KMBI & APPEND Host Iponaryo Seminar

APPEND, in cooperation with KMBI, KDFI, and Chinkee Tan, held the first tranche of Iponaryo seminar at Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Center, Pasig City last August 29, 2018, educating more than 500 participants on money management.

The delegates were composed of KMBI staff & clients, students & teachers from a nearby public school, young professionals, and clients of other microfinance institutions.

The seminar was in consonance with APPEND’s mission to produce 1 million Iponaryos or Filipinos who are sufficiently empowered with financial education and who have basic understanding of proper budgeting and saving.

This effort was also pursuant to Republic Act 10699, otherwise known as An Act Promoting Entrepreneurship and Financial Education among Filipino Youth signed in 2016, which aims to hone the financial decision-making skills of young Filipinos that will help them build social enterprises.

KMBI Reaches Out to Fire Victims in Cebu

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.

KMBI and APPEND Relief Efforts Benefit 26 Households in Rizal

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.

KMBI Mounts 27th APPEND Leadership Conference in Davao

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.

The past, the present, and the future

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.

Disney fun

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”.

Wisdom in Unity, Mentorship, and Innovation

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.

Honoring the foundation

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.