedule, “Ma’am Rose” as she is fondly called, talks about her childhood, her first job and lessons learned along the way. Born and raised in Pulilan, Bulacan, Rose grew up with her grandparents, from whom she learned some virtuous values. “I learned about respect and putting other people first before myself,” she states. “I remember when we were young... at mealtimes we would always wait until everyone had arrived before we begin eating. It is a sign of respect and concern for other people.” As a child, she studied in an elementary school near their home. During her teen years, she attended the Marcelo del Pilar High School in Malolos, Bulacan. Afterwards, she pursued higher education in Centro Escolar University, where she took up Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in Accounting. Rose admits that accounting was not her original choice in college. “Actually, I was more interested in taking up psychology, because I wanted to study about human behavior,” she recalls. “However, courses were limited then and I ended up choosing accounting. Nevertheless, I am a person who is determined to finish what I started. I believe God had a purpose why I took up accounting, and someday I would accomplish that purpose.” In her first job, Rose worked as a clerk for a company that marketed medical supplies. Over the next few years, she developed and maintained a positive attitude, a trait that helped her advance in the workplace. In six years time, she became the head of the accounting department of the company. The key, she states with emphasis, is in having a positive outlook. Problems and challenges will always

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

come our way, but she affirms that if we think positively, we can overcome them. Despite her successful career, Rose found herself searching for deeper personal growth and development. In her heart, she longed to serve people, especially the poor. “I am moved to tears when I see people in the streets, living in poverty,” she reveals. “When we are moved by things like these, it is the time that God is speaking to our hearts.” Indeed, God led her to a new purpose. It was in 1998 when she heard about KMBI. When she read the vision of the organization… to see people living in abundance… she knew that it was the mission she had been praying for. She started out in KMBI as an accountant. Soon after, she became head of the finance department, then head of finance and administration departments. Eventually, with her exceptional skills and outstanding accomplishments, she became the executive director. For the past seven years with KMBI, Rose expresses that God is still teaching her a lot. He continues to give her a compassionate heart for the mission and for the people. She is also inspired by the dedicated program assistants. “Whenever I get the chance, I always tell program assistants to take good care of their feet, because their feet are the ones who bring good news to the people,” she says. Much like the brick layer thrilled in helping to build a grand cathedral, Ms. Castro joyfully pursues God’s vision and mission for the organization. “I believe that more exciting things will happen to KMBI,” she declares. “And as long as we are inspired by each other, we can achieve great things for God’s glory.”

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VISION“To see people in

community live in

abundance with strength-

ened faith in God and in

right relationship with

their fellowmen and the

rest of creations.”

MISSION“To be a sustainable

Christian development

organization contributing

significantly to a poverty-

free and Christ-centered

Philippines.”

CORE VALUESRespect

Integrity

Stewardship

Commitment to the Poor

Discipline

Innovation

Excellence

OBJECTIVE“To reach 150,000

Filipino families

in 2006.”

Reflections

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

“You are so blessed!”

A call for writers:

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

If you have never experiencedthe danger of battle,the loneliness of imprisonment,the agony of torture orthe pangs of starvation,you are ahead of 20 million peoplearound the world.

If you attend a church meetingwithout fear of harassment,arrest, torture or death, you are more blessed than almost three billion people in the world.

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you can read this message,you are more blessed than overtwo billion people in the worldthat cannot read anything at all.

You are so blessed in waysYou may never even know. Communi-K, a quarterly publica-

tion of KMBI, derived from the word “communique” - connoting any message, communication, announce-ment, statement, or letter intended to make know to everyone.

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