“Doing Well By Doing Good” BK “Doing Well By Doing Good” BK Wins 5th MABS EAGLE AwardWins 5th MABS EAGLE AwardAs published in Positive News Media

Trail-blazing rural bank Bangko Kabayan was honored anew for its outstanding performance as a rural bank in ceremonies capping a two-day roundtable conference on microfinance and rural banking.

The Batangas-based Bangko Kabayan Wednesday re-ceived its fifth MABS (Microenterprise Access to Bank-ing) EAGLE Award which recognizes rural banks for outstanding performance in the following areas: effi-ciency, asset quality, growth of microfinance services, li-ability structure and earnings from the microfinance op-erations.

MABS, a USAID-supported project in partnership with the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines (RBAP), seeks to professionalize and expand the delivery of micro-finance to clients in the countryside through the rural banks.

Francis Ganzon, Bangko Kabayan President said that top management’s commitment and support for the program has been one of the key success factors in BK’s consistent outstanding performance in MABS. The dedication of the MF unit’s officers and staff and the close monitoring of

accounts have also con-tributed in maintaining a quality portfolio. He added that the shared vision of the BK staff

in creating more meaningful and mutually nurturing rela-tionships with clients is a key ingredient in BK’s perform-ance under the MABS program for the past six years.

Bangko Kabayan’s Managing Director Teresa Ganzon said that the whole BK team feels very proud of this achieve-ment because it once again affirms the soundness of their corporate philosophy which believes in doing well by do-ing good or consciously pursuing multiple bottomlines – both social and financial – in their banking business.

Bangko Kabayan is a member of the Economy of Com-munion, the international organization of companies com-mitted to creating and operating enterprises which focuses on the human person and practices the concept of wealth sharing.

The roundtable meeting carried the theme “Pushing the Frontiers of Microfinance through Innovation.” It also featured experiences of rural banks, particularly with re-gard to the use of mobile technologies and applications.

Industry leaders also presented their views on the subject: “Factors and Trends Shaping the Direction and Future of Continued on page 2...

Page 2 NEWSNEWS

BK sets a new milestone in the rural banking industry as it introduces new technolo-gies to its clientele. BK has signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with ENCASH to avail of the Auto-mated Teller Machine (ATM) Services in the countryside.

Furthermore, the RBAP Text-A-Payment Scheme was already pilot-tested in Calaca Branch to cater to nearby clients from Balayan, Batangas. The Text-A-Payment (TAP) is an innovative service that uses the Text Messag-ing Services (SMS) technology to pay client’s loan amor-tization dues utilizing Globe’s G-Cash services. This G-Cash service is the brand new service that turns your cell-phone into an electronic wallet. With G-Cash, Globe and Touch Mobile Subscribers can easily and conveniently send and receive cash and make payments, just by tex-ting. This TAP service is bundled with Text-A-Deposit (TAD) and Text-A-Withdrawal (TAW) services that also use SMS technology to access saving accounts.

Mrs. Merlita Werling, one of our Microfinance clients in Balayan, serves as a G-Cash source in the area. She sells G-Cash to our MF clients. The clients now pay their loan dues through the Text-A-Payment scheme.

Mrs. Werling recounts her experience: “Sa simula ma-hirap kasi nga bago ang sistema. Ano ba ang G-Cash? Pano yon? Natutunan ko rin, madali lang pala at high tech, nakakatulong na ako sa ibang client ng BK sa pag-babayad ng loan linggu-linggo. Nakatipid na sila sa oras at pamasahe, kumikita pa ako ng 1%. Tumutulong pa nga ako mag-recruit.”

“It has an added value for the MF clients. We are giving them an opportunity to use new technologies and inno-vations such as G-Cash. Through RBAP-TAP, we can reach out to more clients, with a win-win solution to the bank and the clients as well,” Mrs. Marivic Vidal, Calaca Branch Operations Head, expressed her view.

Furthermore, to increase awareness of G-Cash within the locality, BK also launched the Text-A-Benefit Program to all regular employees. BK employees will be one of

“Doing Well…”, cont’d from page 1...Rural Banks in Microfinance in the Philippines” while top performing rural banks shared their stories on making “Inroads towards Expanding Microfinance.”

The roundtable conference is the fifth such gathering held annually intended to promote Microenterprise Access to Banking Services, or the MABS program.

Over the past 10 years, MABS participants among rural banks had disbursed about one million microfinance loans totalling more than P13 billion to more than to more than 365,000 borrowers all over the country. (PNA)

The MABS Eagle Awards Night was hosted by our very own Marketing Manager, Ms. Tina Ganzon, and MABS Research and Financial Analyst Anatoly “Jing” Gusto. It was a fun-filled event as participating banks watched the Banda Kawayan group play their unique native instru-ments while feasting on a scrumptious dinner. The event concluded with a toast for MABS’ continuing success and partnership with the participating rural banks and other microfinance organizations.

