Communi-k Brand and Leadership

I chose you to lead my people - 2 Samuel 7:8

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KMBI

communi-kFeaturesLeader’s EdgeThe Armor of God

Organizational News19 new branches to rise on Q3

ENTREP 101Making Sense on Cents

I chose you to lead my people-2 Samuel 7:8

VOL 6 NO 1

&BrandLeadership

communi-K • vol. 6 no.1

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News

Features

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8 - 15

29 women acquired basic cosmetology skills•Pangasinan trains on the “Million Leaders Mandate” •Daet plants trees•Legazpi promotes healthy hearts•19 new branches to rise on Q3•EISTOP starts to roll•KMBIworksforcertificationtoISO9001:2008•Exiomo takes on Chairmanship•1.5%grossincomeearmarkedforhealthbenefits•StaffhealthcareentrustedtoIntelliCare•P7.5M disbursed for microinsurance claims•

From Humble Beginnings• The Alvin Cambronero Story

The Armor of God •Understanding Teamwork•

ENTREP 101 16 - 19Making Sense on Cents•SavingUp:Agreatweapononfinancialcrisis•

MF Index 20Have the Right to Know!•

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UpdateCommunity-Based Enterprise Development •(CBED) Project in Carpenter Hill

21 - 23

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10

Organizational Performance

what’sinside?

&A Perspective of

BrandLeadership


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Message

On the coverThefilmstriprepresentsthedifferentphasesofKMBI’sjourneyin shaping its brand and leadership inthemicrofinanceindustry.Significanttothisachievementisits focus on building the leadership capacitiesofitsstaff.

It is obvious that the globe is bothered by the ongoing recession which started in the American soil and felt in almost everycontinentduetothechainreactionsbrought either by direct economic relationshipwiththeUSorhugeinvestments put in shares and stocks in Wall Street. It is important that we all understandhowthisaffectsusandwhatactionsweneedtotaketoweatherit.Ibelieveweareinabetterpositiontomanage through the economic slump andseizetheopportunitieslyingbehinditandthatistobepartofthesolutionand preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to hopeless families at this crucial point. In this issue, we will feature someofourinitiativesthatwillstrengthen our stance and enable us to bemorerelevanttothecommunitieswe are serving, such as the expansion, implementationofEISTOP,andcertificationtoISO9001.Thebranchexpansion is one of the best counter measuresoftheorganizationtoenableour microentrepreneurs be more resilient, and help those who fell prey to the predicament happening today suchaslayoffs. As we expand to help more and more people, we also have to do

something to further improve our system. Toupdateyou,wearenowonthefirstphaseoftheimplementationofourcomputerizedandweb-basedinformationsystem called EISTOP, and we are also workingforKMBI’scertificationtoISO9001tofurtherenhancetheserviceandqualityofourworkasanorganization.On the other side of these enhancement activitiesistheprovisionofsomehealthbenefitstoourworkforce.Wehavechanged our HMO provider to give our staffabetterserviceandalso,throughthe generosity of our Board of Trustees, wearenowimplementingasicknessandhospitalizationfinancialassistance. With the ongoing crisis, I implore you not to lose sight of our goal. The steps that we are to take may be difficult,butthesewillbetakeninthebest interest, both short- and long-term, oftheorganizationandthepeopleweare serving.

For His glory!

Egay Mercedes

The Executive Note

editorial board

I believe we are in a better position to

manage through the economic slump and

seize the opportunities lying behind it and

that is to be part of the solution and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to hopeless families at this

crucial point.

Edgardo S. MercedesAdviser

Rizaldy R. DuqueEditor-in-Chief

Kris Joy G. DalanonEditor

Lea J. GatpandanAssociate Editor

Maylanie D. ApawanCalvin V. PerezVictor G. PerezContributors

Hector C. CelajesCirculation

Foreditorial,contributions,suggestionandinquiries,pleasecontact:Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. 12 San Francisco St., Karuhatan Valenzuela City 1441 PhilippinesEmail:[email protected]


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News Briefs

In a unique partnership to build a cadre of leaders, KMBI Pangasinan area and Lighthouse Christian Community (LCC) headed by Pastor Jonathan Aranton, agreed to collaborate on providing Pangasinan area staff with a series of leadership training following the book of John Maxwell, “Million Leaders Mandate”. “We aim to develop our front liners and soon to be great leaders to contribute not only to theorganizationbuttothesocietyas well,” said Rhany Barrera, OIC NorthernLuzonoperation.“Sinceleadership is one of the important attributesinall-rounddevelopment,our area has devoted itself to nourishingstaff’sleadershipqualitiesand other competencies by organizing a series of leadership training,” added Barrera. Million Leaders Mandate is a six-module leadership material. Each module contains six leadership lessons based on leadership principles and concepts taught for many years by John C. Maxwell, leadership expert. SinceJanuary2009,thebranchesofUrdaneta, San Carlos and Dagupan, havebeenimplementingthetraining,which is held once a month and will endonJune2009. LCC provides the training to

Pangasinan trains on the “Million Leaders Mandate”

Virgie Rico, cosmetologist, demonstrates techniques in hair coloring.

To promote awareness on physical healthandtocontinuallybuildgoodrelationshipamongstaffandprogrammembers,Legazpibranchofficersengagedsome30programmembersonaerobicexercisesonValentine’sDay at Homapon Central School in Homapon, Legazpi City.

About 100 program members and staff of Daet branch participated in the tree planting activity on 21 March at the Water Shed Tulay na Lupa Labo, Camarines Norte. Thesaidactivitywassuccessfully conducted by Daet branch in partnership with Camarines Norte Water District who providedlocationfortreeplanting;and Deo Santos from Department of Natural Resources - Forestry, who presented environmental awareness andprotection. “Thisactivitywasagreatopportunity for the people to be aware on the current environmental situationandforthemtoprotectandpreserve mother earth,” said Roselyn Embac, Daet branch manager.

Legazpi promotes healthy hearts

Daet plants trees

With the goal of enhancing the skills of its program members, Metro Manila South 2 branch (MMSB2) conducted a free training on cosmetology cum ENTREP 101 discussion. Twenty-nine representatives from different centers of MMSB2 participated in the half-day activity. Branch manager Ellen Ruth Sabio discussed the overview of entrepreneurship before the training wasgiventotheparticipants.Thesession meant to deepen the understandingofparticipantson“Entrepreneurship”, including its advantages and disadvantages andstepsonsettingupaformalbusiness. “We aimed to introduce and enhance their understanding on entrepreneurship, and enhance theirskillsatthesametime.Thisactivityservesasapilottestfortheupcoming trainings which we are planning to conduct quarterly as

29 women acquired basic cosmetology skills

add-on services to our clients,” Sabio explained. Meanwhile, Virgie Rico, a cosmetologist, facilitated the training and demonstrated hair styling, includingcuttingandcoloring,andmake-upapplication.Threeprogrammembers volunteered to be models forthedemonstration.

the three branches for free. However, fortheinitialtraining,branchstaffoptedtogive“lovegifts”comingfrom their personal earnings, as a gestureofgratitudeforthevaluableinputs provided. LCC also extended help by providing other lectures suchasfinancialmanagement,entrepreneurial skills and values strengtheningforthestafftosharewith the program members.


