KMBI, in cooperation with APPEND and KDFI, extended relief efforts to some 350 children affected by the fire incident last May 7, 2018 that razed around 100 homes in Ermita, Cebu City.
The relief efforts, initiated by KMBI Cebu North Branch last June 30, 2018, included a mass feeding program and provision of school kits to the fire victims.
A total of 26 fire victims from two separate fire incidents benefitted from the relief goods and basic construction supplies handed out by KMBI Angono Branch and APPEND.
According to the witnesses, the fire razed around 200 households within the area of Meralco Village in Taytay, Rizal last May 29, 2018.
25 Program Members from Meralco Village were able to receive basic construction supplies such as galvanized iron sheets for roofing, plywood, coco lumber and nails to construct basic housing. In addition, relief goods were distributed to the victims to help ease their plight during this time of transition.
The same provisions were also afforded to another Program Member in a separate fire incident the previous week.
This year’s APPEND Leadership Conference (ALC), hosted by KMBI, held a record number of attendees, bringing more than 1,300 participants at the SMX Lanang, Davao City last April 19-20, 2018.
The two-day assembly, themed “Past Meets Future”, took a glimpse back into the history of APPEND, its humble beginnings, and how far it has gone about three decades later.
APPEND Chairman, Mr. Edgardo F. Garcia, officially commenced the ceremonies.
Guest pastor Mr. Jebo Banzuelo led the exhortation focused on Hebrews 12:1-2 which stressed the importance of recognizing the men and women who have served, and even continue to serve, as pillars of the organization.
The series of plenary talks that followed encompassed APPEND’s past, present, and future. This was led by Alalay Sa Kaunlaran, Inc. (ASKI) Executive Director, Mr. Rolando B. Victoria; APPEND President & CEO Ms. Virginia P. Juan; and APPEND Chairman Mr. Edgardo F. Garcia.
The talks signified (1) the need to trace the milestones of APPEND and the key lessons learned along the way; (2) the need to stay relevant amidst the advent of technology and emerging issues related to social entrepreneurship and development; and (3) the desire to keep going forward and covering new grounds.
On the other hand, Dr. Sohl de Guia examined behavioral differences between generations and how the new ones (Millennials) can greatly impact the course of the organization.
KMBI’s Board of Trustees welcomed the guests with the song “Find Us Faithful”.
The afternoon was composed of breakout sessions, facilitated by Pastor Jebo Banzuelo, Dr. Sohl de Guia, Dr. Jasmin Jamora, and Mr. Jorge Azurin.
Three whimsical performances illuminated the evening, with ASKI snagging the top prize with their rendition of “Beauty and the Beast”. Afterwards, the twelve tribes convened for an on-the-spot performance anchored on the theme “Past Meets Future”.
The second day of the ALC was graced by Pastor Jeff Elizcupides. He urged the participants to move in unity and in one spirit as APPEND fulfills its imperative to run the race. Also present in the event was Coach Ms. May Soriano, who enumerated the concepts of coaching and mentoring in the 21st century.
Motivational speaker, Ferdinand “Chinkee” Tan gave an inspiring talk to the participants, encouraging them to embrace change and innovation while keeping track of the organization’s core values.
In the afternoon’s breakout sessions, speakers included Ms. Jane Manucdoc from ASKI; Mr. Joel Jacobo from PALMFSI; Mr. Angelo Solarte from TSKI; Ms. Hazel Christine Bayaca & Mr. Timothy John Pasicolan from KDFI; Pastor Jeff Eliscupidez, Mr. Chinkee Tan, and Atty. Raineer Chu.
One of the programs that enables APPEND to provide free education to deserving but underprivileged students is the Knowledge for Inspiring Leadership, Opportunities and Spirituality (KILOS) scholarship program, funded by Gordon V. and Helen C. Smith Foundation.
The KILOS scholars presented their tribute to the Smiths through expressive song and dance numbers. One of the scholars, Mr. Jonash Reyes, who graduated summa cum laude from the Far Eastern University, uttered his gratitude through a heartfelt testimony.
The ALC was capped off by prayers extended by Mr. Raffy & Honey Grace Catalan, Ms. Gloria P. Jimenez, and Bishop Jose Dalino.
The APPEND Leadership Conference is an expression of the network’s commitment to strengthen the technical competence, leadership, and spiritual health of its partner organizations.
KMBI successfully mounted its biennial Leadership Enhancement and Development (LEaD) Camp at the SMX Premier, Lanang, Davao City, empowering more than 800 KMBI staff.
With the theme “Live a Holy Life. Accomplish God’s Purpose!”, the gathering was held last April 18, 2018. Mr. David D. Gutierrez, KMBI Chairman, opened this year’s camp. In his opening remarks, he urged the staff to practice godliness at all times by veering away from earthly customs.
The whole-day conference was also graced by Pastor Josephus Ed “Jebo” Banzuelo. In his plenary talk, he dissected this year’s theme verse of Romans 12:1-2 which says, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
The afternoon session teemed with talks in the form of breakout sessions. Dr. Gloria P. Jimenez acquainted the Board and Management with the fundamentals of succession planning.
Meanwhile, Deputy Executive Director for Transformational Development and Training Group, Ms. Hazel Christine R. Bayaca, imparted basic business writing tips to supervisory staff.
Dr. Jasmin J. Jamora, a Dermatologist by profession, also shared her knowledge and encouraged all support staff to work with joy in their hearts.
In another breakout session, Deputy Executive Director for Credit Operations Group, Ms. Rachelle M. Basiya, together with KMBI President, Mr. Eduardo Jimenez, facilitated an adult-learning way of enhancing center meetings for the Program Officers.
One of the highlights of the event was the Disney musical night, hosted by Mati Branch Manager, Mr. Zerbrian Blantucas, and Pampanga Area Manager, Ms. Cashmere Cayaban. All 14 areas went up to enliven the night with their musical performances. Davao area, for the fourth time in a row, swept the first prize with their interpretation of the classic animated Disney film, Mulan.
Coinciding with the Disney musical performances is the awarding of 22 outstanding KMBI staff and the top 5 branches for the year 2017. Tandang Sora retained its spot as the most outstanding branch.
The KMBI LEaD Camp is a biennial conference that aims to gather all regular KMBI staff, enhance their knowledge and skills, and promote oneness amongst them. This activity seeks to bring a renewal of thoughts and feelings, share best practices in relation to their duties & responsibilities, and help staff determine their respective roles & contributions in the redemption process and towards God’s grand design.