KORONADAL CITY COMMITS TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY

PROJECT

KMBI gets support for its community-based enterprise development project in barangay

Carpenter Hill from the host city.

KMBI “Partner for a Progressive Life”

communi-kA quarterly publication Jan - Mar 2008 . VOL 5 NO 1

Operation officers get new assignment

Behind the Great Mind

From SUCCESS to ENTREP

| Communi-K |2

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

W H A T’ S I N S I D E ?communi-kVol. 5 No.1 Jan-Mar 2008 issue

COVER STORYKoronadal City commits to support

community project

KMBI gets support for its community-based enterprise development project in barangay

Carpenter Hill from the host city.

FEATURE STORYBehind the Great Mind

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ENTREP 101

Dealer Wannabe

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

MF INDEX20 Ways to Become an Effective PA

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

NEWS

Seven Mindanao staff earn masters’ degree

Seven KMBI staff celebrate as they received their Masters’ degree in Business

Administration.

DEALER

WANNABE!

11

5

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

KMBI joins OI conference in Canada -----

Employees get quick help thru 4HG-MPC

Operation officers get new assignment ---

Gumaca feeds 425 locals of Quezon -----

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

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

NCR goes clean and green ------------------

MMSB2 conducts BOTP refresher course ------------------------------------------

13 Daet clients renew marriage vows ---

Bicol staff come together for Burunyugan

NEWS

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

Organizational

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

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

3KMBI |

Koronadal City commits to support community project

The AOC is a prelude to the signing of a Memorandum of Partnership (MOP) that will formally seal the partnership of the two institutions. Requirement to the signing and implementation of the MOP is the authority to be vested by the Sangguniang Panglunsod to the City’s chief executive, Mayor Miguel Fernando. Both the AOC and MOP

state that Koronadal City agrees to provide administrative, professional, budgetary, and linkage assistance in implementing CBEDP. Through the City’s line agencies, it will ensure coordination, proper operation, and complementation of initiatives and interventions of both parties. It will also assist in obtaining necessary livestock

and agricultural products related to the development projects that constitute the CBEDP. Professional assistance will be provided through extension of technical expertise needed in executing and implementing plans, while budgetary assistance to finance sustainable development initiatives in the barangay shall be granted provided the project or program is aligned to the legislative and executive development plan of the City. It will also help in linking the project with proper agencies in promoting eco-tourism and welfare of the environment. KMBI, for its part, commits to support the City’s

sustainable development initiatives through transfer of CBEDP technology and holistic transformation programs, which includes microfinance, enterprise development, and values formation. It will also assist in building the capacity of Koronadal City in community development and provide professional and financial assistance in building the entrepreneurial capacity of Brgy. Carpenter Hill constituents, collectively and individually. Further, KMBI will provide training to Brgy. Carpenter Hills officials and community leaders to enhance leadership skills and governance. The CBEDP aims to increase the entrepreneurial and leadership capacity of the microentrepreneurs in Koronadal City, and strengthen the capacity of the poor in Barangay Carpenter Hill. The project is funded by Opportunity International Australia and AusAID.

City Administrator Marcelita Lucido gives her remarks during the commitment signing. (L-R) Brgy. captain Crisostomo Gabud; first councilor Rose Dideles; chairman and president Amelia Gonzales; and executive director Edgardo Mercedes.

An Agreement of Commitment (AOC) was forged between Koronadal City and KMBI on March 10, 2008 to fortify the partnership and ensure smooth and ample delivery of support to the development of Barangay Carpenter Hill through the community-based enterprise development project (CBEDP). The signing of commitment, held at The Farm, Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, was signed by first councilor and officer-in-charge Rose Dideles for Koronadal City and chairman and president Dr. Amelia Gonzales for KMBI, with city administrator Marcelita Lucido, KMBI executive director Edgardo Mercedes, and Carpenter Hill brgy. captain Crisostomo Gabud as witnesses.