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Organizational News

In an effort to fulfill the Goal 25.250, KMBI is set to open 19 more branches in Luzon and Visayas come third quarter. With the new branches, it is expected that the outreach would have 59% increase or a total of 213,500 program members by first quarter of 2010. Five new areas of operations will be established also for monitoring and management of the new branches. A budget of PhP206 million is earmarked for the expansion. “The branch expansion gives themicrofinanceinstitutionlikeKMBI the opportunity to be part of thesolutionoftheeconomiccrisisthat we are facing. With the new branches,wecanprovideadditional

The operations team, composed of the executive director, operations and selected area managers,and some officers, makes a thorough environmental scanning and study of the areas for expansion.

capital to more women microentrepreneurs, generate job openings for other membersofthecommunities,and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to more families especially at this point,” said executivedirectorEdgardoMercedes. Through the leadership of Carmela Porras, operationsmanagerforNGO,theoperationshadcompletedthe area and environmental studies required for the establishment of the new branches. Courtesy visits to local government units, both city or municipal and

19 new branches to rise on Q3

AREAS OF OPERATION

AREA MANAGER Branches Branch Managers OFFICER-IN-CHARGE

Cebu Maulidan Tul Cebu North Branch Girlie Tering - Tering

(selectionforOICon-going)Negros Roselyn Embac

Bacolod Branch Michael Mel Durango

Silay Branch James Anthony Russel

Kabankalan Branch Joel Cardeño

Rizal Ronald Ravelo

AntipoloBranch Elvie Ruiz

Enrique MacaTaytay Branch Selectionon-going

Binangonan Sharon Cruzado

Bulacan Roschelli ClementeMalolos

Selectionon-going

Rhany Barrera

Baliuag

Luzon North East Michel Mondejar

Tuguegarao Branch Vanessa Espinosa

Cauayan Rosunny Dela Luna

SantiagoCityBranch Selectionon-going

Luzon North WestAntonetteLapnite(OIC)

Laoag City Branch Jevalyn Bebanco

San Fernando, LU Selectionon-going

Central Luzon Roschelli Clemente

Tarlac City Branch Lanie Cardeño

Capas, Tarlac Branch

Selectionon-goingOlongapo City Branch

Calabarzon 3 Jose Ian Aguilar Balayan Reynald Alpajando

Mindanao Fay Lorraine Amodia General Santos 2 GraceBautista

19 NEW/24


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KMBI appointed its OperationsManagerforBank,Vencent Abraham, to be its Quality ManagementRepresentative.Hewillbein-chargeofthecertificationprocessandimplementationofqualitymanagementsystemincoordinationwith all department managers, who arealsomembersoftheproject’ssteeringcommittee. Last February, some 27 managersfromdifferentheadofficeunitsanddepartmentsandbranchesattendedtheAwarenessandDocumentationtrainingstwoofthethreetitlesrequiredintheprocessofcertificationtoISO9001.Thethirdtraining, Internal Quality Audit, is set to be conducted on the second quarter in partnership with QConsult. Thetrainingisthefirstphaseinthecertificationprocess. Currently, the steering committeeispreparingforthesecondphaseofthecertificationortheDocumentationphase.“Althoughwe already have our Manual of Operations,wewillstillconductareviewofitforrefinementandimprovement. Also, the steering

On February, KMBI started the implementation of its computerized information system project dubbed as EISTOP or Enhanced Information System towards Optimum Productivity. The project is spearheaded by Sancho Montaos II, Finance and Accounting manager. On the same month, KMBI signed the services of Renato Lomadilla, an IT consultant with track record in IT projects in microfinance setting, to help in putting EISTOP in place. To date, EISTOP is on its preparationphaseandisexpectedto proceed immediately to the needs assessment phase on the second quarter.Thepreparationphaseentails comprehensive analysis on thepreparednessoftheinstitution,settingofrealisticgoalsfortheprojectdevelopment,andhighlightingofspecificissuesthatneedtobeaddressed by EISTOP. “Atthisstage,wearestillconductinganinventoryofwhatwe have in our management informationsystem(MIS).Projectdesignwillcomeinlateraftertheneeds assessment phase,” said Montaos.“Also,weareidentifyingissues that might hamper success oftheimplementationprocessincludinginstitutionalproceduresandpractices,internalcontrols,staffing,training,dataconversion,and technical infrastructure. The consultant and project team, composedofrepresentativesfrommajor departments, will work on this requirement” added Montaos. EISTOP is envisioned to be a web-based system that will enhance the monitoring of branch operationsandimprovedatabasemanagement. With the computerized MIS,informationisexpectedtobe

Organizational News

KMBI works for certification to ISO 9001

EISTOP starts to roll

committeewillsitdowntodiscussthe new processes and systems that need to be included and installed in ouroperation,”VenceAbrahamsaid.Aside from its current processes and systems,KMBIwillinstalladditionalsystemssuchasCustomerRelationsManagement, Document Control, Monitoring and Measurement Process, Control of Non-Conforming Products, and Improvement System. ISO9001isoneofthe standards formed by the InternationalOrganizationforStandardization,aworldwidefederationofnationalstandardbodies.Itaimsforthecontinualperformance improvement at a long term basis through the observance of the Eight Quality Management Principles such as customer focus, leadership, involvement of people, process approach, system approach, continualimprovement,factualapproach to decision making, andmutuallybeneficialsupplierrelationship.ISO9001focusesoncustomers while addressing the needs of all the stakeholders.

With a desire to continuously enhance its products and services through improved processes and systems, KMBI has started working for the certification to ISO 9001:2008. The scope of the certification will include the microfinance program operations and four of the support services departments, namely administration, audit, finance and accounting, and human resources & development. Per project schedule, the certification is targeted to be completed by November 2009 with TUV Rheinland as the certification body and the German Accreditation Board for accreditation.

providedonareal-timebasisandthusmakestakeholders’decisionmore informed and relevant. “Once we have gone through the other phases,suchassoftwareselection

andsoftwareimplementation,theproject is expected to be piloted by AugustandrolledoutuntilJuly2010,”said Floryfel Gonzales, Management InformationSystem(MIS)officer.


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"With healthcare costs on the rise, KMBI find ways to help staff to reduce medical expenses by providing healthcare benefit to all KMBI staff regardless of rank and employment status," announced Sharon Dionco, officer-in-charge of the Human Resources and Development, during KMBI’s general assembly last January 18. Beginning January, all KMBI staffcanavailofthesicknessandhospitalizationfinancialassistance.The Board of Trustees (BOT) approved theallocationof1.5%oftheorganization’sgrossannualincomeofthepreviousyear.Theallocationwillserveasthefundforthenewbenefit. The said fund is equally divided based on the number of BOT andstaffofthepreviousyear.Onthe

To continually provide better healthcare services to its staff, KMBI signed a contract with ASALUS Corporation, known as IntelliCare on March 21. “Wecontinuallyseekforbetterhealthcareserviceforourstaff,andwithIntelliCare’seasyaccessandcoverageforpre-existingconditions,confinementandtreatments,wehopethat this could be met,” said Sharon Dionco,officer-in-chargeofHumanResources and Development. “One good thing about Intellicare, in case of emergency and the hospital is not accredited with them, the expenses incurred can be reimbursed100%providedalloriginalreceipts are intact,” added Dionco. With the new provider, the staffcanproceeddirectlytoanyofIntellicare’sterminalslocatedinthe accredited hospitals to process request of services. This feature lessensthehasslewhichKMBIstaffexperienced with the previous health maintenance provider. A guidebook isalsoprovidedtoallstaffforeasyreferenceonprocedures,benefitsand list of accredited hospitals, clinics and doctors. IntelliCare has more than300accreditedhospitalstoserveclients all over the Philippines. ProvidingbenefitstoitsworkforceisoneoftheprioritiesofKMBI. The Board and management are fully aware of the demand of development work, especially in thefield,andwiththisKMBIiscommittedtohavethebestpossiblehealthcareservicesforitsstaff.KMBI is also planning to extend the benefitstothefamilymembersofitsstaffinthenearfuture.

