I N S I D E

1st Quarter 2006

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

Vol. 3 No. 1Head Office: KMBI Bldg., 12 San Francisco St., Valenzuela City | (02) 291.1484 to 86 | Fax: (02) 292.2441 | www.kmbi.org.ph

Flood-drenched Caraga In Caraga region, floodwater drenched 15 municipalities and two cities in February this year, due to a weeklong incessant rain brought by La Niña. The city government of Butuan and the province of Agusan del Norte declared the region to be in a state-of-calamity. However, no flood stopped KMBI from reaching out to its 654 flood-stricken program members. KMBI Butuan branch, together with barangay officials, carried out a post disaster relief operation from February 20 to 24 in centers badly affected by the flood. Branch staff issued rice, noodles and sardines to 456 affected members in Baan Riverside, San Vicente, Maon and Buhangin areas. Counseling and prayer sessions were also done to uplift the spirits of the program members. Similarly, San Francisco branch distributed goods to 198 program members in five centers from February 21 to March 3. The centers were situated in Barangays Borbon, Buenazuerte, Sta. Ana, Lucena and Bayugan 3. Local government officials and staff from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) office actively assisted in the operation. Moved by this act of kindness, one of the recipients applauded KMBI for being “a microfinance organization faithful to its service, especially in the area of social transformation.”

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

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

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

KMBI in action: serving the people

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

Fire victims in Cavite & MMS1 KMBI Central Cavite branch helped answer an urgent need of rebuilding homes for 18 program members in Bacoor. The office granted three sheets of plywood to each after a recent fire reduced their houses to ashes. The activity was held in Barangay Malumot on March 2 during which Transformation Manager, Rizaldy Duque, delivered a brief exhortation about facing life’s trials. Goods and used clothing pooled by program members and staff from Lower Cavite branch were also given. Likewise, MMS1 branch granted galvanized iron sheets to 25 fire-affected clients on March 23 in Brgy. Tramo Riverside, Pasay City. Randy Bautista, Branch OIC, said,, “Through this act, they felt their importance as program members, as individuals and as children of God. ” Barangay officials assisted during the distribution, fostering hope and encouragement among the clients.

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Recently, three branches of Calabarzon 2 area granted microinsurance to their first Karamay sa Buhay Program (KBP) beneficiaries. On January 27, program member Eden Baylon of Calamba branch received aid worth Php 50,000 due to the death of her husband, Nestor Baylon, who passed away because of cardiac arrest. To help promote the program, Branch Manager Ednalyn Hospital, together with Barangay Councilor Eric Pecho awarded the check at the Barangay

Hall of Panadero. Program members from different centers and several local government officials witnessed the event. After which, Pecho commended the branch for the services it renders to the barangay and other surrounding areas. Likewise, Jenita Daniva of Bagumbayan, Laguna was teary-eyed when Sta. Cruz Branch Manager Reynald Alpajando handed the Php 50,000 KBP grant on January 16 in the Municipality of Paete. She saw this as a great help since the death of her husband crippled her photography business, the main source of family income.

“The amount I received is more than enough to venture into another income generating business to sustain the living needs and education of my three children,” says Daniva. Meanwhile, Gilbert Masilungan of San Pablo received Php 95,200 last December after his mother, Purita Masilungan, client of KMBI San Pablo Branch, passed away. He said, “KMBI is not only a partner for progressive life, but is also a comforter in times of

KBP provides comfort in times of griefgrief.” To date, 43 recipients from various branches benefited from the KBP. Benefits claimed ranged from Php 25,000 to Php 100,000 based on the number of dependents and premium paid by the client. To claim the benefits, the enrolled client or dependent has to submit complete and certified true copy of necessary documents. This includes the Death Certificate and duly accomplished Claimant Form. The processing of the benefits in the Head Office requires three days upon submission of the said documents. KBP is a microinsurance scheme that provides financial assistance to clients and their families in case of death. Realized in partnership with the Cocolife Insurance Company, this was launched in September last year, and has been introduced to all 24 KMBI branches across Calabarzon 1, Calabarzon 2, Bicol, Caraga and Southern Mindanao areas.Enrolment to the program is compulsory for all clients, and is currently being done through Edyline Ramos, MI Coordinator based at the Head Office.

