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.