| Communi-K |4

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

KMBI is on the process of finalizing the details for the new name it will call to its centers located all over the country. The name “ENTREP,” which stands for Entrepreneurial Nurturing through Transformation, Re-formation, and Empowerment Programs, shall replace “SUCCESS” starting January 2009. The name was conceptualized by KMBI executive director Edgardo Mercedes in Dagupan City last May 6. “The name ENTREP shall be registered in proper agency in order for KMBI to have a proprietary ownership of it,” Mercedes said. With the new name, it denotes that the center is the main avenue in holding KMBI programs geared toward achieving transformation, re-formation and empowerment. “It denotes also the participation of the members of the center in achieving the desired impact rather than posing only a hope of success,” Mercedes added. “This time, our program members or clients can expect from us to pay special attention in delivering the necessary programs.” Among the three programs, re-formation is the new concept to KMBI

constituents. The concept is consistent with KMBI’s transformation framework of “Affect and Influence,” as well as to its three-pronged approach in facilitating holistic transformation. Re-formation was brought up after the realization that in the process of change, some (clients’) form or condition may need only action without radical or revolutionary change, while some will require total transformation. “Nevertheless, re-formation must not be related only to spiritual aspect but also to economic, environmental, and social aspects of man’s life,” Mercedes cautioned. Empowerment, on the other hand, refers to the institution’s expectation that after a client is given assistance the empowered clients will be able to empower others. Prior to officially using ENTREP, a launching will be held in October this year during the 2nd Microentrepreneurs’ Summit. Three ENTREPs will be

From SUCCESS to ENTREP

introduced to the public, namely ENTREP center, ENTREP magazine, and ENTREP Life Stories. The two publications, which are part of the empowerment program integrated in ENTREP centers, aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of KMBI’s women microentrepreneurs, as well as motivate them to grow their respective enterprises. The magazine

shall feature articles about enterprise management, leadership, livelihood, family relationship enhancement, social responsibility, awareness on environmental issues, biblical truths, and others that will help the readers experience transformation re-formation and empowerment. The book, on the other hand,

will feature triumphs and victories of KMBI clients and staff, and even branch stories. The aim of the book is to motivate and encourage its readers to work hard and give their best in doing their respective tasks for God’s glory, and affect and influence others.

“The center is the main avenue

in holding KMBI programs geared toward achieving

transformation, re-formation and empowerment.”

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

5KMBI |

With the theme “Growth Through Listening,” Opportunity International (OI) network partners gathered together at the Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver, Canada on February 19 to 22, 2008 to intentionally recognize and understand the needs of the program members in the community; listen and learn from experiences; listen to what God has to say corporately and individually; and to build baseline knowledge across leadership. KMBI president and chairman of the board of trustees Dr. Amelia Gonzales, trustee Eduardo Jimenez, executive director Edgardo Mercedes and deputy director for support services group Liza Eco represented KMBI during the said conference. During the conference, issues that promote and foster spiritual enrichment and mutual learning among the partners were discussed and anchored on Proverbs 4: 20-22. Topics discussed were vision and global landscape of OI network, which was presented by Opportunity Network CEO Adrian Merryman; industry issues such as pricing, profits and prevarication by Microfin founder and industry analyst Chuck Waterfield; and, “Reveal: Listening to Client Feedback” by author Cally Parkinson.

KMBI joins OI conference in Canada

Turn to page 12

existing loans in KMBI for the purpose of paying-off the financial obligation to the latter. As of March 31, 2008, the Coop has released 58 pre-approved loans with a total amount of Php892,889.16, and 20 emergency and multi-purpose loans amounting to Php419,596.75. It is expected that applications for loan will increase on the next few months especially that KMBI is working for the transfer of staff’s fidelity bond to the Coop amounting to some Php8 million. Once transferred, the fidelity bond will be converted to paid up share capital of the members and will be available to fund loans. The transfer of fidelity bond is part of the agreement KMBI and 4HG signed in 2007.

Employees get quick help thru 4HG-MPC

The 4HG Multipurpose Cooperatives (4HG-MPC) finally started its operation last February 22, which was highlighted by the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the 654 members of 4HG-MPC and KMBI on the first day of its operation. Initially, it offers several types of credit services such as multipurpose loan, special loan, emergency loan, and petty cash loan. Asked about the utilization of loans, “Special loan was designed to encourage our members to invest in education and housing,” said Aldy Duque, chairman of the Board of Directors. Depending on type of loan, loan proceeds are released from one to three days. From February until the first week of March 2008, some 4HG-MPC board of directors and officers visited staff of Luzon and Mindanao operations to conduct pre-membership education seminar (PMES). The seminar aimed to orient staff on membership qualifications, rights and responsibilities, benefits and privileges, and products and services offered. To boost its loan activity, the Coop issued pre-approved loan applications to its members who have

Alma Cabacungan, 4HG-MPC cooperative cashier working on the loan ledger of members of the cooperatives.