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

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

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

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Two daughters of KMBI program members qualified for the Gordon V. and Helen C. Smith Foundation University Scholarship Program. Christene Joy Jeresano and Catherine Salacup, rank 2nd and 4th respectively among the ten scholars that comprise the first batch of the scholarship program. They are the children of Asuncion Jeresano and Marites Salacup, clients of KMBI Lower Cavite and Upper Cavite branches, respectively. Catherine Salacup says, “Up to now I can’t believe that I am already a scholar of KILOS project because I didn’t expect this to happen. Of course, I am very happy. I would like to thank all those involved in this program like KMBI and especially God. I promise that I will grab this chance to become a good scholar.” Currently, scholarship program manager Noel Embing of the Alliance of Philippine Partners in Enterprise Development (APPEND) is working out Jeresano’s enrolment reservations in MAPUA Institute of Technology and Salacup’s in Far Eastern University. Among 16 applicants from KMBI centers in MMS-2, Upper Cavite, Lower Cavite and Legaspi branches, four made it to the final phase of the selection process. Together with the two who bagged the scholarship are Jimson Alfabete and Ramielle Joie Quinto, children of clients of Lower Cavite branches. The Smith Foundation coined this program as the “Knowledge for Inspiring Leadership, Opportunities and Spirituality” or KILOS project. Beginning the schoolyear 2006-2007, it was opened to graduating high school students and out-of-school

Making the grade: KMBI’s university scholars

youth who exhibited outstanding scholastic performance. They should be children of clients of the Opportunity Microfinance Bank (OMB) and its investing partners, including KMBI. The project was designed to allow the students to rise above financial constraints in pursuance to tertiary education. Its guiding principle is to provide constructive assistance to talented people in need. The ten scholars will be given the opportunity to study in well-known universities in Metro Manila. The scholarship program will provide for all their school and living expenses such as board and lodging, transportation, books, uniform, health insurance and other incidental expenses. In return, the scholars will be required to submit their grades three weeks after the end of every semester, render community service of at least 40 hours per semester (semestral) or 25

hours per term (trimester), and attend the monthly fellowship and other gatherings as determined by the Foundation. On February 15, a program orientation and written examination were conducted at the KMBI Head Office. The four students came to the final interview facilitated by the APPEND, together with applicants from other organizations on March 17. The following day, they went to different schools to take the university entrance examinations. Based on their performance on the university exams and a final interview that followed, the top ten scholars were chosen. The KILOS program is a great opportunity for KMBI and partner organizations to help extend educational assistance to deserving and eligible children of microfinance clients.

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

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MF clients converge in Oikocredit symposium

Clients and staff from Metro Manila South 1 (MMS 1) branch attended a microfinance symposium at Hotel Rembrandt in Quezon City last December 1, 2005. Dubbed with the theme, “Tinig ng mga Nanay, Ating Ipatnubay: Huling Hirit sa Taon ng Microcredit,” the event was sponsored by Oikocredit and the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI). The activity gathered together clients and representatives from micro-finance organizations all over the country to culminate Oikocredit’s celebration of the International Year of Microcredit. It was the first symposium held especially for micfofinance clients. Situated right outside the hotel ballroom was the Microentrepreneur Product Exhibit, where clients showcased their best products. KMBI program member Amy Maralit displayed a batch of her homemade sweet pili nuts, offering a free taste to all who passed by her booth. By the end of the day, she had sold out the entire batch. In the afternoon, participants were divided into four groups to determine perceptions of the clients on the following: (a) impact of microfinance services at personal, household and community levels; (b) microinsurance products, the way mutual benefit associations are operated and managed; (c) gaps in financial products and services of MFIs; and (d) how to serve poorer clients or those currently excluded from MFI coverage. The day got even more exciting, as clients from each organization showed off their talents through song, dance and drama

presentations. KMBI’s very own program members performed a handmime interpretation of the song, “The Mission.” The audience cheered as they skillfully formed the words “God”, “Love” and “Jesus” with their gloved hands, swaying in tune to the music. For this, the clients won the prize for best presentation during the session. “Among all the presentations, KMBI’s performance clearly portrayed the heartbeat of our mission which is to proclaim the love of God,” cited one of the spectators. Ultimately, all participants gained a deeper sense of unity, understanding and mission, making the symposium a great success. Oikocredit conducted this activity in accordance with the United Nation’s declaration of 2005 as