BK Goes BK Goes HiHi--tech,tech,Partners Partners withwithENCASHENCASH& Globe& GlobeBy: Hadjie Lichauco

TINIG StaffTINIG StaffEditor-in-Chief: Fides Ganzon News writers: Hadjie Lichauco, Frances Bathan Feature writers: Gerneil Rivera, Neil Marundan, Catherine Torres, Rey Orense Columns: Violy Echague, Gerneil Rivera Culture: Allan Valdez Information: Rymar Gutierrez, Zandren del Mundo Contributors for this issue: Zernan Zaballa and the writers for NONAGON Advisers: TMG, Liza Mercado

For questions, suggestions, or contributions, email us at bk.tinig@gmail.com

the first users of this technology in the industry and will strengthen the G-Cash ecosystem at the local level. These G-Cash initiatives are in partnership with Rural Bankers’ Association of the Philippines (RBAP), Microenterprise Access to Banking System (MABS) and Globe GXI.

BK employees, client & MABS trainors pilot testing the G-Cash technology

Left to Right: MABS Regional Mgr. Bong Roxas, MABS Chief of Party John Owens, Gen. William Hotchkiss, Teresa Ganzon, Francis Ganzon, USAID Mission Director Jon Lindborg, MEDCO Rep. Janet Lopoz, BK EVP Liza Mercado, Tina Ganzon, Fides Ganzon and Frances Ganzon

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BK tandems with MABS in BK tandems with MABS in Market Research Activities Market Research Activities By: Hadjie Lichauco

RBAP – Microenterprise Access to Banking Services (MABS) conducted a 3-day market research seminar in Bangko Kabayan last May 9 – 11, 2007. The semi-nar was facilitated by RBAP-MABS Regional Manager Raymundo Roxas and Research Associate and Finan-cial Analyst Anatolio Gusto and was held at the Training Room Executive Office, Ibaan. The partici-pants were BK’s management trainees and operation heads, MF units and Marketing unit. The seminar aimed to communicate and demonstrate the impor-tance of market research in expanding MF services to new areas as well as teach the process banks are ex-pected to go through in deciding whether or not to offer microfinance services in prospective areas or markets.

The free MABS technical assistance is part of the in-centives to all MABS participating banks that have been awarded with the EAGLE Performance Award. The seminar was set as follows: 1 day classroom train-ing, 1 day rapid market appraisals and market surveys, and 1 day data gathering, presentation and analysis. The team conducted the market research activity at Agoncillo, Batangas. Soon, the team is expected to undertake the same for Lobo, Balayan, Talisay and Tanauan, Batangas.

Summer Outing ng BK Family ‘07 Summer Outing ng BK Family ‘07 By: Zandren Gem Del Mundo

Tayo na sa beach, tayo na’t mag-swimming!Idinaos ka-makailan ang summer out-ing ng buong pamilya ng Bangko Ka-bayan. Ito ay ginanap sa Doña Lorenza Beach Resort sa Nonong Castro, Lemery, Batangas noong ika-12 ng Mayo, taong 2007. Dinaluhan ito ng iba’t ibang sangay ng BK kasama ang kani-kanilang pamilya. Andyan si Mister, si Misis at ang makukulit na mga chikiting, takbo dito, takbo doon, langoy dito, langoy doon.

Nagbuo ng kumite para sa pagkain, palaro at pa-Bingo para sa lalong ikagaganda at ikaayos ng nasabing okasyon. Naging abala ang Cuenca Branch para sa registration noong umaga. Andyan din ang San Jose at Ibaan Branch na namahala para sa pagkain ng bawat isa. Ang Rosario Branch naman ang in-charge sa mga parlor games na talaga namang kaysaya. At ang LCDP ang namahala sa Bingo Bonanza.

Balewala ang init ng araw sa bawat isa noong araw na iyon. Parang isdang nakawala sa akwaryum ang mga tao. Langoy sa dagat, langoy sa swimming pool. Sisid sa dagat, sisid sa swim-ming pool. Habang ang iba naman ay pilit na bumibirit sa videoke. Nagkaroon din ng pagkakataon ang bawat branch na magkamustahan, kwentuhan, tawanan at biruan. At siyempre hindi lilipas ang araw na iyon ng hindi nagigimbal ang bahay-alak ng mga Barako Boys ng BK.

Masayang-masaya ang araw na iyon lalo na’t inumpisahan na ang pinakaabangang Bingo Bonanza ng makapagtanghalian ang lahat. Pinangunahan ito ng LCDP na talagang makapigil-hininga dahil sa mga cash prizes na papremyo. Sinundan ito ng parlor games na pinamahalaan ng Rosario branch. Bawat branch ay nakilahok sa inilunsad na palaro. Naging masaya ang mga parlor games lalo pa’t nilahukan ito ng mga Ganzon sis-ters na hindi inaalintana ang init ng araw.

At pagsapit ng hapon,”bye bye na, aalis na nga!!” Pagod, sunog ang bawat isa, subalit kitang kita ang saya sa kanilang mga mukha. Nag-uwian na ang bawat isa samantalang may iba parin na nagpaiwan para pagpatuloy ang kanilang kasiyahan.