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

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

assistant Leah Edulzura. Maca and his group were the second batch of Microfinance Success Institute (MSI) since it started in 2003. The first batch graduated in 2005. Currently there are 21 active staff

| Communi-K |6

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

“Reshuffling of branch staff to maximize their potentials and to enhance control and operations” - this is the call of management during one of their meetings. This led to the reshuffling of branch accountants and some area and branch managers. Effective April 1, 2008 reshuffled branch accountants will start to work on their new assignments while branch managers have already moved on March 18, 2008. The management’s decision took a lot of considerations before its implementation and because of this they are expecting that transferred staff would take the movements as a challenge that will shape them and the operations towards efficiency and effectiveness. Branch accountants, managers and area managers were carefully picked according to their strengths and weaknesses. They were intentionally teamed-up to produce quality operation, for them to learn from each other, and achieve professional growth. Branch accounting head Harry Dalanon said, “Giving new assignments will also eliminate familiarity and avoid compromises in the operations.” “Reshuffling is one of the strategies of the organization in order to produce well-organized operations,” he added.

Operation officers get new assignment

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

NAME OLD ASSIGNMENT NEW ASSIGNMENT

Area Managers

Fay Lorraine Amodia CALABARZON 3 CALABARZON 2

Margarita Robles CALABARZON 2 CALABARZON 3

Branch Managers

Emerlyn Singson Meycauayan San Jose

Mary Rose De Guzman Metro Manila South 2 Meycauayan

Suzette Mandayag Tacurong Upper Cavite

Adonis Magallanes Calamba San Pablo

Sharon Marigon Upper Cavite Lower Cavite

Ian Mark Villacruz Lucena Naga

Jasmine Mendoza Naga Lucena

Amelita Andilab Digos Tacurong

Grace Asedillo Metro Davao 1 General Santos City

Orbil Driz Tagum Digos

Ruth Sabio San Jose Metro Manila South 2

Evelyn Francisco General Santos City Tagum

Ednalyn Hospital Compostela Valley Metro Davao 1

Branch Accountants

Mark Benitez Meycauayan Central Cavite

Ronwaldo Viray Tandang Sora Camarin

Marvin Barrieta Pasig Biñan

Angelito John Endaya Metro Manila South 1 Metro Manila South 2

Keith Gella Metro Manila South 2 Pasig

Gamelba Sanoy Upper Cavite Metro Manila South 1

Maria Wilma Velarde Central Cavite Lower Cavite

Michael Bomlarda Biñan Upper Cavite

Liza Recio Lipa Batangas

Lyren Aquino Batangas Lipa

Edwin Relativo Jr. Legaspi Iriga

Sheila Marie Panesares Iriga Legaspi

Ulysses Mendoza Digos Surigao

Greggy Canja Metro Davao 1 Tagum

Norman Semilla Metro Davao 2 Metro Davao1

Rhea Lecong Tagum Metro Davao 2

Jocelyn dela Cruz General Santos City Koronadal

Beniefe Tungala Kidapawan Digos

Sheillah Tanawan Koronadal General Santos City

Miller Placeros Surigao Tandang Sora

Mirazon Rivera Compostela Valley Kidapawan

Marietta Japson Camarin Meycauayan

Staff Movements

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

7KMBI |

Aside from enterprising poor, KMBI also aims to reach more to poorest of the poor by sharing non-financial services to them and this is what Gumaca branch fulfilled when they reached out

Gumaca feeds 425 locals of Quezonto 425 less fortunate mothers and children on March 15, 2008. The branch conducted a feeding project held in Brgy. Caridad Ibaba, Atimonan, Quezon. T h e branch collected contributions from some staff and program members which amounted to Php7,000. Further,

some program members contributed in-kind such

as clothes, rice, noodles, and canned foods. The activity started early in the afternoon with a praise and worship and invocation led by program members from B-322. Barangay captain Sabino

Gumaca staff gave bags of groceries to the participants of the feeding program.

Davao area manager Hazel Laurente discussed on the air KMBI’s role in community development in Bombo Radyo Philippines, a local radio program in Davao City. Bombo Radyo Davao strongly advocates livelihood program thru business and entrepreneurship. Part of its mission is to provide public information.