International Year of Microcredit. Oikocredit is an international organization providing financial support to microfinance companies worldwide. Today, it is one of the largest financiers of the microfinance sector. It is also one of the few ethical investment funds that supports development projects in the South, benefiting disadvantaged and marginalized people. It started as a pioneer in the field of development financing. Privately owned, Oikocredit is a unique cooperative society that believes that poor people can build themselves a better life if only given the chance. As a socially responsible investment opportunity, it promotes global justice by converting investments into credits, and aims for high social impact and sustainable development.

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

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

as Prudential Guarantee representative, Emalyn Velasco, discussed on group personal accident insurance, a type of insurance which provides indemnity benefits in cases of losses to the person due to accident. Clarifications and questions popped up as she further tackled the monetary compensation of Php1M granted in cases of accidental death. Percentage payables are also given on bodily injuries arising from accidental, violent, external and visible means, such as 70% for loss of arm, 35% for loss of four fingers, so on. The company provides the compensation when the injury is reported within 180 days from the date of accident. In addition, Velasco discussed other matters covered by the insu- rance like Unprovoked Murder and Assault (UMA), Accidental Medical Reimbursement (MR) to as much as Php 100,000, motorcycling coverage, and Php 10,000 accident burial/bereavement assistance. On the other hand, the insurance excludes self-inflicted injuries, mental disorders, cosmetic surgery, among others. Philam Care representative, Jeffrey del Valle, discussed afterwards the package of comprehensive health service.

This package includes the following benefits: (1) in-patient service like room and board accomodation in the hospital, anesthesia and its administration; (2) out-patient service such as Annual Physical Examination (APE), preventive health care and pre-natal and post-natal consultations at PhilamCare Metro Manila free-standing clinics; (3) emergency care service like blood transfusions, intravenous fluids, oxygen, and plaster casts, which are of no charge in Philam Care affiliated hospitals; (4) other special services like 24-hour medical advisory and automatic room upgrade; (5) Php 5,000 reimbursement upon the use of latest modalities of treatment; (6) provisions on motor vehicle liability, Philhealth and eligibility; and (7) optional benefits. Executive Director Rosemarie Castro encouraged the participants by saying, “We must avail of the benefits provided by these insurance companies for us to continually provide lasting impact in our workplaces.” Consequently, the orientation will be cascaded to all the 24 branches of KMBI. Area managers, branch managers and human resource personnel shall conduct echo orientations in their respective areas.

Prudential Guarantee representative Emalyn Velasco talks on insurance policies.

KMBI brings in enhanced healthcare for staff

We are blessed to have these benefits. I am more aware of

what to do in times of sickness, and was reminded to take good care of my health. After all,

health is truly our wealth. - Marites Firmanes,

Cashier

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

post natal care.- Eureka Pesigan, Audit Associate

I am now more informed about the benefits of Prudential

Life. Aside from the Php1M accident insurance, there is reimbursement of medical

expenses.- Jay de Mesa, Bookkeeper II

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KMBI staff take the LEaD

Envisioning the deepening of KMBI’s impact to its clients, the Transformation Unit kicked off the continuous leadership program dubbed as the “Leadership Enrichment and Development” or LEaD. With this program, the BOT members, senior and junior management officers (of both the Head Office and the branches), and other decision-making staff will be regularly educated on biblical principles, built up, inspired and stirred into action to become effective instruments of God in facilitating transformations to their immediate communities. Thus, they will undergo three continuous development sessions, namely Educate, Apply and Mentor. The Educate session was piloted in the Head Office training room on March 29, whereby Rev. Philip Tarroja, Regional Director of WorldTeach and BOT member of APPEND, taught on “The Power of Knowing God.” He elaborated Exodus