Nakakapagod ang buong maghapon pero sa kabila nito ay ang karanasan at kasiyahang hindi mapapalitan ang kahit anuman. Kaya pamilyang BK, abangan muli ang susunod na kabanata. Kitakits mga kapatid, kapamilya at mga dabarkads!!! Chill!

Mabini Rosenie Aya, Management TraineeAfter the long wait, the big event happened last June 6. It has been thirteen years since the Barrio of Pulong Anahao, Mabini Batangas popularly known as “ Little Italy of the Philippines or Italian Village”, held their fiesta. After one year of prepa-rations, the event became successful with the whole-hearted participation of the people of Pulong Anahao, Mabini . It was conceptualized by 18 members of D' Young Lovers Club—a group of young professionals who organized the said event. Everyone in the group has been committed in the planning and implementation of the grand fiesta. Funds came form voluntary donations/ contributions from all ages (students, employees, businessmen, OFWs, etc). It was last year when I heard about it; they opened 3 savings accounts with us. From that time, their deposits have already reached a high figure. Vivere La Dolce Vita! It's an Italian phrase mean-ing “living the sweet life.” This was the theme of their fiesta—the realization & thanksgiving for all the blessings and fruit of their hard work. A lot of OFWs work-ing in Italy went back home just to celebrate the occasion . The said event ran for almost 4 days, starting with a Concelebrated Mass attended by all the priests who

were assigned in the Parish a long time ago , as requested by the people of P. Anahao. It was very exciting and overwhelming with tears of happiness most especially for the old folks, that their praises to the Lady of Lourdes has never been this grand. It was followed by the motorcade which started at the Poblacion going back to the Bo. Pulong Anahao. A lot of games were con-ducted: the quest for their Singing Idol, the search for their Mutya and the Musicians on Fire concert produced by Center for Pop Music Phils. There were bands who performed: Pinoy Dream Academy, SHAMRock, FRIO , Pauleen Luna, King and other ABS CBN Artists. I came up with this article to recognize their success, as I witnessed them deposit from small denominations to hundreds of thousands. I would also like to mention the commitment of one of our co-employees, Ms. Shyrelyn Diaz, our teller, for her active participation during this event. “Baby” as MBB staff call her, is the AUDITOR of the D'Young Lovers Cluband her husband Mario Diaz is one of the organizers. She said that their fiesta developed their faith and sense of cooperation between everyone in the community.

Ibaan Mary Frances Bathan, Kapitan AOLast April 2, the Ibaan Branch Visit was held at La Leona Resort, Sampaguita Lipa City. After office hours, all IBB staff went straight to the said venue. It was facilitated by TMG and FSG, together with Ms. Ances, Ms. Tina and Ms. Fides. LVM was also present. The branch visit was an effective way of knowing what is happening in the branch. This also gave us a glimpse of the short and long-term plans for BK. The said visit focused more on BK’s Vision-Mission, since it is our guide towards fruitful andsuccessful years. Ma’am Tess explained to us the meaning of every phrase in the Vision-Mission, along with the ideas coming from the IBB staff. This really helped us understand the message that BK’s Vision-Mission is trying to convey. It’s good to knowthat Bangko Kabayan is a value-driven institution, looking forward to a more developed community by providing the people, especially the small entrepreneurs quality products and personalized services. Generally, the branch visit helped us understandmore clearly what really drives us to become a leading service-oriented rural bank.

San Juan Joemel Braza, Kabayan AO“No man is an island” is a saying that may not apply to a selfish person, whose only love is himself/herself. In our life, we have to think not only for ourselves but also for the benefit of the people around us. It's a good feeling to think that everyday we have done something good to someone in any way, because a good community should start with each of us not only thinking for his/her own good but for hoping and building a united and successful community.

During the 2nd quarter of this year, we were given lots of opportunities to be close to each other. Last April, during our outing,we had time to get to know each other better, especially people from other branches. Then, on the month of May, we had more time not only for our co-workers but also for some clients who invited us for their barrio fiesta, especially Mr. Prudence Panopio who gave a lots of effort and time to support his co-workers and clients. This kind of celebration was not only about feasting onplenty of food but more importantly, it was the presence of the people that proved we weren’t only co-workers or business part-ners but friends who supported and helped each other. However, during the month of June, one of our co-workers was trans-ferred and we can't hide the feeling of missing her—Mrs. Vilma Maralit. We also have a new employee as General Clerk (she's also pretty), we welcome you, Ms. Roxanne Goc and we are proud that you are now part of San Juan Branch.