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

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

Lemosa and Department of Social Welfare and Development barangay Nutritionist Alita Sarmiento graced the activity by delivering inspirational talks. Jesus Lord of the Nations Church pastor Jay Morelo facilitated the short reflection and talked on the value of respecting parents being one of God’s commandments. Games for children were also facilitated alongside the devotion in order to help the mothers focus on the topic. While the mothers and children were having their meals, program assistant Jaywarren Escleto narrated a short story to educate them on the importance of balanced diet. At the end of the activity, 400 plastic bags containing used clothes, one-kilo rice, four pieces noodles, and two canned goods were distributed to the participants.

Lipa branch conducted a “Sweet Couple Photo Contest” on February 14, 2008 at the branch office to recollect memories of program members with their husbands. Three among 34 photo entries from program members won the contest. They were Maria Paz Dinglasan, Arnelia Atwil, and Cristina Eje. The winners received a dinner set while certificates of recognition were given to program members who submitted entries.

Lipa celebrates Valentine with memorabilia From February 1 until February 13, the staff helped gather photo entries from program members. Based on criteria, the photos must depict sweet and affectionate bond between couples legally joined together. The activity was organized to remind the program members that God and love must continue to unite them together. Lipa sweet photo contest winners: (Left to right) Maria Paz

Dinglasan, Cristina Eje, and Arnelia Atwil with their husbands.

| Communi-K |8

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

National Capital Region (NCR) area helped nearby communities look good by conducting an area-wide clean-up drive activity. Nine barangays were covered through the help of 333 program members from Marikina, Pasig, Tandang Sora, and West Avenue. Ronald Ravelo, NCR area manager together with NCR branch managers spearheaded the activity to build a good relationship between the staff, clients and barangay officials; to inculcate the importance of cleanliness of environment; and to help the community to have clean surroundings. Through the activity program members learned the essence of cooperation and cleanliness. “Dapat magtulungan tayo para mapanatili natin ang kalinisan. Bilang mga magulang, dapat ay ituro natin sa ating mga anak

ang kahalagahan ng kalinisan upang ito ay kanilang makatutunan.” (We should learn to cooperate to achieve our goal. As a parent, we should show and instill upon the importance of cleanliness for them to inherit it),” said Mrs. Annabelle Duka, program member from Marikina. Another program member from West Avenue said, “Dati, harap mo linis mo, kaya nagkanya-kanya tayo (Before, we only cleaned our own vicinity) but now through this activity we became more concerned to clean our community.” Marikina branch successfully conducted the activity in Industrial Valley and Brgy. Nangka in coordination with 50 program members. Pasig branch, on the other hand, through the participation of 30 program members made the Brgy, Pleasant Hills a pleasant place. Tandang Sora branch implemented three separate

NCR goes clean and green

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

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

MMSB2 conducts branch operation workshopAiming to improve customer service, Metro Manila South 2 Branch (MMSB2) officers conducted a Center Orientation Session Workshop for eleven staff on January 11 to 15, 2008 at the branch office. The purpose of the course is to refresh their knowledge on the microfinance operations and to address specific needs of the operation. The workshop focused on equipping program assistants (PAs) in handling properly their microfinance operation. As part of the activity, the participants had an actual demonstration on the delivery of the five-day orientation sessions, including information meeting, pre-qualifications visit and center recognition/management test, for prospective program members (PMs). Co-participants acted as PMs while the demonstrator conducted the mock-up sessions. After each session, they commented and gave suggestions to improve their peer’s approach. The Training Department provided materials for the said workshop. Further, branch manager Mary Rose de Guzman and the rest of the officers provided inputs on how to properly deliver the organization’s KMBI products and services to the program members. The workshop also included problem analysis and ended with a written examination.

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

9KMBI |

As KMBI pursues to strengthen family relationships, Daet branch organized a marriage counseling and renewal of vows for program members and their respective spouses on February 9, 2008 at the Bagasbas Pavilion and Talisay Sports Complex, Daet, Camarines Norte. World International Ministry workers, Pastor Camilio and Maggie Mata, led the renewal of vows and marriage counseling of eight couples from Unit A, while Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) representative Sylvia Lamadrid and Camarines Norte Christian Church pastor Pepito Yago led that of five couples from Unit B. After the ceremony, a film with the topic “Mahal Ko ang Aking Asawa” by Pastor Clem Guillermo, managing director of Back to the Bible, was shown. On the video, Pastor Guillermo