19, 24 and 32-33, highlighting the verses that showed the four levels of intimacy depicted in the lives of Moses, Joshua, the Elders and God’s covenant people which is Israel. He emphasized that “we should be the people who, like Moses, know and understand God. Then God will cause us to be strong (power), do great exploits (wealth), and to teach people (wisdom). ” Head Office staff and Calabarzon 1 and 2 leaders attended the session. The content learned then has to be given a physical context where it can be applied, i.e. Apply session. In the course of the month, the students will put into act the knowledge gained by identifying leadership problems or seeking opportunities where the principles and values learned can be made relevant. The Mentor session is then integrated as the students coach and counsel their peers. Monitoring and evaluation comes with this session to determine the program’s efficiency and effectiveness. Through this

FOUR LEVELS OF KNOWING GOD INTIMATELY

Level One: Merely an outward experience of God. The Lord will not allow when there is idolatry. God’s chosen people, Israel, was idolatrous in God’s eyes.Level Two: Experiencing reality of fellowship with God only from a distance. There is little intimacy where there is compro-mise. Israel’s Elders were in this level.Level Three: The preparation for deeper intimacy. God is pleased with you because you have the right heart. Joshua was the best example for this.Level four: God is delighted with you because you have a pure heart passionately seeking after God and God alone. At this level, He immensely enjoys you. Moses experienced this.

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also the content learned will be reviewed and affirmed. The output of this program shall come in qualitative terms as servant-leader characteristics are observed in the lives of the staff. In so doing, they become pro-active in pursuing the vision and mission of the organization while intensifying KMBI’s impact through the transformative Word of God. BOT Chairman Dr. Amelia Gonzales accounted that “transformation must start with us before we could influence the people in the communities we visit everyday.” Transformation Unit Head Rizaldy Duque added, “This program is a God-sent opportunity so that we will lead others to transformation. We exist to help change people’s lives. We will be servant leaders.” This program will be implemented in all areas of operations once the system is fully in place and cascaded to the Success Centers for maximum impact.

Rev. Philip Tarroja discusses the four levels of

intimacy during the first Educate session piloted

at the Head Office; while Dr. Amelia Gonzales

challenges that transformation must start from the management

to the clients.

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Living out KMBI’s legacy...

“A Partner for Life”

n 1999, KMBI established a

branch in General Santos,

for the purpose of reaching

out to poor communities in the city

and nearby municipalities. Since

then, the organization has benefited

many clients in the area, some of whom

have remained with the program for the

past seven years. One of them is Lucrecia

Gable, member of KMBI Success Center

08.

Born and raised in Cebu

City, 63-year-old Lucrecia moved to

General Santos in 1960, where she

got married to Telesforo Gable. They

have ten children, majority of whom

have settled down with their own

families. Two years ago, however, her

husband died due to a respiratory illness.

Even so, she is happy in the presence of

her children, 20 grandchildren and two

great grandchildren!

Lucrecia joined KMBI in 1999,

to obtain additional funds for her hog-

raising business. Aside from this, she

manages a sari-sari store, selling rice,

canned goods and other products. A

terrific cook, she also whips up home-

cooked meals and snacks. Customers

especially like her fried maruya, a

specialty made from banana and sugar.

Now on her 13th loan cycle, the

businesses are flourishing. Her backyard

pen currently has four breeders and 12

fatteners, which sell for Php 58 per kilo.

Asked why she has stayed with KMBI up

till now, she responded, “I am encouraged

to save, and it has been a big help to my

family. I am also able to help support the

education of my grandchildren.”

Recently, Lucrecia was

recognized as the Best Chairwoman of

the year by the KMBI General Santos

Branch. It goes to show that she is not

only an impressive businesswoman,

but a superb leader as well. According

to her, she greatly enjoys the company

of her group members during weekly

center meetings.

Lucrecia Gable, KMBI client

I“With KMBI, I am

encouraged to save.”

