On its 35th year, FICOBank commemorated its humble, but noble, beginnings, dating back as far as the mid-1970s, with splendid celebrations held on September 10, 2011 at its Head Office and Corporate Center in Cauayan City, Isabela. The theme “Making a Big Difference” reverberated FICOBank’s corporate identity of being owned by many and servicing the majority, as well as its mission of bringing about the economic ascendancy of the people in the countryside. It, likewise, affirmed its commitment to remain as a bank that really makes a big difference—an oasis for people to turn to in times of tight financial need.

Unlike the previous anniversary celebrations, this year’s commemoration of the founding day of FICOBank was indeed remarkably special, as it was represented by historic events. At eight o’clock in the morning, the blessing and dedication rites of the new FICOBank Head Office building was held. Rev. Nerissa S. Palafox of the United Methodist Church in Cauayan City, Isabela, took charge of the ceremonial activity. The occasion was honored by the presence of the directors, officers and some staff of the Bank, including invited guests, who are government officials, business/community leaders, former directors and agricultural cooperative development officers, and valued customers.

With its aesthetically-designed structure and comfy banking lobby, the Bank’s Head Office has now a competitive edge in offering its customers a refreshing banking experience. It is also well-positioned to continuously support its customers’ banking needs with more convenience.

The first, second and third floors of the Bank’s Corporate Center were filled with members, supporters and friends of the FICOBank family to witness the 35th Founding Anniversary program. A soulful doxology rendition by the Kalibnusan Chorale at 10:00 a.m. signaled the formal opening of the second phase of the said momentous events. It was immediately followed by the singing of the Philippine national anthem and the FICOBank theme song. The Chairman of the Board, Mr. Flordelino A. Almazan, lightened up the air with his simple, yet wit-filled, opening remarks. He aptly gave credit and recognition to the Bank’s pioneers and prime movers, as well as those who have been part of the Bank since its inception, for their respective contributions in making FICOBank a prominent and premier cooperative bank in the country for years now. He also called for the utmost unity and cooperation among its now, new and next crop of FICOBankers, so as to achieve greater heights in its banking endeavors.

Five FICOBankers—Mr. Oscar M. Maninantan, Ms. Loida C. Dela Cruz, Mr. Romel B. Ramos, Mr. Leonardo R. Vergara and Mr. Rolando M. Ibay—received  Loyalty Awards for their 10 years of dedicated and meritorious service to the Bank. The President & CEO, Mr. Herminio G. Ocampo, along with the Executive Vice President & COO, Ms. Soledad S. Cabantac, and the Chairman of the Board conferred each awardee a 12-karat gold brooch, depicting the Bank’s iconic logo.

After witnessing an impressive entertainment number from the event’s performers, President Ocampo took the opportunity to deliver his anniversary message. He gave emphasis on the essence of this particular occasion. He also extended his profound gratitude for the tremendous efforts that every FICOBanker, whether as a director or employee, has contributed for the continuing success of the Bank, despite the harsh conditions brought about by various forces and events affecting the economy, in general, and the banking industry, in particular.

The recognition of the Best Performing Branches in 2010 took place afterward, with FICOBank Alicia taking the highest plum—a feat that beat its previous year’s place in the list of topnotch performers. FICOBank Roxas (Isabela) and FICOBank Aparri (Cagayan) clinched the second and third places, respectively. The BMs of these branches in CY 2010 were correspondingly adjudged as the Top Performing Branch Managers.

Regarded as the most-anticipated moment and the highlight of the 35th Founding Anniversary was the official unveiling of the Bank’s first-ever Coffee Table Book, titled Celebrating a Vital Past, Creating a Vibrant Future: Bank. People. Service. This commemorative picture-story book aimed to chronicle the humble beginnings and the forward-looking path of FICOBank, which were interwoven in textual and visual tapestry of significant events and development highpoints within a space-time continuum. Stuck in every picture were the unforgettable moments of the Bank’s significant activities and events, as well as the men and women who devoted the prime years of their lives in bringing fruition to what FICOBank is today—a leader in the Philippine cooperative banking industry.

In his closing remarks during this celebrated annual affair, the Vice Chairman of the Board, Mr. Florentino T. Somera, Jr., presented a memorabilia—a newspaper dated December 12, 1979—announcing the inauguration on January 2, 1980 of the 1000th rural bank of the country, which is widely known today as FICOBank.

The week-long founding anniversary celebrations wound up with a very significant milestone, marking an important point of the Bank’s development and growth. FICOBank reached its Php2-billion level of resources—a phenomenal achievement in only three years after hitting the first-billion-peso mark in 2008. The entire FICOBank family is proud of the fact that the Bank has truly become a valuable community asset that it opted to be. The support of the community folks has been overwhelming.

Throughout these 35 remarkable years, the members of the FICOBank family have never strayed from the institutional beliefs and core values passed on by their founders. And they will always remain adherents to the Bank’s key corporate-brand promise of staying in the business of banking for good.