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.
LANDBANK delivers P14-M aid to 130 LGUs hit by Kristine
LANDBANK is extending a total of P14 million in financial assistance to various local government units (LGUs) impacted by tropical storm Kristine, as part of ongoing initiatives to fast-track local recovery and rehabilitation. The cash donation will support 130 LGUs across Luzon and Visayas, where communities face extensive damage from the recent tropical cyclone. “This funding provides critical support for our LGU partners to augment their Calamity Funds and sustain vital services for evacuees. As recovery timelines remain uncertain, LANDBANK is committed to helping LGUs respond swiftly and effectively to the needs of their communities,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. The P14 million LANDBANK donation is in addition to the P1.1-billion assistance extended by the government to affected families, as announced by Presidential Communications Office (PCO). LANDBANK is likewise offering immediate financial assistance to affected businesses and sectors through the LANDBANK CARES Plus (Community Assistance and REintegration Support Plus) Lending Program to rebuild, restore operations, and recover from disaster-related losses. Eligible borrowers include micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), cooperatives, large corporations, and electric distribution utilities. The state-run Bank’s Electronic Salary Loan (eSL) also offers quick funds for government and corporate employees with LANDBANK payroll services, with a waived servicing fee for applications until December 31, 2024. Existing eSL borrowers may also apply for early renewal if they have completed at least one month of paid amortization. Meanwhile, the Bank is also offering the “EasyCash for Emergencies” feature for LANDBANK credit cardholders to convert available credit limits into emergency cash, repayable up to 36 months. Eligible customers will receive a notification for activation, or they may request cash conversion directly. 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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From ‘Ad Man’ to ‘Mushroom Man’: Farmer cultivates success with LANDBANK’s support
Roderick Capalongan left his career in advertising in 2014 to venture into mushroom farming, and is now a leading supplier of mushrooms in his home town of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, including Manila, Isabela, Cagayan Valley, Tarlac, and Pampanga. SOLANO, Nueva Vizcaya – Roderick Capalongan built a dynamic career in advertising, mastering project management, below-the-line communications, and complex campaign operations. But what started as a side hustle soon turned into his true passion—mushroom farming. Inspired by a fellow farming enthusiast, Roderick initially ventured into mushroom production to generate extra income for his family. However, what began as a small project soon became his full-time calling. In 2014, he left advertising behind to grow mushrooms on a 2-hectare farmland he inherited from his grandfather. Roderick named his own farm “Mushroom Man” and used recycled agricultural waste, such as rice straw, as substrate to grow oyster mushrooms. As demand grew, so did Roderick’s desire to scale up the business. In 2016, he found a reliable partner in Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) which stepped in with an initial loan of P300,000.00, giving Roderick the boost he needed to expand his operations. “Salamat sa LANDBANK dahil palagi silang handang sumuporta sa akin at sa projects ko. Sa tulong nila, nakapagpatayo ako ng facilities at nakapag-expand ng farm ko,” said Roderick. Over the years, LANDBANK has extended a total of P6.25 million to support Roderick’s mushroom production, which covered the purchase of equipment and the construction of mushroom housing, and even the expansion to tilapia and catfish production. The Mushroom Man currently delivers fresh produce daily to market outlets in Nueva Vizcaya and Manila, as well as in the provinces of Isabela, Tarlac, Pampanga, Cavite and Cagayan Valley. Innovation meets sustainability Roderick adopted an integrated farming business model that combines mushroom production with tilapia fish farming to minimize farm waste, reduce operational costs, and promote resource efficiency. One of his sustainable farm methods involve recycling mushroom spent—a byproduct of his mushroom production—to cultivate duckweeds as an alternative to artificial commercial fish feeds. This recycling practice reduced the cost of his tilapia production by half and significantly increased his profits. “Sa panahon ngayon, tumataas na ang presyo ng farm inputs, tulad ng tilapia feeds. Kaya kailangan maging resourceful para gumanda ang kita,” said Roderick. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Roderick also expanded his product line to include processed mushroom products, which include siomai, crispy mushroom, mushroom spread, and chili paste, alongside organic fertilizers. Roderick adopted an integrated farming business model that combines mushroom production with tilapia fish farming, wherein he uses discarded mushroom spent to produce duckweeds which serves as a natural alternative to fish feeds. A trailblazer in mushroom and integrated farming In recognition of his innovative practices and contributions to the local mushroom industry, LANDBANK conferred to Roderick the “Ulirang Magsasaka – Special Award for Integrated Farming” at the Bank’s Models of Excellence Recognition Initiative for Top Bank Clients (MERIT) Awards. Roderick and his wife, Sheila Capalongan, receive the special citation for integrated farming during the LANDBANK MERIT Awards in Malate, Manila. Roderick and his wife, Sheila Capalongan, receive the special citation for integrated farming during the LANDBANK MERIT Awards in Malate, Manila. The MERIT Awards celebrated the Bank’s top development partners in the delivery of essential financial and support services in local communities nationwide. Roderick’s farm has become the model mushroom farm in Nueva Vizcaya, attracting