WELCOME to Cooperative Bank of Benguet Website. We are pleased to offer personalized cooperative banking and microfinance services to people with small means aiming for asset building.

NEWS AND UPDATES

Cooperative Bank of Benguet introduces its Automated Tellering Machine (ATM) Card Savings Account

To keep abreast with the evolving needs of the Bank’s clients, Cooperative Bank of Benguet introduces its ATM Card Savings Account. The Bank’s ATM Card Savings Account is a non-interesting Savings Account wherein a monthly statement of Account shall be given to the client instead of issuing a passbook.

The good thing of using an ATM is the fact that you can travel anywhere without handling cash thus you can access to your money instantly. Clients can avail also with Fast Cash transactions, Fund Transfer, Checkbook Request, Bills payment and so other services of the Bank’s ATM facility.

The Bank invites then everyone to open their ATM Card Savings Account to avail of the said  facility.

IT’S A MERRY CHRISTMAS FOR CBB

“We wish you a Merry Christmas..” a beautiful phrase sung and heard from every children during the special holiday of December and which the Cooperative Bank of Benguet tried to spread through their love and cheer of a Happy and Merry Christmas during its Christmas holiday held on December 22, 2012 at one of its innovative financing project, the Farmers’ Center.

The Bank did not miss to evoke the real meaning of the season by giving of gifts to its staff and visitors. Games and special numbers were presented by some of the Board of Directors and staff of the Bank.

It was through giving, caring for one another and remembering that there is Someone above who planted Love in our hearts for us to feel the spirit of Christmas. Meanwhile, the Bank is looking forward for more activities for the welfare of its members and the community this year 2013.

Cooperative Bank of Benguet wishes everyone another year of blessings, warmth, peace and joy! Have a prosperous New Year.

CBB actively celebrates with the Province on its 112^th Foundation Anniversary

Adivay, an Ibaloi term which means coming together, had once again became the bond of the people in Benguet which the Cooperative Bank of Benguet posted its support in attaining its goal through its theme “Accelerating Response to Social Challenges.”

The long awaited 112^th Benguet Foundation Day or simply called Adivay started on November 9, 2012. Activities such as Best Kinuday and Kiniing Making Contest, the search for Mr. and Ms Benguet 2012, photo exhibit, skills competition on automotive servicing, commercial cooking and bar tending. An agro-industrial trade fair focusing on native products of all the municipalities also takes place during the foundation. Other activities highlighting the Adivay includes the Awit para sa Kalikasan or environmental-cultural song competition; acrobatic and magic shows, Dongba ni kabadjo or horse racing, and silent drill of Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

One of the traditional activities which highlight the celebration was the civic parade attended by private and public institutions in the Province including Cooperative Bank of Benguet (CBB) which commence at the Capitol Ground going to Stockfarm Wangal Sports Complex on November 23, 2012.

Meanwhile, there are a lot more significant activities and events showcased in the Adivay showing the province’s hospitality, rich culture and tradition, as well as its different indigenous crafts and products.

CBBCFI, a training provider created by the Leaders of Cooperative Bank of Benguet, cooperatively celebrates with the International Conference of Cooperative Enterprises

The Community-Based Business Cooperation Foundation, Inc. (CBBCFI), a training provider created by the Leaders of Cooperative Bank of Benguet (CBB) and was accredited by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) enthusiastically joins the International Conference on Cooperative Enterprises with its theme “Key to Sustainable Economic and Social Progress” held at Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) University of the Philippines Los Banos College, Laguna on November 8-10,2012.

More than 200 participants from different Cooperatives and respective enterprises in the country and from Czech Republic, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar came to celebrate the International Conference on Co-operative Enterprise.

With its theme “Co-operative Enterprises: Key to Sustainable Economic and Social Progress,” the conference had featured keynote speeches, scientific papers and testimonials on the different breakthroughs and momentous experiences in the promotion of cooperatives and development. Papers in different focal areas such as: 1) Cooperative Education 2) Cooperative Enterprise Development 3) Cooperative Finance 4) ICT/Database Management for Cooperatives 5) Women and Youth in Cooperatives and 6) the Role of Cooperatives in Environmental Sustainability were presented wherein your Bank, Cooperative Bank of Benguet had proudly presented its Marketing For Trust which were successfully shared by the General Manager & CEO Gerry T. Lab-oyan and the concurrent Executive Director of the Foundation.

This paper entitled “A Case of Marketing Small-Balance Deposits” highly motivates then other cooperative financial institutions explore the new market of small savers to generate significant volume of stable savings that can fund development initiatives of cooperatives that benefits not only their members but the community as well. (Please visit the website of ICOPED: www.phil.coop.netconference/session to view all the papers presented.)