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

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

Head Office shouts 4HG! Bushed out bodies and pressure-worn minds of Head Office staff perked up to life on their first retreat in La Frontrera Resort de Taal, Talisay, Batangas from March 31 to April 1. With the theme “Embracing God’s Move as One,” the staff explored 1 Corinthians 12:12-31’s admonition on unity in the Body of Christ as KMBI prepares for further expansion this year. Having gone through a long and winding three-hour travel, all 33 staff breathed a sigh of relief as they stepped into the resort grounds. After refreshing themselves, they gathered around a bonfire to dance and sing praises to God. BDS Unit Head Hazel Christine Rosacia shared that the bonfire symbolizes “victory.” Under the clear night sky, they had a robust group sharing until the wee hours of the morning. Facilitated by Executive Director Rosemarie Castro, the staff bared the things they knew about

their officemates, pointing out strengths as well as weaknesses. Each one had a good glimpse of the identities of their officemates. Though everybody lacked sleep, they woke up early to start the next day with a healthy breakfast plus huge doses of God’s food through a devotion with their roommates. Time went so fast that they had to end their sharing time to gather for an obstacle race. Teams Yellow and Blue jumped in cheer as their teammates clambered up monkey bars, balanced through logs, and ran through spare wheels. Others were unfortunate to stumble down as they beat the clock. Blue Team was overjoyed to finish first, but Yellow Team shrugged them off by cheering, “Cute pa rin kami!” After that, they all walked through a hanging bridge. Then , the teams vied in women’s volleyball and men’s basketball. In the afternoon, they gathered in the conference hall to sing praises and listen to the Word of God through Rev. Philip Tarroja, Regional Director of Worldteach and BOT member of APPEND. In his talk, he emphasized that “no role is insignificant in God’s Kingdom.” He added, “Each one plays a special part completing a whole, and so we all perform our individual tasks 4HG! (i.e. for His glory!)” After that stirring talk, the teams rose to show their group cheer. Blue

team danced the “Ibon song” with Jay de Mesa and Edwin Roberto as their star performers. Yellow team also showed some spirit through singing “We will, we will squash you.” The Kalabasa Awards followed next, and it hailed Blue team as the over-all champion. Lastly, Rosemarie Castro gave her closing remarks. Everybody then gathered to pray for Rev. Tarroja. He in turn prayed to release blessings to the staff and the organization and to close the retreat. The said retreat rejuvenated

the Head Office staff spiritually and emotionally,

making all of them shout “4HG!”

Teambuilding in island getaway Curiosity, tension

and sheer excitement consumed the Sta. Cruz branch staff as

they got into a pump boat to reach their private island getaway

in Cavinti, Laguna on February 3 and 4. They might

have thought a Scooby-doo experience awaited them. But lo! An exhilarating series of teambuilding activities, games, and spiritual insights beset them. Trust fall, spider’s web, and fireman’s drill were among the teambuilding activities they braved. Plus, pinoy football, dragon

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

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

Retreats Jumpstart 2006

Transformation Manager Aldy Duque braves the heights (!?)

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hunting, egg hunting and sack race jingled their funny bones to the blues. To refresh the spiritual side, the guest speaker, Clarita Arante, branch manager Hazel de la Cruz and Calabarzon 2 area manager Vencent Abraham gave insights and encouragements. Victor Palce, event coordinator said, “The retreat built us to become more matured Christians, responsible, integrated and committed to one God.” Branch manager Reynald Alpajando added “The experience was not only pleasant, but the impact on the staff’s unity was more important.”

Extreme Challenge for Lucena Extreme Challenge made Lucena branch outing extraordinarily exciting. With the theme “Lucena Sabay-sabay sa Pag-angat,” the staff exercised teamwork as they braved series of obstacles prepared within Pagbilao, Quezon’s vicinity on February 11. What the teams went through in the morning were: (1) composing the team’s cheer in 5 minutes, (2) reciting KMBI’s mission, vision and core values (a real challenge, they said!), (3) becoming sampaguita vendors in the church of Santa Catalina, (4) searching for funeral parlors and inquiring on the expense of funeral ceremony and caskets, (5) straining their voices to hit the 99 mark in videoke singing challenge, and (6) hitching rides on trucks that carry loads of copra to reach Camp Trining Environmental Center at Malicboy, Pagbilao. In the afternoon, teambuilding activities like spider web, memory game, heads and tails and electric maze held in the camp-grounds energized them. That night, they had a dance presentation and impersonation. After all the bustles, they ended the night with devotion and prayer. “This activity let the staff balance work with pleasure, have different kind of rest,

and allow them to get to know each other in a higher level,” Branch Manager Fay Amodia concluded.