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THE NONAGON Updates from BK branches

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Rosario Maylene Lacerna, Kabayan AOTo bid goodbye to a member of the family is a very painful experience in life. One has no choice but to accept and face the realitythat everybody needs to move on. Who can say that we will never miss the joker, the driver, delivery boy, the "pare" and the "kuya" of all in our branch? He is the man who used to bring out laughter in each one of us—the man who was very serious at work but never forgot to utter jokes in the middle of his seriousness. When you're with him, you'll never have a dull moment. Heis someone who is game in every activity, every happening. He used to be our driver during gimmicks and whenever the BM needs to attend gatherings as part of building relationship with clients. He was the delivery boy who supplies bottles of waterfrom their Nature's Fountain Refilling Station. But guess what? The joker of the branch is also active in some of the organiza-tions in Ibaan. He is the Chapter Head for the Singles for Christ, the Vice Chair Couple in the Secretariat for the Parish RenewalExperience (PREX)-Ibaan Chapter. He is also a member of Rotary Club of Ibaan and is currently a barangay councilor in Palin-dan, Ibaan. He's such a serious man when it comes to work, but also a good joker, a friendly and kind-hearted guy. We felt our loneliness and emptiness as you said goodbye but we're all praying for your success. Even though we forgot to say these words, we hope you're reading this. We really love you!! We're happy that you came into our lives and that you became part of BK-Rosario Branch!!! We deeply miss you "GAB". For us, you're the man - Geron Anthony Bagsit!!! Good luck!

Calaca Mercondi Consul, Kapitan AO During the start of the second quarter of 2007, many changes have occurred in our branch. Naturally, these changes had an im-pact in our branch with regards to our performance. It was this summer when the rotations, promotions, and even hiring of new employees affected each and everyone of us. Ms. Catherine Supillo has been transferred to Nasugbu, Mrs. Sherelyn Mercado transferred to LCDP Lemery and Mr. Richbert de Joya is training for a new position in the Head office which leaves the branch in balance. Newly hired employees have then appeared in the picture: Mrs. Marites Baque replaces Ms. Supillo as GC, Mr. Villalobos replaces Mr. De Joya and Mrs. Agnes Cruz replaces Mrs. Mercado. It was really hard to adjust during that quarter. Many changes on our part has been made especially for the AOs. It took a while for us to adjust to the situation, but with the help of each employee and the unity within the branch, which I think is like a Family, we finally got the job done!

Nasugbu Reda Nanet Zamora, General ClerkChanges? What is change? Everyone didn't expect the things that happened. For the past few months, we experienced a lot of new things to cope with. Some left and some arrived. However, despite of what happened, we remained as a united family with a goal to meet. We have been accompanied by new faces that have now become part of our family. They are our new cheerful Teller, Ms. Regina Pagaduan, our new fashion-able Branch Accountant, Ms. Catherine Supillo and our new serious Senior Teller, Mr. Allan Rey Valdez. We found new buddies in their presence. And now, even if we do not have a Branch Operations Head, we have the presence of Ms. Angelina Castillo to assist us and to perform the duties and responsibilities.

Last June 30, we have all agreed to conduct our In-House Training of the BK Products wherein our DLB, Kabayan & Kapitan Account Officers and Credit Adviser were the speakers. Each of them were given a time slot to tackle the products they handled.They shared their knowledge to us so we could review and familiarize ourselves with the products, especially the financial com-putations.

BDJRBIt was February last year when we started staying on the 2nd floor of Banco de Jesus Bldg in Valenzuela City, Manila. That time,the summer season was fast approaching. And what comes with summer? HEAT! We found ourselves perspiring every time we woke up in the morning. But we didn’t have any choice. Even the air coming from the fan was not enough to beat the heat. When summer ended, (yehey!) the rainy season came. We expected cool days and nights but that expectation turned into (huhuhu) flood approaching you in the street and even inside the bank. Distilled water was unsafe to drink; almost all of us here suffereddiarrhea every now and then, as well as cold and flu.

Enough of this, as it is just a piece of our experience here in Manila. Now I will let you know our observations here at Banco DeJesus. Luck seems to be miles away, considering the number of clients met and the environment. We are a rural bank that is partof a highly urbanized place with more than 10 commercial banks, excluding 29 cooperatives and the underground “Bombay” that you’ll see everywhere. It’s not that easy building up our name in this area where competition is tough. Not to mention the envi-ronment and the people we’ve encountered here. It’s a whole lot different from the people in the rural areas. Kaya ibalik nyo nakami sa Batangas! Hahaha! No time for regrets.

Page 6 FEATURESFEATURESIsang malaking pagdiriwang ang ating hinaharap sa susunod na mga buwan. Marami tayong ginagawang mga pagha-handa para sa mga programang nakatutok sa ating mga minamahal na kliyente, kapwa empleyado, at sa bangko. Ang nais naming bigyang-halaga sa isyung ito ay ang pagdiriwang ng ating pagiging isang komunidad dito sa BK.

