The Coconut Hub of Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LMPC) at Barangay Colonia in Tuburan, Cebu produces various products made from coconuts, that has been helping increase the income of local coconut farmers while providing livelihood opportunities among women in the community. (Photos courtesy of LMPC)
TUBURAN, Cebu – When Super Typhoon “Yolanda” devastated parts of the country in 2013, coconut farmers from this town struggled with lower productivity and income. They were left with damaged coconut farms, making it even harder to earn a living for their families.
This dire situation pushed the Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LMPC) to support its farmer-members by establishing a production center for diverse products made from coconuts, which provides farmers with higher income from selling all parts of their produce to LMPC at a competitive price, instead of relying solely on producing copra.
The Coconut Hub or ‘Cocohub’ facility, the first-of-its-kind in Cebu, commenced operations in 2020. Today, the center processes 15,000 seed nuts a day for the production of virgin coconut oil, coco sugar, coco baskets, ropes, mats, and anti-soil erosion nets, among others.
The Cocohub project benefits over 500 farmers from Tuburan and neighboring towns, while generating employment opportunities for women in the community who work full-time in the hub.
The operations of the Cocohub is backed by financial support from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK)—a long-time development partner of the LMPC. Loans from the Bank are used as working capital for the purchase of furniture and fixtures, payment of raw materials to suppliers, and salary of the cooperative’s workers.
“Malaki ang naitutulong ng LANDBANK upang mapanatili ang operasyon ng Cocohub, lalo na at hindi ganon kabilis ang return of investment dito. Parang pamilya na namin ang LANDBANK dahil lahat ng pangangailangang pampinansiyal ng LMPC ay sila talaga ang tumutugon,” said LMPC General Manager Ma. Elena C. Limocon.
The Cocohub is a joint project with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), which provides the LMPC infrastructure support and essential equipment, including a decorticating machine.
Other government agencies and local government units (LGUs) are likewise supporting the project to help sustain its operations. These include the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industries (DTI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the Cebu Technological University (CTU), which provide information resources, product innovations, and relevant trainings to capacitate farmers as well as for marketing of the goods.
“LANDBANK is a proud partner of the LMPC Cocohub designed to uplift the lives of coconut farmers and communities in Cebu. This project is a shining example of how government partners working under a whole-of-nation approach can build a sustainable and inclusive agricultural value chain,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.
Development partner in the countryside
The LMPC has been a consistent development partner of LANDBANK in the Visayas region since 1992. It is mainly engaged in credit extension through its 56 branches, assisting more than 120,000 farmers and fishers from the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Occidental and Leyte for their livelihood and agricultural projects.
LANDBANK’s unwavering support to LMPC has also allowed the co-op to take on other meaningful projects and initiatives in support of various local communities.
The LMPC has participated in the Milk Feeding Program of the Department of Education (DepEd) that benefits thousands of undernourished students from Cebu and Negros Occidental. The co-op has an existing loan line from LANDBANK to augment its working capital for dairy production.
The LMPC is also instrumental in bringing basic banking services to underserved areas by equipping most of its branches with point-of-sale (POS) terminals under LANDBANK’s Agent Banking Program (ABP), to facilitate banking transactions for local residents, especially in remote communities.
LANDBANK is the second largest universal bank in the country that is committed to serve the development requirements of cooperatives, thereby empowering them to become catalysts for inclusive growth in the countryside.
As of end-October 2022, LANDBANK’s outstanding loans to the cooperative sector have reached P61.4 billion, helping over 1,300 co-ops nationwide.