Beach escape in Cavite On March 17 and 18, the Central

Cavite branch headed towards the beach in Noveleta. Aside from taking a cool dip in the water, they spiced up the event by having contests. Three

t e a m s ,

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

San Pablo can! “Alone you can’t, together we can!” shouted San Pablo branch staff in their revival encounter on February 24 to 25 in Starlake Resort, San Pablo City. The staff started a blissful morning with an exercise, stretching out to ready their muscles for the fun that awaited that day. Then, they worshiped God to energize their spirit. After that,

dynamic activities were then facilitated by branch officers. Their first activity was egg hunting. Colorful eggs were scattered around the area for them to search. Every staff was thrilled to find those eggs because the person with the most eggs gathered would be hailed the winner. However, what they didn’t know was that encased in every shell were consequences to perform. Their dismay over this fact ended up in laughter as they danced, sang and performed skits. They were then divided into two groups; one was named “Survivor”, the other “Pretty”. Each team was given cut-outs to piece together. It was time-pressured so the groups were fidgety, but they were able to solve the puzzles in time. After this, they had cheering competition plus a videoke challenge. The pretty team won when they got 100% in singing “Butchikee.” More games followed suit. Later in the afternoon, they all went swimming. In the pool, they enjoyed activities like trust fall and diving for colorful marbles. Branch manager Hazel de la Cruz concludes, “Through this revival encounter, we learned the importance of teamwork. We need that as we perform our daily tasks as KMBI staff.”

Top: Grr! Sta.Cruz staff jumble in a game. Right: Lucena staff carefully lift a teammate in the spider web

Clockwise from top: Central Cavite staff show their best in a cheering squad; Deputy Directors Edgardo Mercedes and Liza

Eco pray for Rev. Philip Tarroja during the HO Retreat; Sta. Cruz branch enjoys another game

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One man chose to live that life. The man’s

name is Aurelio C. Llenado Jr., Corporate

Treasurer of Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na

Buhay, Inc.

Born and raised in a Christian

home in Valenzuela City, Mr. Aurelio or

Jun, as he is fondly called, leads this kind

of life as far as he can recall. Being the

eldest of a brood of eight, he remembers

busy Sundays in United Methodist Church,

tagging behind faithful parents. Jun did

not have much church involvement then,

but the searing passion for the cause

of Christ that he saw, especially, in his

mother, Abigail Castro, was instilled in

him early on.

Jun took BS Commerce (CPA) in Far

Eastern University, and during his studies,

he opted to take the night classes there

because he believed that practitioners are

better teachers. Likely so, his education led

him to 34 years of fruitful service as bank

executive officer for Bangko Sentral ng

Pilipinas. He traveled to many areas in the

Philippines during those years. However,

he did not allow his work to press upon

him so much that he forget what he had

learned from his mother.

Therefore while working for BSP,

Jun was also involved in 15 church and

parachurch organizations, among which

are KMBI, TSPI, Resources for the Blind,

Philippine Bible Society, Back to the

Bible, Gideons International, and Child

Evangelism Fellowship. Now that he is

getting older, Jun limits his involvements

to ten. His wife, Paz, says he is born for

meetings, going from one organization

to another to strategize means in order

to fulfill the mission and vision of those

organizations. His ultimate satisfaction is

to serve his fellowmen.

Jun is one of the five significant

people whom God gave the vision of

starting the church-based credit program

in 1985, now KMBI. Along with his

sister, Dr. Amelia Gonzales, concurrent

chairman of the board of trustees, Noel

Alcaide and Emmanuel de Guzman,

they conceptualized a program geared

towards sharing God’s love and seeing

poor neighbors live in abundance. He

never thought KMBI would grow to up

to 24 branches today, serving to almost

90,000 clients and 500 staff, and to reach

to as far as Southern Mindanao.

Even with all the hustle and

bustle in Jun’s life, God never missed

to sprinkle doses of excitement in his

younger years. He met Paz and was

captivated by her beauty causing him to

insist marriage before 23. Paz proves to

be the suitable helpmate, seeing to every

detail he dismisses as trifling being the

active servant leader that he is. With her,

he leads Robert Stephen and Deborah,

their children, and his five grandchildren

to the same path of service. His very prayer

is that they abide in Christ all their lives.