Ano nga ba ang halaga ng isang komuni-dad? Sa ating sariling mga tirahan at barangay, mayroong mga taong palagian nang bahagi ng ating buhay. Sila ang mga kasama natin sa simbahan, kakwentuhan sa palengke, kabiruan sa gimik, o kasalo sa handaan. Sa lahat ng mga taong nakikilala, ang ating komunidad ay ang nagiging kakapit-bisig sa anumang landas na tina-tahak natin sa ating buhay. Sila ang karug-tong ng ating mga pamilya, ang ating san-dalan sa mga problema. Kung minsa’y hindi rin maiiwasan na dito manggaling ang mga suliranin, sapagkat bahagi ito ng pagbubuo at pagpapalakas ng isang ko-munidad. Ang bawat luha na naidudulot ng mga problemang lumilitaw sa isang komunidad ang siya ring nagsisilbing kula na nagbubuklod at nagpapayaman ng at-ing mga samahan. Kung sama-sama nat-ing haharapin ang unos, hindi madaling mabubuwag ang ating komunidad.

Malugod kong maipapahayag na isa sa mga komunidad na kinabibilangan ko ay ang Bangko Kabayan. Binubuo ito ng mga taong may kakaibang talento, ang-king talino, at mabuting kalooban. Isa itong malaking pamilya na nararapat na ipagmalaki at ipagdiwang. Ito ang layunin namin sa isyung ito ng TINIG. Sisimulan natin ang pagpapakilala ng ating mga ka-samahan, sa pamamagitan ng pagkuku-wento ng mga ginagawa nila sa labas ng bangko at sa kani-kanilang mga sariling komunidad. Nais kong imbitahin ang la-hat na magbahagi na kanilang mga ku-wento mula ngayon, maging ito man ay inyong sariling karanasan o kasama ninyo sa branch. Maaari tayong magkaroon ng isang bahagi sa TINIG na tungkol lamang sa atin, upang lalo nating makilala ang bawat isa sa patuloy na paglago ng ating minamahal na komunidad... na ngayo’y 50 taon nang nabubuhay.

By: Fides Ganzon

What do they have in common? Aside from the fact that they are the new members of the BK Audit Team, they are also active cooperative partners. Arlene is Bago Coop’s pride as she holds the post of one of the Board of Directors, while Maan serves as Auditor of a newly-formed waterworks coop-erative in Sto Nino, Ibaan.

ARLENE BAGSIT and MAAN RAMOSARLENE BAGSIT and MAAN RAMOS

DANTE ROSIMA BK’s certified Real Estate Broker and Appraiser is also currently a local councilor in Calamias, Ibaan.

Hats off to our 2007 MBA graduates! RA is cur-rently a Branch Opera-tions Trainee, while Lhen Lhen is an Account Offi-cer in Batangas City.

Congratulations!

LHEN MATULOY & LHEN MATULOY & ROSENIE AYAROSENIE AYA

DOROTHY BONDOROTHY BONOur Mabini OIC has been an active choir leader ever since her schooling days. She even plays the church organ. Hear her play music every Sunday at St. James the Greater Parish, Ibaan (3rd Mass).

BK, Atin Ito!BK, Atin Ito!Isang sulyap sa ilang miyembro ng ating natatanging komunidad...

ANDREAN HERNANDEZBK talent reaches Malaysia! Andrean Hernandez, fondly called “Toti” by everyone, has been an active leader of Youth Ensemble – the Aplaya, Bauan Parish Choir groups for seven years now. Their group went to Malaysia last February 2007 to perform and unleash their vocal skills to our fellow Asian brothers.

Page 7 FEATURESFEATURES

Buddies for life! Did you know that these two were classmates and bud-dies from their kindergarten years until college? It’s amazing how their tandem works in BK. “Sinong best friend mo doon? Syempre ikaw lang!” And speaking of Ronald, did you know that he consistenty held the title of Section A Prince Charming from grade 1 to 4? Prince charot!!!

RONALD JOPIA and HERMIE de CHAVEZRONALD JOPIA and HERMIE de CHAVEZ

Isang natatangi. Isang kapamilya. Isang Kuya. Big brother, ika nga nila. Batas ba, ika n’yo?

Magtanong kay Ernie Baron, este, kay BONO— ang natatanging nabuhay na imahen ni Ka Ernie. Kahit na anong artikulo o seksyon, pati na nilalaman nito, memoryadong memoryado! Walang labis, walang kulang. May ek splanasyon na, may drawing pa kung kailangan! Wag ka lang makiki pag-gigilan, dahil bata, talo ka lang! Like lang nya mai-share, kanyang kaalaman! Sabi nga nila, kung walang knowledge, walang power! HAPPY BIRTHDAY PO, Big Brother Manager Bono!!! From your housemates in CBB. -Lorelyn Avestruz

ZERNAN ZABALLAZERNAN ZABALLA

What is common with Glady, Dheyah, Gerniel, Joy and Joana? Aside from the fact that they are all from Ibaan, they used to have accounts with Tita Yolly Cabatay in her time as field solicitor - getting depos-its from one school to another. And now, Tita Yolly Cabatay is our Ibaan Branch Manager, Joy Guerra is BDJRB’s OIC, while Dheyah, Gerneil and Glady also hold promising careers in BK!