local and foreign visitors, including students, cooperatives and associations, to learn from his expertise about mushroom and integrated farming. National agencies like Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and state universities also work closely with the farm to promote sustainable farming practices and enhance agricultural education. Looking ahead, Roderick plans to build a farm school to train aspiring agri-entrepreneurs in mushroom production and elevate Nueva Vizcaya as a hub for oyster mushroom production. He likewise plans to train abroad to refine his skills and learn best global practices to help boost the local industry. “We are planning to train sa ibang bansa para mag-uwi ng advanced technology at matuto ng modern practices for mushroom production. Naniniwala ako na kaya natin magkaroon ng globally competitive mushroom industry,” said Roderick. A Journey from Campaigns to Cultivation Roderick Capalongan’s journey from the advertising world to agriculture is a testament to his adaptability to embrace change and passion to pursue his calling. With LANDBANK as his trusted partner, he continues to thrive—proving that success grows where passion and innovation meet. Through partnerships like these, LANDBANK is empowering farmers and Filipinos nationwide for a better future. About LANDBANK LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the Philippines with the largest portfolio in support of agriculture, fisheries, and rural development. Promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable national development, the Bank is present in all 82 provinces in the county and is committed to provide accessible and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from countryside to countrywide.
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Expanding financial access for small farmers: LANDBANK partners with KITA Agritech, TAO Foods to boost agri modernization
LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (2nd from right) formalizes partnerships in consecutive ceremonial signings with KITA Agritech CEO Carlos Miguel S. Concio (2nd from left, 1st photo) and TAO Foods Chairman Julio D. Sy, Jr. (2nd from the left, 2nd photo) in efforts to advance modernization of the agriculture sector in the country. Joining as witnesses are KITA Agritech Vice President Rafael Anonas (leftmost, 1st photo), TAO Foods President and CEO Atty. Laura Love P. Guevara (leftmost, 2nd photo), and LANDBANK Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has made strategic partnerships with KITA Agritech Corporation (KITA Agritech) and TAO Foods Company Inc. (TAO Foods) to amplify efforts in empowering small farmers with increased access to financial services and opportunities for modernization. Under the partnership, KITA Agritech and TAO Foods will provide necessary production, technical, and marketing assistance to partner farmers and farmer organizations, creating a robust framework that fosters innovation by incorporating each company's digital solutions. KITA Agritech will introduce the Digital Trading Post, which aims to improve inventory management and reduce operational farming costs associated with natural disasters and calamities. TAO Foods will introduce the Rice to Rise Program, which aims to supply farmers with one hundred percent (100%) locally produced hybrid rice seeds that can potentially increase their yield, thereby resulting in improved productivity and profitability. For its part, LANDBANK will extend to eligible partners endorsed by the two companies the AGRISENSO Lending Program, which provides affordable financing to small farmers, Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), and the whole agriculture value chain, aimed at bolstering nationwide food security and sufficiency. Beyond financial and technical support, these partnerships aim to empower farmers to navigate market and environmental challenges through innovative technologies and sustainable practices. This ensures their livelihoods remain productive and secure, contributing to a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector. “LANDBANK is focused on making impactful partnerships in ensuring that more farmers are empowered with the tools and resources needed for them to thrive, increase productivity, and contribute to national food security. Together, we are advancing modern agriculture while driving sustainable growth and strengthening the country’s food supply chain,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. In separate signing ceremonies, LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz formalized the partnerships with KITA Agritech CEO Carlos Miguel S. Concio and TAO Foods Chairman Julio D. Sy, Jr. on 01 October 2024 at LANDBANK Plaza in Manila. They were joined by KITA Agritech Vice President Rafael Anonas, TAO Foods President and CEO Atty. Laura Love P. Guevara, and LANDBANK Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos as witnesses. Founded in February 2022 by CEO Concio, KITA Agritech is one of the fastest-growing agritech startups in the Philippines that helps Filipino farmers become more sustainable by leveraging technology to optimize operations, reduce costs, and increase productivity. TAO Foods, on the other hand, produces hybrid rice seeds and processed meat products, and focuses on sustainable farming and modern seed technology to enhance farmers' profitability and ability to contribute to national food security. LANDBANK launched the AGRISENSO Lending Program this year and has supported 1,671 borrowers nationwide with a total of P264.9 million in approved loans as of end-August 2024. The AGRISENSO Lending Program was first introduced at the LANDBANK “Bilis Ipon: Digital Financial Inclusion Caravan,” which aims to bring banking and financing services closer to farmers in far-flung and underserved communities. The Bank has successfully conducted the Caravans in 17 areas this year, with the latest in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on 31 July 2024. 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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