News

79 KMBI Delegates Join APPEND Leadership Conference in Thailand

A total of 79 participants from KMBI, KMBI Development Foundation, Inc. (KDFI) and For His Glory Multipurpose Cooperative, attended the 33rd APPEND Leadership Conference in Bangkok, Thailand held from May 27-29, 2026. Hosted by APPENDPay, Inc., the three-day conference was anchored on the theme, “Fear God. Love God. Serve with Joy.”

The conference opened on the first day by welcoming participants who paraded with their organizational flags, followed by a dinner fellowship.

The following day, plenary sessions established the spiritual foundation of the conference. Rev. Doctor Anuparp Wichitnantana of Liberty Church Bangkok led the discussion on Fearing God, and Pastor Rudy Fernandez on loving and obeying God’s words. Mr. Bryan Shen, professional counselor, addressed modern institutional challenges through his session on championing mental wellness.

Focused sessions featured Atty. Khristine Kay Lazarito-Calingin of Good Return who tackled the importance of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) to strengthen institutional performance, and Mr. John Lorenz R. Belanio, Assistant Professor at UP Visayas, who facilitated a session on digital safety and maintaining security in the online world.

The third day focused on joyful service and Christ-centered leadership. Pastor Orarick Sriwong, Founder of The All Christian Church in Chiang Mai, spoke on serving with joy, followed by Pastor Prakich Treetasayuth of the Thailand Bible Society, who discussed the significance of the Holy Spirit in molding today’s leaders.

International leadership coach Mr. Andy Dornan discussed developing leaders the way Jesus did, while specialized breakout sessions featured Ms. Joy Munthamraksa of the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) on transitioning micro-enterprises into growing businesses, and Dr. Lesley Dornan on health realities in "Birth Across Borders."

Mr. Bryan Shen conducted a final plenary on understanding gender development to preclude the most common and sensitive household problems among clients.

The ALC also tested the commitment of the participants to the word of God through the Bible Champion challenge, wherein contestants recited selected scriptural verses completely from memory.

The APPEND Network welcomed Kasipag Microfinancing and PAIS as its new member organizations, further expanding the presence of the network in the microfinance landscape.

KMBI Holds Three-Day Leaders' Forum to Kick Off 2026 Plans

KMBI convened leaders and employees for a three-day Leaders' Forum from January 14 to 16, 2026 at Hotel Kimberly, Tagaytay City for strategic alignment and discussion of organizational policies and plans as the organization bares its goals for the year ahead.

Pastor Joey Umali graced the event with his devotion which centered on faith-centered leadership and service. He encouraged participants to remain driven by their faithful purpose to the Lord to keep them guided in leading the organization.

A key highlight of the first day was the presentation of the operational performance and status by Ms. Rachelle M. Basiya, Deputy Executive Director for Credit Operations Group, which provided an overview of accomplishments and challenges for the year. Also included was a reinforcement on Leadership Roles: Oversight, Accountability, and Fraud Prevention facilitated by Mr. Sancho A. Montaos II, Director for Internal Audit Department and Risk Officer.

The KMBI Development Foundation, Inc. also reinforced the Statement of Faith and Core Beliefs, spiritual development programs for employees, and non-financial services for clients. This reaffirmed the Christ-centered purpose of the organization which will guide leaders in making decisions and implementing them.

The second day centered on operational reinforcements and skills development. Participants received updates from the General Services Department on Procurement and Branch Services and Basic Vehicle Troubleshooting. The Information Technology Department led discussions on maximizing productivity through Copilot, updates on KMBI's in-house information system DUNAMIS, and enhancements in automated collections and disbursements.

Also included were key policy and process updates from the Human Capital Department, including the administrative case process and amendments to the Code of Conduct, enhanced recruitment and onboarding processes, and enhanced employee benefits.

The Forum culminated on the third day with the launching of the 2026 Theme Verse centered on Micah 6:8, accompanied by an inspirational message from KMBI President, Mr. Eduardo C. Jimenez, who related the Micah challenge to participants: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. The 2026 Operational Plans was also presented which highlighted the organization’s strategic priorities and direction for the coming year. The activity also held an awarding of several KMBI branches in recognition of their outstanding contributions to KMBI. The event concluded with a Commitment Setting where participants reaffirmed their dedication to KMBI’s mission and values.

The Leaders' Forum is an annual congregation of key leaders and officers at KMBI to cascade plans and reinforce policies to help strengthen its operations and management for the year ahead.

KMBI Inks MOA with PAIS and OONA Insurance

KMBI signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Pinoy Ako Insurance Services, Inc. (PAIS) and OONA Insurance on July 14, 2025, in Quezon City. The agreement ensures continued protection to KMBI Program Members through robust insurance programs. Personal Accident Insurance remains FREE and will continue to cover up to four (4) dependents.

Present during the signing were representatives from PAIS, including its President, Mr. Caleb Jimenez, Mr. Justine Realuyo, Mr. Niko Defensor, and Ms. Dannielyne Agbuya. OONA Insurance was represented by President and CEO, Mr. Ninoy F. Rollan and VP for Territorial Sales and Agency Development Head for Sales Division, Ms. Therese Martha A. Cuneta. Representing KMBI were President, Mr. Eduardo Jimenez, Ms. Madelyn Frijillano, Ms. Ma. Cristina Ramos, and Ms. Krishia Mae Zacarias.

The partnership further strengthens the organization’s commitment to providing accessible and responsive insurance programs for its Program Members and their families.

KMBI, KDFI Visit ASKI for Learning Exchange

Leaders from KMBI and KMBI Development Foundation, Inc. (KDFI) embarked on an exposure visit to Alalay Sa Kaunlaran, Inc. (ASKI) on April 10-11, 2025 in Cabanatuan City. The two-day learning experience aimed to deepen their understanding of ASKI’s development work and explore best practices that could inform and inspire the organization's own initiatives.

On the first day of the visit, participants were introduced to the organizational structure and the synergistic relationship among the entities operating under the ASKI umbrella. The session highlighted ASKI's journey in forming the ASKI Foundation, including strategic transitions and challenges encountered along the way. Participants gained valuable insights into how ASKI managed staff secondments, mobilized funding for projects, and launched initiatives like the Community Organizing for Empowerment Program (COEP).

In addition to organizational insights, participants gained a comprehensive overview of the services offered by the ASKI Foundation. This included efforts in product development, productization, donor management, and building community relations, and compliance with regulations.

On the second day, KMBI and KDFI leaders explored ASKI’s programs for staff and client development, as well as practices in curriculum design and institutional performance measurement. A key feature of the day was an open Q&A session and casual discussions with the leadership of ASKI Skills and Knowledge Institute, Inc. (ASKI-SKI) where participants learned about the transitions involved in establishing the institute and the strategies used to sustain it.

The exposure visit served as a rich learning exchange, providing KMBI and KDFI with practical knowledge and inspiration drawn from the best practices and experiences of ASKI Foundation, Inc. and ASKI-SKI.