School year 2007 has just commenced. Good luck to Oyet PatulotOyet Patulot andand HelenHelenAlcoverAlcover, who are both pursu-ing a degree in law in Arellano University. May you have a stress-free school year! Gerneil RiveraGerneil Rivera,, Rey OrenseRey Orense,,andand Rymar GutierrezRymar Gutierrez are also currently taking up Masters in Management Technology at De La Salle Lipa.

Continued on page 11...

Page 8 COLUMNSCOLUMNS

Violy EchagueKAMBIOOracle Gerneil Rivera

“Paano iyan? Naiwan na tayo ng bus puntang Tuguega-rao?” “Saan tayo titigil, eh, 5:00 n.u. pa ang first trip? Alas diyes lamang ng gabi.” “Ok, di dito na lang tayo sa Baliwag terminal maghintay ng first trip.” “Tingnan natin kung may ibang paraan.”

Makalipas ng ilang sandali. “Tita, sabi ng guard kung tayo ay hanggang Bagabag, Nueva Viscaya , may last trip ang bus puntang Isabela dadaan ito ng Bagabag, sabihin na natin sa konduktor.”

Nagkasundo kami nina Marie (French intern), Oyet, Hadjie at Gerneil. Our destination: the famous Sagada. Dumaan kami ng rice terraces ng Banawe. Halos dalawang oras na zigzag, palipatlipat ng mga bundok, baba, tataas. Pigil ang mga hininga. Pagdating doon, lahat ng inn at lodging houses, puno ng mga tourists. Sa munisipyo, andun ang mga info desk para sa mga pangangailangan ng mga bisita.

“Ma'am, available lang po na malapit dito to accommodate you ay ‘yong third floor ng ospital. Kapag peak season, pinagagamit nila ito.”

Nagkasundo uli kami. Maayos naming naiwan ang aming mga daladalahan sa ospital at nagpatuloy na kami sa halos 2 kilometrong paglalakad. Nadaanan namin ang hanging coffinpatungong Saguing cave. Pagkatapos ng simpleng hapunan, pagod na pagod nguni't masaya kaming nakabalik sa ospi-tal. Namangha kami dahil may roomates kaming Korean, Taiwanese at British, lalaki at babae. Ang importante, makaligo at makatulog nang maayos pagkatapos ng pag-inom ng Bignay wine kasamang impormasyon tungkol sa wine ng France mula kay Marie.

Noong nakaraang Abril, “Tita, pwede na po ba tayong pumunta sa Coron.?” Tatlong taong plano natin ito.” “Tanungin ang barkada.”

Dumating ang Abril 20, nagkita-kita sa domestic airport, ang tropa: Rose, Hadjie, Oyet, Gerneil, Raymar at Angie. Pagkatapos ng delayed flight ng Asian Spirit, at alalahanin, narating din namin ang Busuanga airport.

“Nasaan ang aking maleta?” Mabilis na inakyat ni Rymar animo'y si Spiderman at nagpalipat-lipat sa mga “baggage carrier” ng mga bubong ng jeepney sa paghahanap. Na-kahinga ako ng maluwag nang ibaba na niya ito. Kung hindi, paano ako makakarating ng Coron reef, Siete Peca-dos, twin lake, Kayangan lake, Maquinit Spring at Banana Island?

Continued on page 9...

Silipin natin ang MF Department...

Marami nang taon, karanasan at iba't ibang hamon ang Finagdaanan bilang isang unit. Iba't ibang mukha at per-sonalidad na ang dumaaan dito at naglaan ng kanilang oras at talino. Matatandaan natin na mga empleyado na sina Andy Pagcaliwagan, Hilda Jubli, Mely Adajar, Alma Malata, Michael Steven John, Chito Romero,Virialuz Laguerta, Christine Agbay, Paolo Lara, Randy Bagsit, Ellen Metica, Richelle de Padua at Edlyn Villones ang ilan sa mga tao na naging bahagi ng MF unit sa head office.

Hindi rin natin makakalimutan ang mga kasalukuyang empleyado na nasa ibang department pero naging ba-hagi rin ng Microfinance; sina Willam Bagui, Dante Rosima, Hadjie Lichauco, Rey Orense, Isabel Mon-tealto,Lea Carlos at Mariane Ramos.

Marami na rin ngang Fagbabago, nahiwalay man sa Loans Department at naging isang matatag na depart-ment ngayong 2007, makikita pa rin ang serbisyo at paglilingkod ng mga tao sa likod ng MF Dept; iisang pamilya pa rin, may 48 na mga account officers, 7 na supervisors, MF Trainor at MF Head sa tulong at su-porta ng 9 ng mga Branch Managers.

Microfinance Department noon...

...at ngayon.