13 Daet clients renew marriage vowsdiscussed the biblical principles of healthy marriage which gave hope to those who are struggling in their relationship. A Daet branch officer said it provided the participants biblical and practical motivation for them to grow deeper in love with each other. Cleofe Salva, one of the clients who renewed marriage vow, testified that the activity helped in strengthening her relationship with her husband. Her husband,on the other hand, said it was his first time to join an activity for marriage enrichment and it was worth giving time. Daet branch manager Roselyn Embac also said the activity gave positive

Daet program member kissed her husband after the renewal of marriage vows.

feedback to the community. According to her, DSWD representative commented that KMBI is the only microfinance institute who is conducting transformational activities in Camarines Norte.

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

Bicol staff come together for Burunyugan

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

After the event, Legaspi branch was declared over-all champion bagging most of the awards in basketball, women’s volleyball, and badminton single and double category. Jose Banania, program assistant, and Arlene Araya, branch accounting assistant, were crowned as Mr. and Ms. KMBI Bicol. According to Bicol area manager Reynald Alpajando, Burunyugan festival was a refreshing and fun experience for the staff. “It was designed for social, spiritual, physical and mental transformation of staff. It was a venue that promoted friendship and camaraderie among staff in the area. The festival also served as a retreat for everyone – a temporary break from the operation,” Alpajando said.

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

| Communi-K |10

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

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

Behind the Great Mind

down the horizon. The solitude of the place gave ample room for his reflections and early musings about life. It was then that Egay began wondering what was beyond the horizon and what he could possibly contribute if he were out there. Egay’s appreciation for nature first led him to dream of becoming an international painter or a play director. As a child, he would draw the Belen scene using colored chalk on the wall of his parent’s house. His first fine art drawing was the image of Jesus Christ with his Sacred Heart using pencil as medium. On his wedding day, he made his wife, Imelda Avila, a painting of waterfalls in the forest which they used as backdrop during the church ceremony. Later on, Egay chose to take Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Accounting in Far Eastern University. He was active in extra-curricular activities during his college days. In 1991, he first joined KMBI as program assistant. Then he was promoted to hold various posts, including research and development and operations. It was during his stint in KMBI that he resolved to himself, as his service and ministry to God, that he would become a multiplier... training leaders who would train future leaders, too. In 1998, he worked with People’s Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC), and implemented, monitored and evaluated its retail microfinance program. Egay decided to go back to KMBI in 2002 and became its regional head for operations in Southern Philippines. His main assignment involved the preparation of staff and

program members to be transferred to Opportunity Microfinance Bank (OMB). He also served as the overall team leader in the revision, consolidation and writing of KMBI’s operations manual. Eventually, he was appointed as operations director, leading both Luzon and Mindanao operations. Through the years, he spearheaded major projects for the organization bringing the program to far-flung areas and establishing new branches, while continuing to manage and direct overall operations. On July 1, 2006, Egay became KMBI’s executive director. Today, he brushes shoulders with directors and presidents of businesses, religious groups, academe, government agencies and other like-minded institutions just so to rally his vision for poverty alleviation in the Philippines. He has read countless books, studied economies and business trends, and continually observed the ever-changing preferences of the Filipino populace to strategically direct KMBI. He sees the organization as a vehicle for national transformation with the support of other institutions focusing primarily on moral recovery. Egay has never been resolute in his goal to usher Filipino communities to positive change through consolidated efforts of individuals who chose to grasp this mission.

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

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

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

11KMBI |

Entrep 101 Dealer Wannabe

There are many companies out there that might ask you to join their company and become one of their dealers and give you lots of good and exciting commissions. The offer was good and hard to resist, right? However, bear in mind that promising is part of dealership scheme being offered. Anyhow, there are many truths behind and many good companies presenting an opportunity of this manner, but there are still some who only pretend and never have any resemblance of order. In order to be counted as one of the many individuals who became successful in this kind of scheme, bear in mind the following reminders: Do a research on the company

that you want to join. Know its legal personality, history, performance, and feedback from existing dealers. Study well the products to be sold. It is necessary that you, as a dealer, have the confidence on all of these products. Do not be overly excited on the potential income that may be generated in order for you to listen and understand intently all the important information regarding being a dealer of a product. Find out how much is the total capital that you have to shell out in order for you to be an accredited dealer. Read carefully the Dealership Agreement form so that you may know all obligations of a dealer. Make sure that it is clear and fine with you

all the stipulations stated there. Find out how long would it take and how will you get the income as a dealer of all of those products.Ask also the availability of marketing or technical support on those products, if necessary. It is necessary to know if there are improvement seminars available for dealers. Following the above reminders does not necessarily mean achieving one hundred percent success in the dealership business. However, these could guide you to make sound and critical judgment if you want to be a successful dealer.

