News

New Corporate Members Introduced at AGM

KMBI has inducted the elected members of the 2017 Board of Trustees during the Annual General Membership (AGM) Meeting held on February 25, 2017 at the Head Office in Karuhatan, Valenzuela City.

Mr. David D. Gutierrez remained the Chairman of the Board, and Mr. Eduardo C. Jimenez stayed as the President.

Among the notable Board Members elected during the congregation were Corporate Secretary Atty. Romel R. Bagares, Corporate Treasurer Mr. Edgardo F. Garcia, and Trustees Mr. Sergio Edeza, Ms. Mila M. Bunker, Dr. Virginia P. Juan, Mr. Lemuel David A. Salmo, and Dr. Rodolfo P. Estigoy.

Dr. Estigoy, a welcome addition to the Board, is an expert in agricultural innovation and rural development. He acquired his PhD from the Central Luzon State University.

New corporate members joined the organization as well. These include Mr. Sebastian Quiniones Jr., former Filipino Asset Manager and Managing Director for Shell Philippines Exploration BV (SPEX); Mr. Caleb Kak Sin Koo, general manager of Venus Commercial Co., Inc. and President of Colorscape Inc.; and Ms. Lydia Malot, KMBI Program Member who was hailed as the National Awardee from the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA) last 2015 and the Pearl Awardee during KMBI’s 30th anniversary celebration.

KMBI Launches Satellite Unit in Bayugan

Program Members from Agusan del Sur gladly joined in the inauguration of KMBI Bayugan Satellite Unit last February 10, 2017. The satellite unit will hold office at Doors 5 and 6 at the 2nd Floor of He’d Building in Purok 6 Crossing Maygatasan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

As attested by Mrs. Jocelyn Sas, a long-time Program Member of KMBI, the opening of the satellite unit in their area is a welcome treat since they won’t have to travel far to San Francisco to transact their business with KMBI. She said she was able to add to 3 new Program Members to her center because KMBI is now near their area. She added that more than the loan program, she was drawn to the premium insurance product made available to them. As she puts it, she is just being realistic because her business requires her to be travelling constantly which puts her life in danger. She was candid when she had mentioned this but very realistic and true to being mother, who takes into account first the welfare of her family before hers.

The event was also highlighted by a testimony from Noemi Custillas, one of the Satellite Unit's Program Officer (PO). Noemi voiced the challenges that she had encountered as a new PO. She attested that their job is not an easy one and that for her to be able to form three new centers is already a success. She had found new respect to other KMBI staff who have been working and servicing KMBI Program Members for many years. She hopes to see herself being part of KMBI for a long time.

In attendance to the inauguration were KMBI Corporate Treasurer Mr. Edgardo F. Garcia; Regional Director of VisMin Operations Ms. Amy T. Andilab; CARAGA Area Manager Ms. Grace M. Asedillo; and KMBI San Franz Branch Manager Mr. Richard Medel.

In Mr. Garcia’s welcome address, he highlighted the very wish of KMBI to bring its programs and services closer to the community and to be present in the lives the Program Members. According to him, one way of doing it is by opening satellite units like Bayugan. He has high hopes that the Bayugan Satellite Unit will be full-fledged a branch with the support of the Program Members and the unwavering dedication of the staff to bring the vision and mission of KMBi to life.

The organization remains hopeful that the satellite unit inaugurations for this year will magnify God's goodness.

KMBI Opens Kabacan Satellite Unit

Much to the delight of Program Members residing in Kabacan and nearby areas, the Kabacan satellite unit opened its doors during its inauguration on February 8, 2017. The satellite unit will operate at Melai’s Building on Mantawel St., Kabacan, Cotabato City. Center Leaders from the 20 existing centers in Kabacan attended the inauguration, as well as 11 Center Leaders from 11 centers which had already been formed prior to the inauguration.

The activity was highlighted by a testimonial from Center President Merlita Elarde. Madame Merlita expressed thanks to KMBI in behalf of the Program Members in Kabacan for all the things that the organization had brought to their lives.

She said they have been blessed having KMBI in their lives and having KMBI near their area is another blessing for them because of the geographical convenience when it comes to transaction.

Through his inspirational message, KMBI Treasurer Mr. Edgardo F. Garcia drew a metaphor of Kidapawan Branch being the moon that would have to provide the support needed for the Kabacan Satellite Unit to remain in orbit and aligned to the organization’s vision and mission.

On the other hand, Regional Director for VisMin Credit Operations Ms. Amelita T. Andilab enjoined the Center Presidents who were present during the event to help the unit reach more people, help more people, and touch more lives.

Joining the inauguration were Davao Area Manager Crismar Escalon and Kidapawan Branch Manager Honey Grace Debuma. Present as well to give their support to the staff were members of Kidapawan Branch staff.

KMBI Expands Operations Through Malita Satellite Unit Inauguration

KMBI makes another mark in history as it opened its door to Program Members residing in Malita, Davao Occidental and nearby municipalities during the inauguration of its satellite unit at Golofredo Balana’s residence on Tugas St. in Pobalcion, Malita last February 9, 2017.

KMBI Chairman Mr. David D. Gutierrez pointed out the very reason why KMBI found its way to Malita—that is to bring the programs and services closer to the homes of Program Members. In his welcome address, he said that this stems from the fact that the Program Members are the most important element for the organization to actualize its mission and vision. He further added that with the opening of the KMBI Malita Satellite Unit, we bring holistic and integral transformation possible for our program members “Ang KMBI ang dadalhin namin sa inyo,” the Chairman said.

On the other hand, KMBI President Mr. Eduardo C. Jimenez, intimated the ideals of KMBI with those present during the inauguration.This he explained using the KMBI acronym. He stressed that KMBI is and will always be the Program Members’ KABALIKAT in writing their histories (KASAYSAYAN) towards achieving MASAGANANG buhay through the programs and services offered by the organization. To drive this point, he quoted, John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." But he added that KMBI is more than a lending institution because it wants the Program Members to be drawn to a deeper understanding of God and His Will, thereby fully knowing what life (BUHAY) is about. He again turned to the Scripture to expound his statement.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52)

Lastly, he highlighted “I” being INCLUSIVE or INKLUSIBO as promised in the Bible verse, John 1:12. "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” He ended his inspirational message with this line, “You can be the best of what you want to think through Christ Jesus.”

Meanwhile, Mrs. Florabel Gonzales, KMBI Program Member for more than 5 years and a resident of Malita, gave a heartfelt testimonial as to how KMBI continues to work in her life. She expressed her gratitude to the organization because of the scholarship KMBI had granted to her child.

During the presentation of the Satellite Unit Staff, Davao Area Manager Ms. Crismar T. Escalon recognized and lauded the efforts of one of the Program Officers from Digos Branch who will now be part of the Malita Satellite Unit. Ms. Grace had been servicing Program Members from Malita for more than 2 years and had to endure travelling almost 2 hours to Malita, all to fulfill her duties and responsibilities.

Capping off the celebration was a challenge from KMBI Corporate Treasurer, Mr. Edgardo F. Garcia. He said KMBI Program Members had continuously been giving KMBI honors. Among the proofs were the recognitions given to KMBI Program Members by institutions like CITI Foundation. He challenged the Program Members of Malita to make history for themselves and for Malita. He also challenged the staff to continue to be “all-in” and “all-out." "All-in" in their resolve to give service to their Program Members; and “all-out” in their efforts to deliver KMBI’s programs and services to Program Members.