Organizational News

1.5% gross income earmarked for health benefits

Staff healthcare entrusted to IntelliCare

1.5% GROSS/24

Damiana Exiomo, former corporate secretary, takes on the new position as Chair and President of the organization after the election for the officers of the Board of Trustees on February 13 during the Annual General Meeting at Grand Mercure Xidem Hotel, Beijing, China.

Exiomo takes on Chairmanship Exiomo succeeds Dr. Amelia Llenado-Gonzales who now seats as board member. Emmanuel de Guzman remains as vice chairman and vice president along with corporate treasurer Aurelio Llenado. Former boardmemberAtty.

Servillano Mendoza replacedthepositionleft

by Exiomo as corporate secretary. “I would like to thank everyone and call for your full support as we carry out the organization’smissiontowardspovertyalleviation,”saidExiomoduringtheboardmeeting.

Dr. Philip Flores prays for the new set of board of trustees during the LEAD! Camp.

otherhand,staffhiredoncurrentyearmayavail50%oftheallocatedfundwithin the year which will be treated as advance availment of the said benefits.Withthisprovision,allKMBIstaffcanavailofthebenefitregardlessof rank and employment status. Based on the policy, fund must be used for cases of sickness thatrequiresconfinementandtherefore can be used only to pay hospital bill and/or medicines, ortosupportmedicationafterconfinement.However,thebenefitcanbeavailedonlyifbenefitsfromtheorganization’sHMO,SSSandand Philhealth have already been exhausted, or in some cases, if the cited agencies cannot cover the


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Feature

From humble beginnings

Many great stories are

borne of grounded dreams shaped by sacrifices and humble beginnings. Such is the story of Alvin Cambronero,

Daet branch’s former utility worker turned

exemplary program assistant.

Alvin Cambronero’s StoryExemplary Program Assistant | Daet Branch

By Lea Gatpandan


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Feature

Itwasin2006whenAlvinfirstjoinedKMBI.Hisroutineincludedwashingdirty dishes, running errands, and cleaningfloorsandcomfortrooms.Alvin was obedient and hardworking, andheeasilybuiltgoodrelationshipwithotherstaff.However,hiscommitment and obedience were tested by circumstance early on. His fatherranforgovernmentofficeand this meant his extending full support. He thus eventually gave up his job. His choice became a double blowashisfatherlosttheelectionsand he ended up jobless. “I saw him depressedbutAlvinisstillonewhowould do everything for his family,” attestedWenefredoBelista,programunit supervisor.

A few months later, the branchneededanewutilityworker.“I cannot think of anybody to hire except Alvin,” said Roselyn Embac, branch manager. “When I called to ask if he would like to re-apply as utilityworker,hewassohappyandjumped with joy (as related by his motherdaysafter),”addedRose.ItwasAlvin’sturningpoint.Hehumbled down and went back to the branch to prove that he was in for the service. Alvin’ssuperiorsnoticeddevelopmentinhiscapabilitiesand personality. They believed that there is something more that Alvincanaddtotheorganizationgiven the opportunity. “Alvin is exposedwiththeoperations,andhe is a fast learner. We know that

it would not be tough for him to handle centers, and we trust his capacity,”hissupervisoraffirmed.Alvin recalls that the encouragement of his colleagues greatly helped him to learn, excel, and have the guts to apply as program assistant. “My passion to help the community began when I was a youngboy;Iwantedtobecomeapoliceman,”Alvinspillinghisultimatedream.HetookupaBachelor’sDegree in Criminology to pursue hisdream,butduetofinancialconstraints and his eagerness to help his family, he decided to stop schooling and instead sought a job to support his family. “I believe that God brought me to KMBI. I easily learned

andunderstoodtheoperationsbecauseIreadthepublicationsandreportspostedatthebranchbulletinboard.Ialsowitnessedorientationsfor program members, and joined branchdevotions.Fromthere,IknewI can do it as well.” But being a program assistant wasn’taseasyashethought.Hefaceddiscriminationinthecentershefirsthandled.“Peopletendnotto accept that they will be led by a formerutilityworker.”Therewereprogrammemberswhoquestionedhis becoming a program assistant. “However, today it is the same program members that want him to stay for good because of his sincerity and concern for them,” his supervisor said.Alvincountersnegativecomments saying, “It is true that I am

aformerutilityworkerbutIworkhard for everything.” Currently, Alvin is handling ten good centers and is recognized as best program assistant of Daet branch. He also faced usual problems like delinquent members, but he deals with these through constant communicationwithmembers,and building and nurturing good relationshipinthecommunity.Oneofhisprogrammembersshares:“Mabait si Sir Alvin at mabuting makisama. Hinihikayat niya kami na mas maging mabuti ang samahan namin sa sentro. Lagi niya kaming pinapaalalahanan na dapat kami ay magtulungan at maging responsible sa lahat ng aming gagawin. Kami

rin mismo ay tumutulong sa kanya. Pinoprotektahan namin ang sentro dahil ayaw naming masira ito. Dama naming ang katapatan sa kanyang ginagawa.” Alvin also trusts God for everything. “I owe everything to our Almighty God. He is the source of my strengthtofulfillmyobligationsasaprogram assistant.” Alvin’ssupervisorcompareshim to a book. The blank pages represent his willingness to accept instructionandfeedback,whilethe other pages represent his character wherein you can always learn something from. Regardless ofsituationswhereheisplaced,Alvin has proven that good character coupled with a heart for others is enough to bring one to heights unexpected of humble beginnings.

From humble beginnings

I owe everything to our Almighty God. He is the source of my strength to fulfill my obligations as a program assistant. ”

“


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One of the blessings I received from God this year is the privilege to

attend a fundraising and marketing class at the Kellogg School of Management last February. I have learned so much from the class and one of the most significant stuff I brought home with me is “brand”. Certainly, brand has a direct relationship with what I am doing in KMBI and also with KMBI as a non-profit (or not-for-profit) organization. But then I realize that brand has something to do with people also and not only with products and companies. It is present in everything and every living thing, and that includes us human beings – male or female, educated or illiterate, employer or employee, what have you. In this sense, brand plays a very important role in our leadership styles and practices especially that the success of an organization is often driven by its leadership. It is

just a matter of whether we have a great or awful brand. What is a brand? More often than not we think of a brand as a name or logo of a particular product

like Coke, Purefoods, Colgate, Toyota, Adidas, Mendrez, Arrow, Ateneo de Manila, etc. Actually, a brand is any label that carries meaning and association. It is the perception of people of a particular product or service. Perceptions are made based on the consumer’s experience of the product. When a consumer pays for a

product or service, what she is paying for is the whole experience. It is therefore important that the end-user or client experience the promise (most of the time these are the features advertised) of the product because what brings satisfaction to them is the reality of what has been advertised or offered. Thus, the need to deliver the promise we make to our clients needs not to be over emphasized. It is non negotiable! We have to find ways and means to fulfill what we have promised. As a Christ-centered organization we need to treat this seriously. The Bible encourages us to fulfill all the promises we make otherwise just make it a plain “yes” or “no”. The apostle James said, “And above all my brothers and sisters, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath. But let your ‘Yes’ be yes and your ‘No’ be no, so that you may not fall into judgment” (Jas. 5:12). Customer satisfaction is a matter of

&Cover Story

A Perspective of

BrandLeadership

By Aldy Duque

We have to find ways

and means to fulfill what

we have promised.