Source: Kapihang Entrepinoy Magazine

MF Index 20 Ways to Become an Effective PA

A program assistant (PA) is an important part of KMBI’s structure. PAs should be the epitome of the mission and vision of the organization to the clients. Hence, becoming a PA is not an easy task. From building 10 centers up to its maintenance plus the developing of client’s outlook in life towards holistic transformation is indeed a hard work for them. Below are ten of the 20 ways to become an effective PA:

Show up to work early. Early bird catches the worm. The earlier you show up to work, the earlier you can finish your stuff and make your day productive. This will result to a more organized work. Develop a passion for the poor and needy. To implement the life transformation program, one should

have a passion for the poor or to help the needy. PAs are representative of the organization in reaching out to the poor and helping them get away from poverty. Hence, appreciate, love, and take good care of your program members. Above all, PAs should be the one to know their clients well. Practice transparency and honesty. What you see is what you get. Be honest, if you commit mistakes then do something to correct it. Do not forge signature or plagiarize. One should not keep secrets from program members and colleagues to earn trust and respect. However, do not gossip. Always value confidentiality of information that you are going to disseminate to others. For instance, during the process of credit investigation, if a program member fails from the criteria, tell the client right away

in a tactful way that she is disqualified. Learn to appreciate. A simple “thank you” can touch the program members’ heart. It makes them feel they are important. Sooner or later, more and more individual will learn how to appreciate others. Be a good listener. Most of our program members and colleagues have their own stories to share. These can be happy or sad stories. Whatever they are, learn to listen to them. They shared it to you because they trust you. Be neat and tidy. Believe in the power of good dressing. This is not to intimidate but to earn respect, trust, and become a role model to your colleagues and program members. Do not meet your colleagues and program

by: Reynald Alpajando

Turn to page 12

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”

Editorial Advisers: Edgardo S. Mercedes Liza D. Eco Editor: Rizaldy R. Duque

Assistant Editor: Kris Joy T. Guimary

Contributors: Lea J. GatpandanHazel Christine RosaciaReynald Alpajando

editorial box

Top 5 Performing Branches1st Quarter 2008

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 l http://www.kmbi.org.ph

members without having a good bath, clean teeth, well-ironed clothes, and clean shoes. Also, always stay fresh by putting a mild scent of cologne. Think wisely. Learn how to make rational plans and always make considerations in all your plans especially in approving loans. Approve loan and loan increments based on capacity and issues on character of the program member. Do not compromise. Always consult and coordinate with the officers in developing plans to solve issues. Do not assume. Ask if you do not understand. Do not be ashamed in asking questions because asking questions can help you decide and will put you on the right track. Always Laugh. Laughter is the best medicine, right? Then, smile even in the middle of much tensions. One should laugh and have fun because it is important to be happy in everything he does. If you are not happy then, this job is not right for you. Be creative and resourceful. Program members are not easy to please and of course you cannot please everyone. Hence, to avoid boredom, learn how to be more creative during center discussions. Be resourceful; use the internet to find interesting topics for discussion. Also, you should learn to love reading books. You can invest on leadership books for you to share to your colleagues and clients. Communi-K

20 Ways ... from page 11

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

Seven Mindanao... from page 5

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

RANK BRANCH COR LPPAR

(%)

OSS

(%)

OFC.

MGT.FPA TRANS SCORE

1 Kidapawan 4,669 23,744,845.83 0.00 225.04 3 3 3 14.60

2 Koronadal 4, 662 11, 542, 390.82 0.00 184.14 2.7 3 2.3 13.60

3 Butuan 4, 223 13, 906, 959.16 0.00 208.47 2.7 2.7 2.3 13.50

4 Tacurong 4, 514 12, 695, 885.84 0.00 157.65 2.3 1.7 2.7 13.20

5 Lucena 4, 227 11, 685, 775.60 0.00 157.82 2.3 1.7 2.7 12.50

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

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

To be continued in the 2nd quarter issue.