Elevating customer experience: LANDBANK inaugurates ‘phygital’ Branch
LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (6th from left) leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the LANDBANK Masterson Phygital Branch, alongside Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez (5th from left). Joining them are Initao Mayor Mercy Grace J. Acain (4th from left), 2nd District of Misamis Oriental Board Member Gerardo P. Sabal III (2nd from left), with LANDBANK officials including Executive Vice President Maria Celeste A. Burgos (7th from left), Senior Vice Presidents Charlotte I. Conde (8th from left) and Catherine Rowena B. Villanueva (rightmost), and First Vice President Lina K. Pacio (leftmost), with LBRDC Director Lourdes Candy R. Darimbang (3rd from left), and other local partners. CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – LANDBANK continues to elevate and redefine banking with the inauguration of its ‘phygital’ branch, highlighting the Bank’s commitment to delivering a more modern, convenient, and delightful customer experience. The LANDBANK Masterson Phygital Branch features a refreshed look and a blend of high-touch and high-tech banking, that provide an efficient fusion of physical and digital services to clients. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz led the inauguration of the Masterson Phygital Branch located at the Misamis Oriental Corporate Center, Block 62, Lot 1, Xavier Estates Commercial Area, Masterson Avenue, Upper Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City (CDO) on 12 December 2024. “The LANDBANK Masterson Phygital Branch blends the warmth and reliability of traditional banking with the agility and convenience of digital innovation. This inauguration is in step with reimagining the LANDBANK banking experience, ensuring that financial services are more accessible and aligned with the evolving needs of our customers,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. The LANDBANK Masterson Phygital Branch features self-service machines such as ATMs and Cash Deposit Machines that allow clients to perform transactions quickly with options for card, cardless, and biometric authentication. The Branch is also equipped with the LANDBANK Easy Access (LEA) system, which is an enhanced queuing management system that eliminates the need for filling out forms. It likewise has the LANDBANK Digital Online Banking System (DOBS) which streamlines account opening for a hassle-free start to financial management. The Masterson Phygital Branch also has an explore zone with meeting pods to provide clients with personalized assistance and opportunity to learn about LANDBANK’s wide range of products and services tailored to meet their financial goals. Following the Masterson Phygital Branch, LANDBANK is soon to launch two other phygital branches in Amlan, Negros Oriental and in Makati City in Manila. The branch also complements the operations of eleven other LANDBANK branches and branch-lite units in Balingasag, Puerto, Gingoog, Velez, Capistrano, Limketkai, Carmen, CDO Centro, CDO Cogon, and El Salvador City, including the Claveria Agri-Hub. LANDBANK remains steadfast in its commitment to provide clients with enhanced and personalized services—ensuring a banking experience that’s convenient, efficient, and focused on customer needs, empowering Filipinos to reach their financial goals. ABOUT LANDBANK LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the country promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable national development. Present in all 82 provinces in the county, the Bank is committed to provide accessible and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from countryside to countrywide.
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LANDBANK wins big at ARTA Awards for excellent service
LANDBANK Branch Banking Sector Head, Executive Vice President Liduvino S. Geron (5th from right) leads the 12 branch awardees in accepting recognition from ARTA for their outstanding service delivery during the Report Card Survey (RCS) Awards Ceremony. LANDBANK led the roster of government agencies recognized for exemplary service, with 12 of its branches earning top marks in the 2023 Report Card Survey (RCS) 2.0 by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA). The LANDBANK branches were honored at the ARTA RCS Awards Ceremony at Conrad Manila on 30 October 2024, underscoring the Bank’s collective commitment to providing efficient, high-quality services in compliance with the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Law. “These recognitions from ARTA reflect LANDBANK’s dedication to empowering Filipinos with accessible, streamlined financial services. We remain committed to excellent customer experience as we support inclusive countryside to countrywide progress,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. The ARTA RCS 2.0 is a holistic tool that measures the quality, efficiency, and adequacy of government services. Of all the Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) surveyed, the LANDBANK Cauayan and Talibon branches earned the highest ratings, each receiving a Gold Award. Six other LANDBANK offices were also recognized with Gold Awards, including branches in San Isidro in Isabela, P. Ocampo in Manila, Bataan - National Highway, LANDBANK Head Office Cash Department in Manila, Cotabato City Hall, and Don M. Banzon in Balanga. Meanwhile, LANDBANK branches in Mabolo, San Carlos City in Pangasinan, Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecija, and Pasig - Sixto Antonio earned Silver Awards. These achievements reinforce LANDBANK's commitment to drive national progress by continually raising public service standards as a leader in service innovation and customer satisfaction. ABOUT LANDBANK LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the Philippines promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable national development. Present in all 82 provinces in the country, the Bank is committed to provide accessible and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from countryside to countrywide.
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LANDBANK launches financial lifeline for pensioners, gov’t employees
In line with providing responsive financial solutions, LANDBANK is introducing a new loan facility designed to offer accessible financial assistance specifically to pensioners and government employees. Through the LANDBANK Pension and Emergency Relief (PeER) Loan Facility, eligible borrowers can secure loans between P20,000 to P100,000 at an affordable interest rate of 10% per annum, for emergency expenses, medical needs, and other urgent financial requirements. "We are committed to expanding our accessible services for our diverse clientele, including extending financial relief during critical circumstances. The new PeER Loan Facility provides timely financial assistance tailored to help them in times of urgent need,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. The LANDBANK PeER Loan Facility offers two loan options: the Pension Loan, offered to qualified clients with LANDBANK pension accounts, and the Emergency Relief Loan, available to regular government employees with LANDBANK payroll accounts and at least one year of service. Interested clients can apply for the PeER Loan at any LANDBANK branch or by contacting LANDBANK’s Customer Service Hotline at 02 8405 7000. The PeER Loan Facility is part of LANDBANK’s continuing commitment to promote financial security and resilience, empowering clients to better manage unforeseen expenses with confidence. ABOUT LANDBANK LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the country promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable national development. Present in all 82 provinces in the county, the Bank is committed to provide accessible and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from countryside to countrywide.
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