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Cover Story

Leadership

integrity and without integrity there is no credibility.

Brand and leadership Our leadership carries a brand and itdefinesourpersonalleadershipstyle–anoperativereputationatwork. And this brand is based on the perceptionofthosepeoplewhohaveexperienced working with us. Some mayhaveaffirmativeones,whileothers had the opposites. The way we deal and relate with people carries agreatsignificanceonhowourbrandis built. Your brand conveys your identityanddistinctivenessasaleader. It communicates the value youoffer.Ifyouhavethewrongleadershipbrandforthepositionyouhaveorthepositionyouwant,thenyour work is not having the impact it could. For example, we expect all thebranchstafftobehonestandreliable. What if one of the branch staffsisnothonestandreliable?Canthisunderminetheperceptionofthebranch as a brand of honesty and reliability?Ofcourseitwill.Espoused but unlived brands create

cynicism because they promise what they do not deliver. To ensure that theleadershipbrandyouadvertiseorannounce is embodied in your day-to-day work, ask those around you. Do they see you as you wish to be seen?Ifyousayyouareflexibleandapproachable,doothersfindyouso?

As leaders we have a gargantuan task to ensure that our brand is clearly understood and that we align ourvalueswiththeInstitution’s.A mismatch of those values can ultimatelyunderminethebrandofKMBI.Ifourstyleisbureaucratic,arrogantorsupportive,approachableor any other brand label we give it by ouractions.Ourstafforco-workersrecognize that brand and then start to confirmitthroughtheirexperiences.Anyone in a leadership role has the responsibility to ensure that they uphold the brand and live within thevaluesoftheorganization.Theexpression commonly used is “walk-the-talk”. But I believe it is beyond walking the talk and it requires “living thetalk”.Ifanyoneinanorganizationwants to see what the values of the organizationlooklike,thentheyshould be able to look at people in leadershippositionsandseethosevaluesinaction.Theyshouldseea living, breathing, walking, talking personificationofthosevalues.

Our leadership brand needs to reflect the

head and heart of KMBI,

making us inimitable

and distinct so that our

messages do get across.

Developing a powerful leadership brandLeadership brand is very dynamic and therefore it should evolve in response tothedifferentexpectationswefaceatdifferenttimes.Leaderswiththedrive to evolve their leadership brands fromtimetotimearemorelikelytobe successful over the long haul – and to enjoy the journey more.To develop your leadership brand requires you to know what you stand for, your strengths, what you do best and how you compliment others. Whenyouhavedefinedthis,youcanstart to develop a leadership brand that people are prepared to follow.Likewise, our leadership brand needs toreflecttheheadandheartofKMBI,makingusinimitableanddistinctso that our messages do get across. The power of branding is all around us. Powerful and successful brands build strong and consistent images inthemindsofourclients.JeffBezos, founder of Amazon.com once said,“Ultimatelyabrandisthethingpeople say about you when you are not there.”

A great brand staysIntimesofcrisis,thereisatensionbetween brand loyalty and price loyalty. But a great brand stays as it has the command of loyalty and preference over its end-users. When peoplearesatisfiedwithourbrand,meaning we are able to deliver our promises and maybe exceed their expectations,thenpeoplewouldcasttheir trust on our brand because they experience truthfulness in our words and worth for every cent they spend in buying our products. And because they trust us, then a more meaningful relationshipisbuilt.Thus,theywouldbe willing to stay with us through thick and thin.

Your brand conveys your identity and distinctiveness as a leader.


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KMBI believes that the call for godly leaders is also a call of our generation. Throughout

the ages, God is constantly calling men of faith and conviction to step forward and fulfill His purposes. Today,Godcanstillbeheard–HewantsChristianstostepforwardandfulfillHispurposes-butmanyof us tend to refuse to respond to the call. One may say, “I have personal needs and problems, leave me be,” or “sorry but I would prefer to become a follower than to be a leader.”Othersmaysay:“Iamnotworthy to become a leader. See, I am poor and uneducated. I am nobody, whowouldlistentome?”Someareleftwithasoberingreminderoftheworld’sanguishandthedifficulttask they have at hand in carrying God’scalling.Suchreactionmaybe“natural,”andcanbeattributedtowhat we call the human nature. Yet in a spiritual sense, we say our minds areconstantlyattackedbytheenemy,deceiving us towards the wrong way. The enemy uses circumstances or materialism as weapons to cause ourdisobedience.Thiscontinually

happens unless we stand up and respondtoGod’scall. So how are we going to respondtothiscall?Weneedtosee and understand beyond what our human nature dictates. Yes, it isindeeddifficulttobeaneffectiveleaderintoday’sever-changingworld.However, this is the call we have as Christians…toleadandproclaimthetruthofGod’sloveandeternalplan.And for this reason, let us help each othertogetoutofthedeceptionof

The Armor of God

the enemy. Let us help each other to bring out the great leaders within us. Our weapons are simple and yet powerful. Firstly, we need to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, have agrowingrelationshipwithGod,and live in faith. Secondly, we must fully comprehend the mind of God revealed in the Bible. Knowing the ScriptureandreflectingonitwillmakeusawareofGod’swayandwillandtherefore we cannot be deceived by the enemy anymore. Thirdly, let us

By Lea Gatpandan

Facing the Call for Leadership

Leader’s Edge

2 Samuel 7: 9 "Now go and say to my servant David, 'this is what the LORD Almighty says: I chose you to lead my people Israel when you were just a shepherd boy, tending your sheep out in the pasture. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies. Now I will make your name famous throughout the earth! “


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The Belt of Truth. For the Roman Soldiers, the girdle protected the mid to lower abdominal area. Jesus said inJohn8:32,"Andyouwillknowthetruth,andthetruthwillsetyoufree."Just as in the laws of physics were light dispels darkness, in the law of theSpirittruthsetsusfree."TruthisJesus.John14:6says,"Iamtheway,thetruth,andthelife...."Thebeltor girdle was worn around the waist which speaks of a person's inmost being. The Lord wants us to be free completely from the inside out! “But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there. (Psalm51:6)"

Breastplate of Righteousness. One key area the Soldier's breastplate protected was the heart. While the heart is the one key organ responsible for sending blood through our circulatory system to keep us alive, our spiritual lives can deaden if our hearts are not right with God! 1 John 3:21says,"Dearfriends,ifwedon'tfeel guilty, we can come to God with boldconfidence."Nowonderenemywants to make us feel guilty all the time.OurrelationshipwithGodissodamaged when we view God as an unforgiving taskmaster whose only interest is to punish us and weigh us down with guilt whenever we do wrong! On the contrary, in Philippians 1:6,God,whobeganthegoodworkwithinyou,willcontinuehisworkuntilitisfinallyfinishedonthedaywhen Christ Jesus returns God is faithfultofinishtheworkHebeganin you! And even though you blew it andsometimesfalltotimesinwhichyou don't have any faith, God remains faithfultous(2Timothy2:13).Letus

not forget that our righteousness was not earned by good works (Ephesians 2:9),butratherwascreditedtous(Romans4:3,AmplifiedBible),hencerighteousnessisagift!

