The IKIGAI Discovery Workshop was successfully conducted for the KMFI Management, Head Office and MBA employees, reaffirming KMFI’s commitment to employee well-being and purposeful work. The workshop addressed workplace stress and burnout while introducing the concept of IKIGAI, “Our reason to wake up in the morning”, as a guide to finding meaning in both life and work. The sessions created a meaningful space for reflection, enabling participants to reconnect with their values, understand their roles more deeply, and appreciate the perspectives of their peers. Key topics such as mental health awareness, effective communication, and emotional resilience were emphasized as essential elements of a healthy and productive workplace. The seminar aimed to enhance overall well-being and job performance by equipping employees with practical strategies to manage stress, strengthen mental resilience, and align their work with purpose through the IKIGAI framework. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to IKIGAI Founder and Head Coach, Alexis Torres, for his inspiring and humbling approach, together with Ms. Abigail Ho-Torres, an award-winning journalist and communication professional, for enriching the learning experience. Our sincere gratitude also goes to the KMFI Management, under the leadership of President and CEO Ms. Mercedes G. Faustino, for bringing IKIGAI to Zamboanga and for championing initiatives that nurture resilient, purpose-driven individuals.

KCCDMFI successfully conducted a Customer Care Training on October 25, 2025, at the KCCDMFI 3rd Floor Building, Guiwan, Zamboanga City, facilitated by Ms. Lea A. Payud, KMFI Board of Trustee (BOT). A total of 68 participants from the Head Office and Operations joined the session aimed at enhancing service excellence and client relations.

The Customer Care Training successfully achieved its objectives by enhancing the participants’ awareness and capability to deliver excellent customer service. KCCDMFI expresses its gratitude to Ms. Lea A. Payud for her valuable insights and facilitation, and to all participants for their active engagement and commitment to improving customer service standards.

The training aimed at equipping participants with essential digital skills to adapt to the modern workplace and cooperative management systems. Participants learned the basics of computer operations, file management, MS Office applications, and proper digital practices — all critical for improving documentation, communication, and productivity.

The training was a resounding success. Participants walked away with newfound confidence and practical skills in navigating technology. This initiative marks another step forward in building digitally literate that are ready to thrive in today’s fast-paced digital world.

“Strengthening Financial Literacy for Cooperatives”

Basic Bookkeeping and Accounting Training was successfully conducted by Ms. Leizel D. Gadiane Accounting Dept. Head together with Ms. Andrea May Ramirez, Accountant at the KCCDFMI Building, Zamboanga City, empowering cooperative leaders with essential financial management skills. Participants gained practical knowledge on proper bookkeeping practices, financial reporting, and cooperative accounting — essential tools for transparency, accountability, and sustainable growth.

The activity was a great success, equipping our cooperatives with the necessary skills to manage their finances effectively. With continued training and collaboration, we take one more step toward a more resilient and self-reliant cooperative sector in Zamboanga City.

The activity was facilitated by the KMFI – WEE SAFE Project, funded by the European Union through the Bangsamoro Agri-Fishery Programme (EU-BAEP). It was participated in by the officers and members of three (3) fisherfolk organizations namely; Luksumbang Fish Workers Association (LFWA), Balas Fish Workers Association (BFWA), and Tumakid Agri-Fishery Association (TAFA), engaged in fresh catch fishing and marketing.

The primary objective of the activity was to enhance the technical competencies of fisherfolk in the proper use and maintenance of fishing gear and equipment to improve catch efficiency and productivity. It also aimed to build awareness and promote compliance with existing fishery laws, policies, and sustainable coastal resource management practices, thereby encouraging greater community participation in resource monitoring and protection. Furthermore, the training sought to strengthen market integration and planning skills to help fisherfolk improve income opportunities and expand the market reach of their fresh catch products.

The activity was formally opened with welcome remarks delivered by Ms. Pamela Joy B. Nandu, Project Officer of the WEE SAFE Project. The session featured Mr. Abdurasul Sarail, Chief Aquaculturist of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), who served as the resource person and shared his valuable technical expertise with the participating fisherfolk of Lamitan City. Also in attendance was Ms. Esther Domingo, City Agriculturist of Lamitan City, who conveyed her full support for the WEE SAFE Project and its continuing efforts to uplift the livelihoods and strengthen the capacities of local fishing communities.

Learning about financial literacy helps individuals make informed and effective decisions with all of their financial resources and it also has the ability to understand and effectively use financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. Last September 9, 2025 Mr. Edgardo F. Faustino (KFI Vice President) Facilitated the Financial Literacy Training for Cooperative held at Monmon’s Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. It was attended by 36 cooperative leaders, comprising the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Bookkeeper and Auditor.

Empowering Farmers through Agri-Enterprise Clustering

KMFI, together with the KFI Team, conducted an Orientation on the Agri Enterprise Clustering Approach (AECA) — a concept developed by the Jollibee Group Foundation — held at Sinoropan Community Agriculture Cooperative.

This initiative aims to equip smallholder farmers with the knowledge and tools to collectively market their products, improve market access, and enhance income and sustainability through cooperative efforts.

Guided by our commitment to community empowerment, the WEE-SAFE Project under the EU: BAEP conducted the first batch of the Organizational Leadership and Governance Training, engaging eight local associations. We were honored to have Mr. Reynaldo H. Manigos, who is involved in the organization, social preparation, and institutional development of multiple cooperatives in Basilan, as our resource person.

The activity was attended by members and officers of a women-led association engaged in vegetable production and enterprise. This initiative aims to empower women in the community by deepening their understanding of their roles and responsibilities within their organization.

Over two days, participants explored the values of accountable leadership, transparent governance, and collective decision-making. The sessions aimed to inspire stronger, more resilient organizations rooted in shared purpose and service to the community.

KMFI conducted a training on sublimation shirt sewing for our Nanays, as part of the organization’s continuing goal to enhance the skills of loyal clients, helping them become more competitive and adaptive to modern technology.

“Lighting the Way of Women’s Economic Empowerment.”