The Aparri branch of FICOBank was formally opened to the banking public last October 15, 2009. It is the 24th office of the growing FICOBank family, the 2nd branch in the province of Cagayan. The branch is located along Rizal Street, the town’s bank row.

During the opening program, Sangguniang Bayan member Shalimar D. Tumaru and FICOBank Executive Vice President & COO Soledad S. Cabantac, performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The blessing and dedication of the edifice followed through Fr. Albert Barut, parish priest of Aparri. Inaugural messages were delivered by FICOBank President & CEO Herminio G. Ocampo and SB S. D. Tumaru, in lieu of her spouse, Aparri Mayor Ismael V. Tumaru. The response was given by Mr. Flordelino A. Almazan, FICOBank’s Chairman of the Board.

At present, Aparri is considered as one of the financial hubs of Northern Luzon. Its relentless efforts in excellence in local governance was duly recognized in 2001 when it was bestowed the Hall of Fame Award for being the grand slam winner in the search for the Most Outstanding Municipality in the entire country. Its local government envisions the town as the gateway of trade, commerce, agri-business and eco-tourism in the region. This ambitious but viable undertaking is possible with the devolution of the Philippine Ports Authority, thus opening opportunities for economic progress and development.

The well-known mapping phrase “from Aparri to Jolo” used by a giant TV network has made the town a by-word in homes around the country. In the same manner, the said phrase is being used by FICOBank to highlight its expansion plans where it envisions to cover the entire length of the archipelago from up north in Aparri down south to Jolo in the years to come

The new branch is headed by Ms. Benilda Labauza, formerly the manager of the Ilagan Extension Office of FICOBank. She is ably supported by a staff of five.