Helmet of Salvation. A well-designed helmet will protect you from various anglesofattack.Asmentionedabove,thegreatestbattlefieldisinourminds.This is the area that the enemy wants toattackthemost.Onekeyareahewants to damage is our assurance of salvation.ManyChristianshavebeendeceived into thinking that they have losttheirsalvation,thattheyhadcommittedtheunpardonablesin.Beencouraged, if this is the case for so long as there is the slightest inkling ofwantingtoreturnhomeintoJesus'loving arms, He accepts with willing and glad heart!

Sandals of the Gospel of Peace. Have youevernoticedhowwhenyoustubyour toe - when your foot hurts, the wholepersonhurts?IntheBible,feetspeaksofyourwalk(Proverbs19:2).When you are walking in the peace of God,notonlydoyouhaveasensitivityforGodlywisdom(James3:17)butthatyourproclamationoftheGospelisparticularlyblessed(Isaiah52:7).Make sure you do this with an alert mind when you put the armor on in the morning. When I don't get enough sleep, I tend to get sloppy, and the sandals of the Gospel of peace somehow end up on my hands!

Shield of Faith.Psalm3:3intheNLTsays,"You,OLord,areashieldaroundme."Godprovides360-degreeby360-degreecompleteprotection!NoticethatEphesians6:16saysthatwiththisshieldwewillbeable"tohold up the shield of faith to stop thefieryarrowsofthedevil"orthe"wickedone"-whichistheenemy.These"fieryarrows"aretheveryflash

thoughtattackswegetoutoftheblue for no reason at all! Remember that faith is the evidence of things notseen(Hebrews11:1).Faithistheconfidencethatwhatwehopeforwillactuallyhappen;itgivesusassurance about things we cannot see.DavidWilkersononcesaid,"Mansays, 'seeing is believing' but God says, 'believingisseeing!'"

Sword of the Spirit. The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness,Satansaid,"IfyouaretheSonofGod...."YetJesusdidnot respond like many of us would. So many of us shout at the Devil and believe that our volume is proportionaltothedistanceSatanwillfleefromus!However,Jesusquoted His Father's words and spoke them with authority. Consequently, each Word-thrust was like a sword-blow to Satan's head! God has given us the authority to use His words because we are all ambassadors of Christ(Ephesians6:20)!Hebrews4:12revealsthattheWordofGod"isaliveandpowerful."

Once you put the Armor on, remember to NEVER TO TAKE IT OFF!

Source: http://www.angelic.org/originalsite/armorofgod.htmlhttp://www.sthildas.net/panorama/panorama.htmlhttp://bible.cc/1_thessalonians/5-23.htmimage : http://www.sthildas.net/panorama/images/PanMed_No06.JPG

Leader’s Edge

committoleadwiselyforalifetime.And lastly, let us wear the Armor of God so that no one can defeat us in thisbattle.


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Most areas and branches endeavor to build the capacity of staff and

strengthen the teamwork and camaraderie within. Calabarzon 2 operation for instance had its team building activity on January at the Lord’s Garden Foundation in Calamba City. Their purpose for the activity was to enhance staffs’ skills (mental and physical) and values (spiritual). Similarly, the NCR area conducted staff teambuilding at the La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City last March to unify the five branches towards achieving their goals as agents of transformation. Why is this so? When groups have common goals,teamworkisessentialtosuccess. Teamwork is one of today's most popular buzzwords. It is

definedasactionsofindividuals,brought together for a common purpose or goal, which subordinate the needs of the individual to the needs of the group. Employers expect employees tofunctioneffectivelyonvariousteamsandmostorganizationsconvene teams to tackle problems orprojects.Itisimperativethereforeto learn teamwork skills, even if you prefer to work independently. There may be a team composed of extraordinary individuals but if they donotworktogetherasaunifiedteam, they may end up losing or being humiliated by ordinary individuals who worked as a team. Note that achievingastrongandeffectiveteammentality requires a great deal of sacrifice,commitmentandhardwork.

There are a number of factors that must be in place to cohere as a team and work seamlessly. Good leadership. Theteam’sleader should possess the skills tocreateandmaintainapositiveworkingenvironmentandmotivateand inspire the team members to take apositiveapproachtoworkandbehighlycommitted.Aneffectiveteamleader will promote a high level of morale and make them feel supported and valued. Clear communication. Communicationisavitalfactorofallinterpersonalinteractionandespecially that of a team. Team membersmustbeabletoarticulatetheir feelings, express plans and goals, share ideas and see each other’sviewpoints.

Leader’s Edge

By Lea Gatpandan

Understanding TEAMWORK


15|

Leader’s Edge

Understanding

Establishing roles. It is absolutely necessary for team members to understand what their role on the team is, what he/she is responsible for. The team leader can enablethisbydefiningthepurposeina clear-cut manner in the beginning of theformationoftheteam. Conflict Resolution. Conflictswillarisenomatterhowwellateamfunctionstogether.Thebestwaytocounterconflictistohavestructuredmethodsofconflictresolution.Teammembers should be able to voice their concernswithoutfearofoffendingothers.Insteadofavoidingconflictissues, a hands-on approach that resolvesthemquicklyismuchbetter.Itisoftenadvisedthattheteamleadersitwiththeconflictingpartiesandhelpworkouttheirdifferences

without taking sides and trying to remainobjectiveifpossible. Set a good example. The team leader must set a good example for good teamwork to come about. In ordertokeepteammemberspositiveandcommittedandmotivated,theteam leader herself/himself needs toexhibitthesequalities.Theteamlooks to the leader for support and guidancesoanynegativityontheleader’spartcanbedisastrous.

Regardless of what type of team you are in, you may one day be asked toleadateameffort,andknowinghowtoeffectivelyworkonandwitha team is going to be crucial to your success and that of your team. If you havetherightteamcompositionandapproach, team synergy can take

over. But it has to be set up correctly. The team members have to be willing andreadytoparticipate.Sothenexttimeyouaskyourselfwhythesepeopleareinvestinginteambuilding,youknowtheanswer:toknowyourcorevalues,topositionforacommoncause, and to keep team together to achieveyourdefinedobjectives,andthat is called TEAMWORK!

Sources:http://www.articlesbase.com/team-building-articles/the-importance-of-teamwork-381813.htmlhttp://www.yourdictionary.com/dictionary-articles/Definition-of-Teamwork.html

Above pictures show Tandang Sora branch and Calabarzon 2 staff (left to right) in their respective teambuilding activities.


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ENTREP 101

An excerpt from Consumer Protection and Financial Literacy Seminar by Mr. Eduardo C. Jimenez, BSP Consultant for Microfinance

Given the financial crisis that the world is currently facing, it is very important

that people enhance capacity and understanding on money matters to avoid business or personal financial havoc later on. The Philippines may not yet be fatally affected by the said crisis unlike other countries but Filipinos should also be prepared to face the crisis and be financially literate.

Financial literacy is a broad termthathasmultiplemeanings,dependingonanindividual’ssituation.It may mean learning how to create and manage a household budget, learning how to invest money for retirement,orparticipatinginone-on-one coaching and counseling to determine how to buy a house or start a business. It also is part of an overall strategy to increase economic security for lower-income families.

