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KMBI Recognized for Excellence in GEDSI Institutional Advocacy

“Shared Care and Economic Roles, Shared Progress”

KMBI continues to champion a culture of inclusion, equality, and empowerment as delegates from KMBI and KDFI participated in the 3rd Gender Advocates Conference held on September 10–11, 2026, at the Versailles Event Garden & Tent, Novotel Manila Araneta City.

With the theme “Shared Care and Economic Roles, Shared Progress,” the two-day conference brought together partner institutions to strengthen advocacy for Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) in the microfinance sector. The event was attended by representatives from various microfinance institutions.

Representing KMBI and KDFI were A. Edwin B. Aruelo, Training Director; Sharon O. Dionco, Human Capital Director; Pio G. Marquez, Spiritual Development Officer; and Training Officers, Mary Grace C. Peralta, Ellaine Joy S. Tabuzo, and Nikki John C. Nabat.

A highlight of the conference was KMBI’s recognition with the Excellence in GEDSI Institutional Advocacy Award, acknowledging the organization’s commitment and contribution to advancing GEDSI advocacy across the organization and the communities it serves.

This recognition reflects KMBI’s continuing efforts to make GEDSI advocacy part of everyday organizational life. Throughout its campaign journey, KMBI has conducted a series of staff and client orientations, integrated GEDSI advocacy videos into corporate events, and maximized its social media platforms to share GEDSI videos and learning materials developed by APPEND and Good Return.

For KMBI, promoting GEDSI is part of its commitment to empowering people and transforming lives. It is a commitment to building workplaces, communities, and families where every voice matters and every contribution is valued.

Sa KMBI, pantay ang oportunidad para sa lahat. Together, we empower our staff and clients to grow, lead, and succeed together.

KMBI Named 2026 Outstanding Member by MCPI

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. (KMBI) was recognized as an Outstanding Member of the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) during MCPI's 26th Annual General Meeting held on August 11, 2026, at the Century Park Hotel in Manila.

The recognition honors KMBI’s significant contribution to the microfinance industry in advancing poverty reduction and financial inclusion in the Philippines.

MCPI is a national network of microfinance practitioners and allied service institutions committed to promoting inclusive and sustainable microfinance in the country. Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 1999, MCPI brings together organizations that share a common goal of expanding access to responsible financial services for underserved communities.

Among its 59 member institutions, MCPI recognized KMBI for its sustained commitment to microfinance and its contribution to improving the lives of low-income families and communities through accessible financial services and holistic transformation.

Receiving the award on behalf of KMBI, President Mr. Eduardo C. Jimenez, who also currently serves as MCPI Chairperson, dedicated the recognition to the women and families KMBI continues to serve.

“We strive to continue the mission that we started. This one is for the nanays, because KMBI would not be here if not for the nanays that we vow to serve,” he said.

The recognition is significant for KMBI as a long-standing member of MCPI. For four decades, KMBI has remained committed to providing microfinance services while placing equal emphasis on the holistic development and transformation of its clients.

The award serves as a reaffirmation of KMBI’s enduring commitment to its mission and to the communities it has served for the past 40 years.

KMBI Kicks Off Strategic Planning for 2027 and Beyond

As KMBI approaches the final stretch of its five-year strategic plan, "ARISE KMBI! Journey to 40 and Beyond (2022–2026)," the organization has conducted a Strategic Planning Workshop last July 29–30, 2026 at the KMBI Head Office in Panay, Quezon City.

The two-day workshop, attended by members of the management committee and the Board of Trustees, marked the beginning of the development of KMBI's strategic plans for the succeeding years, which will guide the organization's directions, goals, and priorities. Building on the targets under the “ARISE KMBI” operational plans, the planning process aims to position KMBI for sustained growth and greater institutional resilience in the years ahead.

Through this workshop, leaders revisited the milestones of the outgoing strategic plan as well as points for improvements that will be carried over during the development of the next operational plans. As the microfinance and financial inclusion landscape rapidly evolves, KMBI is preparing for emerging economic challenges, technological advancements, regulatory developments, and the changing needs of the communities it serves.

The strategic planning initiative serves as an opportunity to reassess organizational priorities, identify future initiatives, and strengthen KMBI's capacity to deliver responsive and sustainable microfinance and non-financial services. The workshop also laid the groundwork for the preparation of the 2027 Operational Plans and Budget.

KMBI remains committed to pursuing innovation, operational excellence, and Christ-centered services through its tireless transformational work that aims to empower its clients and their communities.

KMBI, KDFI Welcome Sri Lankan Delegates for Learning Exposure Visit

KMBI and KDFI welcomed 47 delegates from Future Life Investment Limited (FLi) of Sri Lanka for an exposure visit on July 30, 2026. The visit was made upon the recommendation of the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI).

FLi, a leading microfinance institution based in Gampaha, Sri Lanka, was established in 2016 with the mission of transforming microfinance and fostering economic empowerment. The institution currently serves around 180,000 clients nationwide.

The exposure program featured visits to the KMBI Panay Office and nearby branches, particularly in West Avenue, Quezon City 1, Novaliches, and Valenzuela. The delegation sought to gain first-hand exposure to KMBI's microfinance model and learn how its programs and services are delivered, including their transformational aspect. The delegates also got a chance to observe center meetings, client interactions, loan disbursement and collection processes, and staff engagement with members in the communities.

The visitors also explored KMBI's systems, including client targeting and selection, product development, social performance management, staff training, and capacity-building initiatives. They also immersed in the organization's values-driven culture and identified best practices that could be adopted to strengthen FLi's operations in Sri Lanka.

The visit affirmed KMBI and KDFI's role as a conducive learning institutions for the international microfinance community by providing an avenue for the exchange of innovative practices and reinforcing their commitment to empowering communities through inclusive, sustainable and responsive microfinance.