Page 9 COLUMNSCOLUMNS

KAMBIO, cont’d from page 8... Ang mga karanasang masaksihan ang napakakagandang tanawin na hindi kayang mailarawan ng mga angkop na salita ay nakatulong upang pagyamanin sa aming mga sarili ang pagmamahal sa ating sariling bansa Masayang may kasama na kilalanin ang mga biyayang ito ng ating kapaligi-ran na iminulat pa ng mga dayuhan para ito ay pahala-gahan. Bukod dito natutuwa kami dahil dalisay pa ang mga adhikain at niloloob ng mga residente, walang pagsasaman-tala na karaniwang matatagpuan sa mga kalunsuran. Malungkot na masaksihan na ang mga dayuhang kapital-ista ay nakapangingibabaw sa kahinaan ng ating mga kaka-bayan na nakikinabang at nakakaapekto sa katutubong kalagayan ng lugal at ng iba pang kapitalistang itangi la-mang ang mga ito para sa may mga kakayanang gumastos. Humahadlang ang aming damdamin. Paano naman kami na karaniwang mga empleyado? Pribelehiyo lang ba ng ma-yayaman ang makinabang sa kasiyahang idinudulot ng likas na kapaligiran? Pati bang ang likas na kapaligirang bigay ng Diyos ay ipagkait na karapatan sa karaniwang mamamayan?

Sa kabila ng lahat, may mahalaga kaming natuklasan. Kung nakakaranas ako ng kalungkutan, sapat na ituon ng aking isip sa mga makabuluhang pakikipagsapalaran pinagsalu-han bilang mga magkakaibigan. Iba't ibang daan ang sama-samang tinahak, baku-bako, zigzag, magabok, maalon, ba-nayad; iba't ibang pag-uugali, iba't ibang edad. Higit pa dito, malaking pagpapala na nabigyan kami ng pag-kakataong isabuhay ang ating TIPAN. Natuto kami sa isa't isa para handang maglaan ng sarili sa sakripisyo at magba-haginan para sa tunay na pang-unawa ng isang komunidad! Ito ang susi para makarating kami sa aming nais lakbayin. Malalaman ninyo ito kung kayo ay makikipagsapalarang kasama namin. Halina’t abangan ang susunod na lakbay!

Oracle, cont’d from page 8... Iisa ang mga karanasan: 1. napapanaginipan ang mga kliyente at PARR 2. market dito, market duon 3. sa approval, isip ng malaman na paliwanag 4. mga nakaharap ng “makukulit” na tao 5. alam ang “micro-pinoy,” si Bong, PCFC at MABS 6. sanay sa mahabang lakaran (lampas na ng boundary, sige pa rin!) 7. magagaling sa videokehan (green day experience 8. Bahagi ng 5 taon ng pagiging EAGLE Awardee

Marami ring mga Fangarap at adhikain na gustong marat-ing nang sama-sama ang department; umaasa na maraming maliit na negosyante ang matutulungan sa buong probinsya at labas ng Batangas, mga bagong hamon tulad ng maka-bagong teknolohiya, mga bagong serbisyo at malikhaing pamamaraan ang nakalinya at nakaabang.... at ang katu-paran ng lahat ng ito ay ang pananatiling “working as a TEAM” ng buong pamilya ng MF Department.

A Glimpse of The Chosen Children Village By: Mary Frances A. Bathan

It was Holy Thurday, April 5, 2007, when Ma’am Ances invited us to go and celebrate with them at The Chosen Children Village in Silang Cavite. This was a double cele-bration of her and Ma’am Tina’s birthday in the orphan-age. When we arrived at the village, we were given a brief orientation and a rundown of the house rules by one of the staff members. After that, we were able to see the place and visit the children in their respective rooms. From there, we met the children with different cases and listened to the stories of how they were brought there. It was sad to know that most of them were abandoned by their families just because of their disabilities. But despite the fact that they were different from other children, they were still very active and quite talented. In fact, we were very much entertained by the dance and song numbers that they have prepared for us. Ma’am Ances also pre-pared simple games and prizes that added more excite-ment and happiness to the children.

It was my first time to visit an orphanage and I had so many realizations. This was an activity that I rarely en-counter in my life that’s why I really made the most out of it. When asked to feed a child, I didn’t hesitate to grab the opportunity because I really wanted to help even in that simple way. If I could still remember correctly, the child’s name was Sharmaine. She was a very beautiful child. Unfortunately, she could not talk to express her gratitude. This wonderful experience made me feel the essence of actually being there. I also became more thankful that I’m living a normal life with my loved ones. It was such a great experience that everyone would surely treasure. We were inspired by the children to go on with life despite the trials and hindrances that come our way.

In addition to this, since it was the Lenten season, some of the employees who joined decided to do a Bisita-Iglesiaafter the main activity and this even made the trip more meaningful.

Page 10 INFORMATIONINFORMATION

From left to right, top to bottom: Brian Miranda Kapitan AO RBB Christopher Belela Messenger/Janitor MBB Diana Torres Credit Advisor Exec Edgar Patena DLB 4 LCDP-Bats Girlie Catapang Teller 1 LCDP-Lem Iris Omandap MF Bookkeeper LCDP-Lem Julian Salazar Messenger/Janitor CLC Karen Ann Reyes MF Field Staff Exec Madonna Masangcay Kabayan AO IBB Michael Quitain MF Field Staff Exec Michael Villalobos Kapitan AO CLC Regina Pagaduan Teller 1 NBB Riamor Ditan Loan Sec. Custodian Exec Roxanne Goc General Clerk SNJ Ruthiane de Gracia Teller 1 LCDP-Lem Shirley Javier Accounting Clerk Exec

Compiled by: Neil Marundan

did you know that…Trivia by: Bono Zaballa

1. The formula in computing the Effective Rate (ER) is:

ER = 360 x rate 360 - (rate x time)

2. Issuance of Barangay Clearance and Permit is pur-suant to Article 4, Sec. 152, Paragraph C of RA 7160 also known as The New Local Government Code.