Financial learning is the ability of an individualtounderstandfinancialterms and concepts and to translate this knowledge skillfully into behavior. It is the ability to read, analyze, manage and communicate about thepersonalfinancialconditionsthataffectmaterialwell-being.Thisincludestheabilitytodiscernfinancialchoices,discussmoneyandfinancialissues without discomfort, plan for the future and respond competently

Making Sense on Cents


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ENTREP 101

tolifeeventsaffecteverydayfinancialdecisions.Financialeducation,justlikereadingandwriting,affectsthewell-being of every individual. It alsoaffectstheeconomicandsocialwell-being of every community and, ultimately,theoverallstrengthofthenation’seconomy. It is important for both theclientsandinstitutiontobefinanciallyliterate.Clientswillbebenefitedbybeingempoweredandfinanciallyinformedoftheirrightsanddutiesasborrowers.Becomingvictimsoffraud,predatorypracticesandotherunfairpracticeswill be minimized. They will be able to budget, plan, and monitor theirfinances,andwillbemoredisciplined in doing savings and investments.Fortheinstitution,it can mean more income as clients become more trustworthy, responsible and disciplined, and expansion program can be done due toqualityofportfolio. The Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has taken part in preparing Filipinosforthetoughtimes.BSPproducedteachingguidesonfinancialliteracy to increase understanding on money, how to use it properly, and how to make it grow. Below is a portionofthelessonstaught.

USE OF MONEYThere are three uses of money - spend, save or invest. By spending, an individual can use money for basicnecessities,i.e.food,housing,medicines,clothing,transportation,recreationetc.Bysaving,oneallocatesaportionofhisincomeforemergencies,opportunitiesortoachievefinancialgoals.Regardlessof the amount saved, in the long run, savings will accumulate and the person may have saved a lot than expected. If the individual knows how to do a business, then

he invests money into some income generatingactivities.However,heshouldbecautiousenoughtoknowthecashflowandrecorddetailsofthe business, and he should not start his business out of debt. Hence, it is best to assess income and spending activities,andthinkofsomethingtoforegoforthemeantimeinordertosave and invest later on.

BUDGETING AND PLANNINGBudgetingandplanningisasimpletoolthatisusefultomanagefinances.A budget is a plan that lays out howresources,specificallymoney,are used. It helps an individual to prioritizebuyingactivities.Itservesas a road map that helps to get from where the individual is at present to afinancialgoal.Sincetheobjectiveofbudgetingistohelpachievelifegoals, it might be helpful to look at financialgoals.Goalsmayvaryfordifferentindividuals.Itdependsonaperson’sperceivedprioritiesinlife.Goalsalsovary,i.e.frommeetingthebasicnecessitiesinlifetogettingoutofmountingdebt,toinvestingin insurance, to acquiring a house. Goals may be short term, midterm or long-term.Therefore,fulfillingyourgoals may also take a short or long time.Achievingasetofgoalsisalsodependent on availability of funds, costs involved and other available resources.Somedegreeofflexibilityisneeded to achieve the goals.

WHY DO BUDGETBudgetinghelpsindecisionmaking.If something came up and the budget made did not work, decision has to be made. A budget also encourages being careful in spending money and saving discipline. KMBI is teaching clients tosavebutwe,intheorganization,shouldbecrediblebypracticingwhatwe teach. No one has the right to speak about savings if he is not saving.

Itdoesn’tmatterhowmuchisbeingsaved.Whatmattersisthehabitanddiscipline in saving. With a clear budget, one is able to control money and not vice versa. Through this, we are helping the Philippines to have a saving habit.

Steps to prepare a budget

Keep track of your income 1. & expenses - set up a clear recording system of all incomes and all expenses. Createyourowncashflowstatement based on the recorded data. Compute for your net income.Create appropriate budget 2. categories, i.e. household expenses. Setyourfinancialgoals.Itmay3. be short, mid or long term.Allocate your income across 4. your budget category.

Source:http://www.ncsl.org/programs/banking/FinLiteracy_Introduction.htmFinancial Learning Seminar for Banks with Microfinance Operations – Banko Sentral

ng Pilipinas

Editor’s Note: We will continue the second part of this article in the next issue.


18 |

Some of our program members discovered the value of saving up which fuelled them to start

something bigger. One is Emerlina Miranda of Naga City who was once a homemaker who boldly held her ropes, literally and figuratively, which swung her to success. Now she has abaca ropes and market bags as her family’s main sources of income. Another is Nicanora Garcia of Butuan, former government employee who resigned from her job to start a business and now successfully operates her upholstery services. There is also Mercedes Tagyubon of Butuan City, who did not give up from her fire-stricken tailoring business, and now has established G-tags Combination and Bag makers. These women know the

value of saving up for the future, saving up for debts, saving up for thehardtimes.Likethem,weasagents of change should also value saving up. While we are young and have the extra money to save, we should start saving. We should be smartandfinanciallyliteratetobeabletomanageourfinanceswell.Atthispointinourlife,financialresponsibility should be a priority, regardless of our age or income level. According to the Asian Development Bank, the global economy is in the grip of a major downturn.Inthistime,itisnevertoo early to start thinking about our finances.IntheUS,Timemagazinereports that aside from rediscovering that a job is the most valuable asset a person can have, people are learning

tosavemoney.Fromanegativesavingsrateinlate2005,theUnitedStates hit 5% in January this year. In one of his talks, Dr. Andrew Liuson, highlighted some basic steps aboutsaving,adirectionwhichisverypracticalandachievableifwefocusonachievingit.Helistedfivestages,FIVEBABYSTEPSashecalledit: Build up your emergency fund. It is good to have something to pull out when the need arises. FrancisoJ.Colayco,afinancialliteracyadvocate, said that if you start saving Php30everyday,in40years,youwillcomfortablyretirewithPhp97.4million in your savings! This seems easy,right?Ifyoudelaythisforayear,youlosePhp460thousandfromthistotal Php 97.4 miilion. So start this practicesoon.Don’tdelay!

ENTREP 101

SAVING UP: A great weapon to counter financial crisis

By Victor Perez


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Set aside something for your regular savings. Dr. Liuson pointed out that an equivalent of three to six months of your salary will be a good amount to represent your “savings”. Anything in excess of this is more than welcome to be part of your savings build-up! The principle behind is to have discipline and the proper mindset to save. You will be surprised what your peso can do if you save it. You can enjoy paying in cash for the things you need rather than accumulate debts with a credit card. Save up for retirement. “Pay yourselffirst”istheadviceofColaycoinrelationtoretirement.Thiscanbedonebysettingasidemoneyforyour welfare, and the rest will be for expenses.Leaveabout15to20%ofyour salary untouched and consider it

ENTREP 101

only for future use. Acquire a house, build your home! If you reached this stage, then it means you have successfully mastered the discipline to save and you are now prepared to set aside a part of your earnings to invest on an asset, e.g. a house or a lot. Manyhousingprojectstieupwithgovernment-funded agencies for interestedpartiestoacquireeasyinstalments.Aportionofoursavingsshouldgraduallypayupamortizationsor monthly housing dues. Wealth build-up. If you think you have reached this stage, then abundance abounds. You are blessed, because you saved up! A common denominator in all these is about us as stewards using wisely what God has entrusted

to us, whether it is knowledge, material wealth, able bodies and goodhealth,orgoodrelationswithour immediate community. Asitisoftensaid,whenoneworks hard, cash will follow. We can all learn from our “women ENTREPs”, as they learn some new things from us as “client-ENABLERS” as well. It is with excitement that we hope to bring to the next level our unwavering support to further enable our ENTREPs reach greater heights in their enterprises so that they can truly live to inspire more peopleinthecommunities.