Meanwhile, the said Conference were filled with the different enriching thoughts and inspiring messages to ponder from prominent leaders in the cooperative enterprises like the honorable formerly Senator Miguel “Migz” Zubiri who called Cooperative Center Chair Emeritus Agapito “Butz” Aquino as the Father of Cooperatives.As an alumnus of UPLB, the Honorable Zubiri cheered the participants in his speech, as he believes that if there are stronger and bigger cooperatives, it is highly believed that the country will prosper.

Cooperative Bank of Benguet’s 20 years in banking services to the Province and adjacent municipalities in Benguet and Baguio City.

For twenty (20) triumphant and blissful years, COOPERATIVE BANK OF BENGUET (CBB) is still on its vigorous service to the Province and adjacent municipalities in Benguet and Baguio City.

Reminiscing its twenty years in the banking service, CBB were successfully registered as a financial institution under the Philippine laws, regulated and supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas( formerly Central Bank of the Philippines) and the Cooperative Development Authority, offering cooperative and rural banking, and micro finance services.

From its humble beginnings, it was in 1990 that the idea of owning a cooperative bank have fired the interests of the cooperative leaders in Baguio and Benguet after attending an LBP-sponsored seminar on “Development and Management of Cooperatives” facilitated by LBP Field Office Manager, Leon Cabradilla. A special committee was created to plan and organize a congress among cooperatives operating in Baguio-Benguet to   decide organization of a cooperative bank and a federation. It was formally opened in early 1992 by about 24 cooperative societies (at present there less than 200 cooperative owners) and was then registered with the Cooperative Development Authority as a special Cooperative on June 8, 1992 and with the Central Bank of the Philippines, now Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, as a rural bank financial institution on May 15, of the same year.

CoopBank does then enthusiastically celebrates in spirit its 20 years in the banking business where it humbly started on October 1, 1992. Meanwhile, it was after four (4) years of operation, the CoopBank obtained an approval with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to open two (2) branch offices in 1997 and in year 2008, opened its third branch at Rosario, La Union.

Furthermore, the Farmers Commodities and SME Center wishes the Bank more blissful years in the banking service.

CBB celebrates with the First Cordillera Coffee FIESTA in the Region

As one of the Cooperative Bank of Benguet’s initiative to support the coffee industry, the CBB’s General Manager/CEO Gerry T. Lab-oyan stated that the Bank is available for any financial assistance to those entrepreneurs or individuals willing in promoting the coffee industry. This was during the Kapehan sa Kapihan as part of the First Cordillera Coffee FIESTA in the Region held at the Benguet State University Gymnasium on July 5, 2012.

The General Manager shared about a plan of establishing a school where an Arabica Coffee-Based Natural Farming System will be introduced. He also shared that the Bank is willing to make a financing scheme promoting the coffee industry. With these, young farmers are then invited to be trained to grow coffee and market it to the trading industry and when it comes to marketing, Farmers Commodities and SME Center (Farmers Center) is available, an innovative financing project of the Cooperative Bank of Benguet.

Meanwhile, the CBB celebrates with the First Cordillera Coffee Fiesta with its theme “Bringing Cordillera Coffee to Greater Heights” by participating as one of the financial institution of coffee together with Land Bank of the Philippines-La Trinidad Branch in the display exhibit from July 5 to July 6, 2012 at the BSU Open Court. The Coffee FIESTA formally opened with the beating of gongs and most especially with the aroma of roasting coffee upon the entrance of the event.

Basic Coop Course Training and Cooperative Management and Governance Training

The Community-Based Business Cooperation Foundation, Inc. (CBBCFI), a training provider created by the Leaders of Cooperative Bank of Benguet (CBB) and was accredited by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), successfully conducted Basic Cooperative Course Training on June 28-29, 2012 and Cooperative Management and Governance on June 30-July 1, 2012 which were both held at 4F CBB Bldg., JC 225 Central Pico, La Trinidad, Benguet.

Participants from different primary cooperatives in La Trinidad enthusiastically participated in the two-day Basic Coop Course training. Topics discussed were the Fundamentals of Cooperative Thought and Practices and the 3Ps of Cooperatives. They were also enlightened by the important legal and regulatory underpinnings of cooperatives.

Moreover, said participants of the said training were as well reminded of their roles and responsibilities through the two-day Cooperative Management and Governance Training.

Meanwhile, the Foundation will again conduct another schedule of Basic Cooperative Course Training on July 21, 2012 and July 28, 2012 at the 4F of CBB Building,  JC 225, Central Pico, La Trinidad, Benguet. A registration fee of Ph1,000.00 only will be collected on the two-day training. The secretariat requests for your confirmation to be only until July 18, 2012 at tel. nos. (074)422-1849 or 422-1268 or call or text Ms. Jenny Tabdi/Ms. Rose Budas on 0909-7938-318 / 0919-8965-803 0920-9218-078.

CoopBank of Benguet celebrated its 20^th Annual Regular Shareholder’s General Assembly

With its theme “Innovative Partnerships, More Diversified Services”, the Cooperative Bank of Benguet successfully celebrated its 20^th Annual Regular Shareholder’s General Assembly held at Ben Palispis Hall, Km 6, La Trinidad, Benguet on March 31, 2012.