3. The Real Property is immovable while the Personal Property is movable.

Q&A: The Performance Management System By: Frances Ganzon

What is PMS? PMS stands for Performance Management System. It is a set of standards by which duties and responsibilities of every employee are assessed.

Where did these standards come from? These standards were not taken from international com-panies or commercial banks. They were set by Man-agement based on practices of outstanding BK employ-ees. These procedures were studied through time and established as examples of best practices.

What is Q4? Q4 is part of a rating system that was used once before PMS was established. Q4 stands for 4th quartile. It is composed of employees who needed more attention from their supervisors due to several reasons such as lack of training or mismatch of competencies and job description. This rating system will not be used again because PMS is in place.

Will there be terminations after the PMS? No, there will be no terminations. The first 6 months is the trial of the PMS. There will be several adjustments until this tool is perfected.

How can an employee benefit from PMS? PMS is a basis for incentives. Kapitan AOs get P1,000 every time they hit their targets. Management wants to do the same for every employee. Once PMS is per-fected, employees who perform above standards will also get incentives aside from the 13th month pay, the mid-year and the year-end bonuses.

AprilApril——JuneJuneNEW EMPLOYEESNEW EMPLOYEES

Page 11 FEATURESFEATURES

It's been one year and five months since one of BK's finest moved in with SPB fam-ily. We have heard so much about her, how she bewitched and captivated hearts not only of branch employees but of everyone who goes in and out of its premises. She really is a true leader, unselfish and dedicated to her words. She carries out her duty on a very positive manner which in return produces a beneficial outcome to the spe-cific branch assigned to her. We all take pride that we are working with such a com-mendable leader. The attainment of a branch's goal relies on how well it has been administered by its chieftain and all we can say is Thank You, Manager Leah.

-Maylene Agtay

LEAH JARENOLEAH JARENO

Si MALOU ABADAY, IBB Loans Bookkeeper, ay aktibong miyembro ng Neo-cathecumenical way, isang church organization na nagsasabu-hay ng ebanghelyo. Member din siya ng Adora-cion Nucturna Filipina, isang church organiza-tion sa Ibaan na may devotion sa Holy Eucha-rist. Si SANER PATENA, RBB Credit Advisor, ay isang aktibong miyembro ng Couples for Christ sa Ibaan. Si GERNEIL RIVERA naman ay naging pangulo ng Vicarial at Parish Youth Council sa loob ng limang taon.

BK employees tie the knot!!! Wedding bells continue to ring this 2nd quarter of 2007.

Last April 28, BEN GUERRA walked on the red carpet with his bride, R e c h e l M a l i m a t a . S H A R O N B E N I T E Z proudly said “I do” to Ren Ren Rosales last June 23, and a day after, MELVINPEREZ tied the knot with Jessie Landicho. GALLY ALDAY will finally end his bachelorhood on July 22, as he starts a future with Ethel Sison.

Sa unang pagkakataon ng aking pagtapak sa BK-SNJ, masasabing kong ako’y medyo matanong – pagtatanong na sa tingin ko'y makakatulong sa akin upang lubusan kong makilala ang organisasyon. Sa lahat ng aking nalaman, isa siya sa tumawag ng aking atensyon at masasabi kung isa siya sa “pinaka.” Pinakamatagal, pinakamatiyaga, at pinakadetalyado sa mga ginagawa. Kasabay sa pag-unlad ng Bangko Kabayan, siya ay patuloy ring umuunlad at patuloy na ipinakikita ang kanyang “pinaka” at dedikasyon nya sa trabaho. Nagsimula siya bilang field solicitor, ang unang trabaho niyang pinasukan matapos ang kolehiyo. Pagkatapos ng mahigit 1 taon, na-promote siya bilang teller at tumagal ng mahigit 10 taon bago siya naging senior teller hanggang sa kasalukuyan. Simpleng tao, mabait at mahusay umawit ay ilan lamang sa mga kanyang katangian. Isa rin siyang empleyado na para sa akin ay asset ng San Juan Branch. Mas kilala namin siya bilang Ate Juliet – tagapayo, maasa-han, at isang huwarang empleyado. Ate Juliet, karangalan namin na makasama ang isang katulad mo at para sa amin ikaw ang aming “pinaka.” -Joemel Braza

JULIET MAGNOJULIET MAGNO

Continued from page 7...

Page 12 ANNOUNCEMENTSANNOUNCEMENTS