Image source:http://www.ehow.com/how_4711450_build-emergency-fund.html


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MF Index

By Maylanie Apawan

Have the Right to Know!

The State has long recognized the need to protect the rights and interest of consumers. With the enactmentoftheConsumer’sProtectionActof1991(R.A.No.7394) and other relevant laws touching the subject, measures to safeguard the interest of consumers and empower them to be aware of their rights and make prudent and educated decisions on products and services are well-established. Inthemicrofinanceindustry,legal framework itself provides protectionforthepoorwhowillaccessorhaveaccessedmicrofinancialservices.TheConsumer’sProtectionAct of 1991 mandates to “simplify, clarify and modernize the laws governingcredittransactionandencourage the development of fair and economically sound consumer creditpractices.”TheTruthinLending

Act(R.A.No.3765)furtherreiteratedthis intent by requiring the creditors and providers of loans as well as creditgrantingNGOs,tofurnishtheirborrowers,priortoconsummationofanytransaction,aclearwrittenstatement disclosing the amount, interestandotherfinancechargesrelativetotheirloan. The whole extent of protectionseekstoavoidtheillsbroughtbythecurrentmicrofinanceindustry which is increasingly becoming more commercialized andcompetitive.Theindustryisnot immune from instances when competitionopensthemarkettoproviders who are less concerned withsociallyresponsiblemicrofinanceprinciples and may engaged in aggressive and inappropriate marketingstrategies.Orthoseinstances when vulnerable borrowers

Examples of Undesirable Practices in MicrofinanceBefore Transaction During Transaction After Transaction

Givinghighorfalseexpectations•on interest on loans and depositsandbenefitsfrominsuranceHard selling through home •visitation,door-to-doorsolicitation,limitedtimeoffersandintimidationInadequateorientation,•seminarsorconsultationsUnclear policies and lack or •writtenororalinformationonthetruecostandbenefitsoftheproducts/servicesbeingofferedPromises of hidden rewards•

Approval or denial or clients without •clear basis or criteriaClients are not given copies •of contracts, records or other documentsontheirtransactionsInappropriateofdeceitfulcontract•wording,writtendocumentdonotreflectagreedupontermsandconditionsbeforetransactionwasmadeForcetermsofconditions•Withholdingoffundsorimposition•ofpenaltiesoncancelledloans,deposits, or insurance plans within afewdaysoftransactionwithoutproper disclosure to the client

Inaccuraterecordingofclient’s•transactionIllegal and abusive behaviour in •theconductoftransactionssuchasharassmentorimpositionofunnecessary fees, surcharges and consolidationofdebtathigherrateReleasingofborrower’sinformationin•violationofcertainlegalprovisionsWithholding of capital build-up or •savingsandinsuranceclaimsorbenefitswithout valid reason or appropriate explanationtotheclientMisuse or diversion of funds by service •providers

Introduction to Consumer Protection

duetolackofaccesstoinformationorbeinginsufficientlyinformedoftheirrights are easily pressured into making poortransactiondecision. Theseundesirablepracticesundermine the stability of the industry. They pose serious challenge specificallyinthelongtermsustainability of consumers/borrowers whose basic needs are primarily dependentuponthebenefitstheindustryisproviding.Microfinanceisbuiltonthefoundationofservingtheneeds of poorer client-based. And this is one sector known to be vulnerable to abuses. Thisarticlewouldliketopointthatundesirablepracticescanhappenatanystageofthetransactions.Thetable below summarizes some of the practicesthatindustryprovidersmusttakenoteof:

HAVE THE RIGHT/23


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Project Update

Pushing for the realization of community empowerment, KMBI takes on the final

year of the Community-Based Enterprise Development (CBED) project in Barangay Carpenter Hill (BCH), South Cotabato through the formalization of the ten local enterprises formulated by the resident stakeholders. Theorganization,throughtheCommunity Development (ComDev) Unit,facilitatedtheformulationofformal membership guidelines and beneficiaryidentificationproceduresfor the said enterprises. “The Unit also works to inculcateinourbeneficiariesorstakeholders a sense of ownership of the enterprises where they belong to so that when the phase-out stage comes, the project that would be transferred to them will be managed

and sustained in the long-term,” said Calvin Perez, ComDev unit head. Atthestartof2009,fieldactivitiessuchasconsultativemeetingswithgeneralenterpriseheads were held. Technical assistance was also provided to the enterprises, particularlyinthepreparationoftheir program of work, which is one of the bases for the disbursement of funds for the current year. More recently, KMBI and the stakeholders identifiedandpreparedtheenterprisesites and purchased basic supplies and materials. Moreover, a project managementcommitteewascreatedtooverseefieldmonitoringactivities.

AN OVERVIEW The Ten Local Enterprises comprising theCBEDP3rdYearofImplementationFood Always In the Home (FAITH) Gardening. The Carpenter Hill FAITH

GardeningAssociationpledgestoconduct advance training on home-based gardening to enhance the knowledge and skills of members as they venture into small-scale business such as the said program. To further sustain the said program, theAssociationintendstoexplorepossiblelinkagestopotentialmarkets. BCH Integrated Floral Entrepreneurs. This livelihood project aims to provide basic to advanced skillsinornamentalpropagationtechnology, through the assistance of local business people who own or areengagedinornamentalandflowerpropagationbusiness.Moreover,member exposure to orchid-growing and foliage-making will be made available as part of membership benefits.Theenterprisewillalsosoon venture into catering services, realizingthelinkbetweenflower

Community-Based Enterprise Development (CBED) Project in Carpenter HillBy Calvin Perez

Left - Right: Members of the CBEDP in the planning workshop; Members of the CBEDP preparing for the 3rd year program.


22 |

Project Update

supply business and food services. Culinary training programs will thus bedevelopedonthelatterpartofprogramimplementation. Native Chicken Production and Management. The Carpenter HillNativeChickenAssociationwasformedtospecificallyadministerthis program which stems from thehistoricalsuccessofthenativechickenproductioninKoronadalCity.Underthisprogram,nativechicken will be purchased and dispersedtotargetbeneficiaries(1stbatch-50familieswith20chickensperbeneficiary)basedonagivencriteria.Beneficiaries’counterpartshall be their own constructed shed house and fence. Each is expected to return20chickenswithintheperiodof one year and these chickens will be subject to dispersal for the 2nd batch and the 3rd and so on. Once theoperationisproveneffectiveandsuccessful,theassociationwill pursue linkages with possible markets for massive dispersal. This will be a source of income for the members and will likely support the associationoperations. Magsasakang Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (MASIPAG) Rice Production. MASIPAG

RiceProductionismeanttoenablelocal palay farmers to produce quality organic rice and quality seeds for sustainable farming. It is designed for sustainable agriculture and the answer to unstable agricultural productionandunpredictablepricehike of farm inputs. Plant Propagation and Nursery Development Project. This project was conceptualized and developed to help low-income families and the environment. This project will be established in Purok Mabuhay of Carpenter Hill which is accessible to all types of transportationandfacilitiesneeded.The1,000-square-meter-areacanbeutilizedforthenurseryofvariousfruit species such as mango, durian, mangosteen, coconut, as well as forest items like mahogany, lawaan, gemilina and bamboos. The nursery project will be managed by the CarpenterHillPlantPropagationand Nursery Development Association.Theproducednurseryseedlings will be marketed to private individual farmers and government agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Talipapa Project. The

