CEBU CITY – The Land Bank of Philippines (LANDBANK) joined the Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LMPC) in celebrating its 50th anniversary on 12 March 2023, marking a solid partnership anchored on the mutual pursuit of inclusive and sustainable development in the countryside.
LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia Cayosa Borromeo delivered the keynote address during the milestone event and highlighted the essence of collective action in making a positive change. She lauded LMPC’s meaningful undertakings that have shaped lives and transformed communities over the co-op’s five decades in service.
“The story of Lamac MPC is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, to the power of we, and the force that drives a meaningful purpose — creating a ripple of positive change,” said President Borromeo.
President Borromeo also challenged the LMPC board of directors, officers and members with three propositions as they cast their vision for the next 50 years and beyond: to ride the wave of digitalization; to make the most of collaborations; and to solidify their core values.
LANDBANK has been a development partner of LMPC since 1992, when the Bank initially extended a P1-million loan to finance the co-op’s relending activities. The Bank has also been providing technical support to LMPC over the years through the conduct of operational review and capacity-building initiatives via the LANDBANK Countryside Development Foundation, Inc. (LCDFI).
At present, LANDBANK has approved loans amounting to P1.4 billion in support of LMPC’s various agricultural and other development initiatives. These include the Milk Feeding Program, the Coco Hub Project, Cacao production, the Agri-Manufacturing Village, on-lending to members, and the construction of the co-op’s head office building.
President Borromeo also lauded the success of LMPC as best demonstrated in the dramatic growth of Barangay Lamac in the town of Pinamungajan in Cebu. From a once secluded and isolated barangay with no roads, electricity, transportation, and potable water, the co-op has helped to transform it into a flourishing community with a vibrant local economy.
Through the years, the Cebu-based co-op has successfully diversified its programs and services to include backyard poultry production, cacao farming, dairy processing, water refilling, agri-tourism, garments and print, catering, gasoline station, distributorship, and housing, among others.
As an accredited Agent Banking Partner of LANDBANK, LMPC is also contributing to advance financial inclusion by providing basic banking services in remote and underserved areas.
The LMPC continues to expand with a total of 56 branches in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Leyte. It has now close to 133,000 regular members and 20,089 youth members composed of small farmers and fishers, Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), entrepreneurs, teachers, OFWs, drivers, and vendors.
From 1994 to 2018, LMPC has received several awards and citations from LANDBANK in recognition of its outstanding accomplishments. These include the Gawad PITAK (Pinakatatanging Kooperatiba) Hall of Fame and Platinum Award, Key Cooperative Award, Ginintuang Gawad PITAK Award, and the Gawad PILAK (Pagkilala sa mga Institusyon at Indibidwal na Lumingap sa mga Adhikain para sa Kaunlaran) Award.