Shareholders of different cooperatives came to show their comradeship in the said Assembly. They were enlightened with the messages from respected speakers in the province.

Meanwhile, election and Induction of newly-elected Board of Directors and Election Committee Member were also done in the said Assembly where every delegate from different cooperative shows their support.

See gallery for more photos.

Investment Forum and Training on Basic Cooperative Course

The Cooperative Bank of Benguet (CBB) and CBB Cooperation Foundation, Inc. (CBBCFI) conducted an Investment Forum on March 6, 2012  held at Benguet State University Northern Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center (BSU-NPRCRTC), Km6, La Trinidad, Benguet.

All unregistered cooperatives in the municipalities of La Trinidad, Atok, Tublay, Kibungan, Kapangan, Sablan, Bokod, Kabayan, Tuba, Itogon and Baguio City were enlightened in the forum. Discussions of each cooperative’s membership status and its remedial measures were discussed and other related issues.

Every cooperatives were also invited in the Training on Basic Cooperative Course held on March 7, 2012 which was held at the same venue.

Meanwhile, participants from different cooperatives in the municipalities of Bakun, Buguias and Mankayan were enlightened during the Investment Forum and Training on Basic Cooperative Course held at CBB Building Buguias Branch, Upper Abatan, Buguias, Benguet on March 1-2, 2012.

Refresher Course cum Trainer’s Training on Basic Cooperative Course

The Community-Based Business Cooperation Foundation Inc. (CBBCFI), a Cooperative Training Provider boost up participants from Cooperative Bank of Benguet and other cooperative leaders within La Trinidad area through the Refresher Course cum Trainer’s Training on Basic Cooperative Course held on January23-24, 2012 at the Benguet General Hospital Conference Hall, La Trinidad, Benguet.

Participants were Board of Directors, Managers and Staff of the Cooperative Bank of Benguet as well as General Managers and some cooperative leaders within La Trinidad, Benguet who can be possible trainers as an experienced cooperative leader.

Participants were refreshed on the Fundamentals of Cooperative thought and practice, the Legal Underpinnings of Cooperatives. They were also shared on the Plans, Programs and Policies of the Cooperatives as well they were enhanced on how to deliver effectively basic course to cooperative members with varied backgrounds.

Meanwhile, to accommodate the non-banking services, the Leaders of the Cooperative Bank of Benguet enthusiastically approved the creation of the Foundation on December 1998 and were duly registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 1999.

Cooperative Bank of Benguet celebrates Christmas

“Let us not forget the One who planted LOVE in our hearts for us to be filled with the spirit of Christmas that we are celebrating today, ”a very inspiring line from the Cooperative Bank of Benguet General Manager Gerry T. Lab-oyan.

This was joyfully evoked during the 20^th Christmas Party of the Cooperative Bank of Benguet held on December 17, 2011 at Benguet State University Natures Park, Ampasit, Longlong, La Trinidad, Benguet.

The Coopbanks’ Board of Directors did not miss to give their inspiring thoughts to the families and friends that were present in that occasion.

Everybody enjoys every games and activity prepared.

The CBB family would like then to extend its heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their continuous love, support and understanding.

We wish you a HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!!

Innovative Financing Project: The Farmers’ Commodities and SME Center

One of the Cooperative Bank of Benguet innovative financing project  is the Farmers’ Commodities and SME Center facility (or Farmers’ Center for short) located at Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet. It was formally opened for business on November 28, 2011. A simple program was prepared by the officers for the launching activity of the Center.

The Farmers’ Center was established through the collaborative efforts of six (6) cooperatives and the Benguet Organic Coffee Arabica Enterprises Limited, Inc. (BOCAEL). The six (6) collaborating cooperatives are Bad-ayan Buguias Development Multi-purpose Cooperative; Benguet Operators and Drivers MPC (formerly BODA MPC); La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post MPC; Progressive Citizens MPC; Tomay Credit Cooperative; and, Kibungan Employees MPC.

To professionally manage the day-to-day operations of the facility, the Collaborative Group organized the Farmers’ Commodities and SME Center, Inc. It was registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission  as non-profit organization. This is the first of its kind business model in the Province of Benguet. A facility majority owned and controlled by cooperatives but professionally manage by a subsidiary entity.

2011 Regional Cooperative Month Celebration

 Empowered by the theme, "Empowering Enterprising Cooperatives towards Global Competitiveness," the 6th Regional Cooperative Month Celebration hosted by the Province of Benguet was successfully commemorated on October 26 and 27, 2011 at Benguet State University Closed Gym.

Major Initiatives of CoopBank of Benguet

* Initiative to support Arabica Coffee Industry

* Initiative to support Highland Agriculture Development and Diversification

* Initiative to support Rediscovering Culture thru Ethnic Food Improvement

* Initiative to support Organic Agriculture Development