His legacy of passion for Christ

does not end with his lineage. KMBI and

all those organizations he is pouring his

life into are going to let the seeds that he

has sown to grow fruitfully in the years to

come. What he has started will flourish. He

desires that everyone involved in every

ministry, be they program assistants,

accountants, auditors, managers, directors,

will give their all for the cause of Christ.

Choosing to live a life marked

with faith, priority, dedication, service,

and integrity, all for the love for Christ is

no walk in the park. Do you want to know

what helped him persevere until this very

moment? It is coming to his knees in

prayer and clinging to every promise of

God in the Bible. He particularly claims the

verse, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways, acknowledge him and he

will make your paths straight.” (Prov. 3:5-6,

NIV). It is the great big God of Mr. Aurelio

Llenado, Jr. that made him live this kind of

life.

A Life that MattersLiving a life that matters is a choice.

Mr. Aurelio Llenado, Jr.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Choose to live a life that matters.

What really matters...

Ready or not, someday it will all come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All the things you

collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else. The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away. So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?

Reflections

Source: Internet

VISION“To see people in

communities live in

abundance with strengthened

faith in God and in right

relationship with their

fellowmen and the rest of

creations.”

MISSION“KMBI is a Christ-centered

development organization,

existing to help in

transforming the lives of the

poor by providing

opportunities through

sustainable microfinance,

training and demand-driven

non-financial services.”

CORE VALUESRespect

Integrity

Stewardship

Commitment to the Poor

Discipline

Innovation

Excellence

GOAL“To reach 150,000

Filipino families in 2006.”

Communi-K Editorial Adviser: Rosemarie C. Castro Exec. Director Editorial Consultants: Liza D. EcoEdgardo S. MercedesAnnalie D. ConcepcionRizaldy R. DuqueHazel Christine Z. Rosacia Editors: Louise Anne P. PorciunculaKris Joy T. Guimary

Contributors: Vencent Abraham (Area Mgr.); Faye Lorraine Amodia, Roschelli Clemente, Hazel dela Cruz, Donald Cosmiano, Reynald Alpajando, Ednalyn Hospital, Lina May Osorio, Randy Bautista (Branch Mgrs.); Victor Palce (Prog. Asst.)

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

Call for writers

TOTAL CLIENT OUTREACH: 86,716

AVE. NO. OF CLIENTS PER PA: 252.82

CLIENT TURNOVER: 18.63%

LOAN PORFOLIO: PhP 241 M

PORTFOLIO AT RISK: 5.04%

BRANCH PERFORMANCE RANKING

RANK TOTAL SCORE BRANCH AREA COR

(active)AVE. NO. of ACP

LP(Php

- Million)

PAR(%)

CTO(%)

FSS(%)

OFC. MGT. FPA TRANS

1 11.35 Kidapawan S. Mindanao 4,449 317.79 16.28 0.00 16.77 182.34 2.5 2.5 2.5

2 11.1 San Pablo Cal 2 4,232 302.29 10.87 0.00 11.06 166.06 3 3 3

3 10.2 Central Cavite

Cal 1 4,454 296.93 12.00 0.00 14.77 173.22 2 2 2

4 9.95 Davao Prov S. Mindanao 3,943 281.64 11.75 0.00 19.02 174.04 2.5 2.5 2.5

5 9.8 Metro Dvo S. Mindanao 4,341 310.07 14.02 0.60 20.82 197.61 2.5 2.5 2

ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE

Kidapawan makes it to the topKidapawan branch ranks first in the branch performance evaluation for the first quarter of 2006 with a total weighted score of 11.35 points. Once again, it topped all the other branches in terms of overall performance, with a total of 4,449 clients, loan portfolio of more than Php 16M and exhibiting zero PAR as of March 31. In second place is San Pablo with a score of 11.1, followed closely by Central Cavite, Davao Province and Metro Davao branches with 10.2, 9.95 and 9.8 points, respectively. Scores were based on a set standard of quantitative and qualitative indicators, covering branches that are already viable.

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

(As of March 31, 2006)

FINANCIAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY: 160.49%

OPERAT’L SELF-SUFFICIENCY: 165.52%

TOTAL NO. OF STAFF: 453

MF OPERATIONS: 423

SUPPORT GROUP: 30

PERFORMANCE AT A GLANCE 1st Quarter 2006