KIDAPAWAN CITY, PHILIPPINES – April 27, 2026 – The Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) and the Cooperative Bank of Cotabato (CBC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today at the Land Bank North Cotabato Lending Center. The agreement formalizes CBC’s selection as the pilot financial institution for the rollout of the ABANX core banking system in Mindanao.
A Strategic Alliance for Digital Inclusion
A Strategic Alliance for Digital Inclusion
This landmark signing directly implements the master agreement between ADFIAP and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK). Under the ADFIAPNET project, both institutions have partnered to modernize the digital infrastructure of rural and cooperative banks. By integrating the cloud-based ABANX platform, the initiative aims to enhance the operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and financial inclusion of local banks.
The ceremony was attended by key leaders of Land Bank and the Cooperative Bank of Cotabato, highlighting the localized focus of this national advocacy.
Key Remarks from Leadership
Enrique Florencio, Secretary General of ADFIAP, delivered the Opening Remarks, expressing gratitude to LANDBANK and CBC for spearheading this initiative. He recognized the collaboration as a vital step toward ADFIAP’s mission to foster sustainable development through technological innovation.
Ms. Edelle G. Hernandez, President of CBC, delivered a speech thanking ADFIAP for considering CBC as the pilot client to showcase the ABANX system in Mindanao. She noted:
“Being selected as the pilot site for Mindanao is a testament to our commitment to growth. This partnership enables us to modernize our services and better serve our members with state-of-the-art digital tools.”
Don Vindya Solangaarachchi, Chief Information Officer of DFCC Bank and Executive Director at Synapsys Ltd., expressed a firm commitment to supporting the growth of rural banks. He highlighted the importance of this partnership within the ADFIAPNET project, which provides a future-proof foundation for local financial institutions.
Atty. Christian Harvey N. Wong, Head of the Land Bank North Cotabato Lending Center, delivered the closing remarks. He emphasized the long-standing partnership between ADFIAP and LANDBANK, noting that their shared advocacy for digitalization is essential to achieving meaningful financial inclusion in the countryside.
Attendance and Representation
The event featured a high-level delegation of officers and technical experts:
- From ADFIAP: Enrique Florencio (Secretary General), John Alianza (Head of Business Development and Partnerships), and George Aquino (Finance and Compliance Officer).
- From DFCC Bank / Synapsys Ltd.: Don Vindya Solangaarachchi and Nuwan Nanayakkara (Head of Technology and Market Alignment).
- From Cooperative Bank of Cotabato: Mr. Ruben J. Señerez (Chairman), Ms. Edelle G. Hernandez (President), and key IT and operational staff.
- From the Land Bank of the Philippines: Atty. Christian Harvey N. Wong and the officers and staff of the North Cotabato Lending Center.
About the Organizations
About ADFIAP:
The Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific is the regional gateway for development banks, dedicated to advancing sustainable development through finance innovation and institutional capacity building.
About Cooperative Bank of Cotabato (CBC):
Headquartered in Kidapawan City, CBC is a leading cooperative bank in Mindanao, providing vital financial services and agricultural credit to facilitate the economic empowerment of its member-clients.
About LANDBANK:
The Land Bank of the Philippines is a government financial institution with a social mandate of promoting countryside development and financial inclusion by supporting cooperatives and rural financial institutions.