Talipapa (Wet Market) Project was conceptualizedtoprovidealternativesourcesofincomeforconstituentsofCarpenter Hill. It intends to establish a strategic talipapa area adjacent toresidentialareasandmotorists.The area is projected to become a centraldrop-offpointforagriculturalproducts of the community and, preferably, of the FAITH Gardening Association.Thisprojectwillbeestablished in Purok Megaland which is strategically accessible alongtheNationalHighway,andwillbe managed by the Carpenter Hill TalipapaAssociation. Therapeutic Massage Project. This enterprise is established to serve as a catalyst for the skills development ofthoseinthetherapeuticmassagesector. The project shall be managed bytheCarpenterHillTherapeuticMassageAssociation. Vermi-culture and Compost Production. The project was conceptualized to promote the creationofqualityorganicfertilizerswhich is expected to eventually pave the way for Carpenter Hill to emerge as a leading producer of organic farm products in Koronadal City. Tasked to lead the project is The Carpenter Hill Vermi-CultureAssociationwhichis

Left - Right: Finalization of the CBED Program of Work; Regular monthly monitoring activity.


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Have the Right to Know!...from p.20

The challenge for industry providers is to adhere to a given set of principles thatensuresconsumerprotection.Literatures have laid down some pertinentprinciplestoadhereinensuringconsumerprotection.

Preventionof1. irregularitiesortransactionswhichhavenegativeimpacton the consumers. At any stageofthetransaction(before,during,after)irregularitiesisknowntooccur. The whole process oftransactingmustbescrutinizedforpossibleviolation

Empowering the 2. consumers to exercise informed choices and select value-for-money goods. Consumer literacy teaches borrowers how to acquire therightinformationatdifferentstagesoftheirtransactionsotheycanmake intelligent choices and decisions. This addresses the problem of consumer

vulnerabilitytounsoundfinancialpracticesandenablesconsumersto make informed choices and exercises their rights.

Providing fair access to 3. microfinanceproductsandservices. This area encourages

transparency in the details of the entiretransaction.Transparencyentails the disclosure of the terms andconditionsofthetermsandconditionsofthefinancialtransactionsandisclearlyunderstood by the clients.

Opening avenues to address 4. consumer interests and concerns. Avitalpartofconsumerprotectionis a mechanism where consumer protectionandgrievancesonundesirable services can be aired andaddressedeffectively.

Recognizing these principles will enhanceindustryprovider’scapacitytobetterservetheneedsofitsclients/borrowers. With the current industrybecomingmorecompetitiveand commercialized, more reason for consumers to get what they pay for, to be guaranteed of the quality of goods and services they purchase and avail, and to have recourse in cases ofviolationbybusiness/providersofgoods and services.

Reference: Microfinance Consumer Protection Guidebook by National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC)

composedinitiallyofmemberswhoare willing to undergo training and committovermicastproduction.These members would keep vermi bins in their homes to ensure that a sense of ownership is realized as they also gain income from their own products. Waste Recycling Project. This project entails the conduct IEC activitiesonwasterecyclinginallpuroks (zones) by the Carpenter HillWasteRecyclingAssociation.Meanwhile,membersofrespectivepuroks shall create a system of wastecollection.Trainingsonvalues

formationandfinancialmanagementwill also be conducted for members. Cosmetology Project. The Beauty Parlor project is geared towards providing income for its members who have skills on hair cutting,hairdressing,cosmetology,andbasicmake-upapplication.Advanced trainings on hair relaxing, straightening and rebonding will be conducted to further enhance the skills of members. The Carpenter HillBeauticianAssociationshallalsoofferprovisionsforfinancialandproject management trainings to help members build their capacity

to engage in their own businesses in the future.

Inadditiontoprovidingthenecessaryfinancialcapital,KMBIalsohelpsthe members of these enterprises tobemoreassertiveandconfidentin managing and sustaining their respectiveenterprisesothateventually, they may be endorsed as potentialprogrammembersofKMBI’smicrofinanceprogram.Thesuccessfulimplementationofthisdevelopmentprogram will then serve as basis of replicationactivitiesinotherareaswhere the KMBI operates.

Image:http://www.wfdsa.org

Project Update


24 |

Our Vision“To see people in

communities live in abundance with strengthened

faith in God and in right relationship with their

fellowmen and the rest of creation”

Our Mission“KMBI is a Christ-centered development organization,

existing to help transform the lives of its clients and develop

its human resources who will provide sustainable

microfinance, training and demand-driven

non-financial services.”

Core ValuesRespectIntegrity

StewardshipCommitment to the Poor

DisciplineInnovationExcellence

Goal 25.250“Reaching out to 250,000 Filipino households on our

25th year”

Organizational Performance1st Quarter 2009

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc.Head Office: KMBI Bldg., 12 San Francisco

St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela CityTel (02) 291.1484 to 86 l Fax (02) 292.2441

http://www.kmbi.org.ph

IndicatorsLoan Activity

Client Outreach 142,639

LoanPortfolio P371.86M

Value of Loans Made 344,377,000

Portfolio-at-Risk 4.12%

Ave. No. of Client per PA 258

No. of Loan Made 59,004

EfficiencyCost per Unit Lent (PHP) 0.19

Cost per Loan Made (PHP) 1,094

FinancialSelf-Sufficiency 91.87%

OperationalSelf-Sufficiency 120.81%

Number of StaffMFOperations 705

Support Group 69

We’d love to hear

YOUR THOUGHTS

Please take a moment to give us your comments and suggestions on

articles presented on this issue.

You may reach us at KMBI

12 San Francisco St., Karuhatan Valenzuela City 1441 Philippines

Email: [email protected]

1.5% Gross...from p.7

19 New...from p.5

For the 1st quarter of the year, KMBI released P7.575 million worth of insurance claims to 103 beneficiaries of KMBI’s Karamay sa Buhay Program (KBP) through Cocolife Insurance. KBPprovidesP25,000uptoP100,000lifeinsurancebenefitsforprogrammembersandtheirbeneficiaries.Aservice given to all program members whoseageis63yearsoldandbelow,itis one of the measures KMBI upholds to improvetheprotectionandassistanceto its program members.

P7.5M disbursed for microinsurance claims

expensesduetosomerestrictions.Unused fund of employee for the year will be forwarded to the Provident FundwhichwillformaspartofKMBI’scontribution.Ontheotherhand,unused fund of resigned employees will be forfeited in favor of KMBI.

provincial levels were also conducted. Massivereshufflingandvariouspromotionsofstaffweredonetoensurethat all current and upcoming branches are supported with necessary talents. On the other hand, recruitment of program assistants from the locales is stillongoingasofwriting.TheTrainingDepartment, for their part, is gearing upfortheprovisionofBasicOperationsTraining and Branch Management Training to new program assistants and newlypromotedofficers,respectively. According to resource mobilizationmanagerAldyDuque,Aside from the opportunity to take partinalleviatingpovertyinthecountry, the expansion has provided us another opportunity in the form of new

partnershipsparticularlywithbanks,fundingagencies,andotherfinancialinstitutions.Currently,wehavecoveredalmost100percentoftherequiredfunding for the expansion through the lineofferedtousbutwestillaimtoraise 25 percent of the budget needed throughgrantsanddonationsorotherlow cost funding.

Communi-k Brand and Leadership

Documents

Transcript of Communi-k Brand and Leadership