The name Cantilan might not ring a bell for some, but this town on the fringe of Surigao del Sur boasts of impressive postcard-worthy backdrop of unspoiled beaches and structures dating back to Spanish times. Aside from these, Cantilan is also home to one particular rural bank, which continues to heed the growing demands of the local community and other surrounding environs.
Named after the town where it was established, Cantilan Bank, Inc. first opened on the 8th of June 1980 in Barangay Magsilom. Since then, the bank has slowly yet steadily increased its number of branches. At the latest, Cantilan has 14 branches and 22 field offices in scenic coastal towns of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur, San Franciso in Agusan del Sur, Tagum City and many more in Northern Mindanao; the most recent opened on March 28, 2011. Currently, several Cantilan branches are undergoing security and aesthetic enhancements in compliance with official requirements and, to suit the changing tastes of their niche clients.
Cantilan Bank, Inc. has many wide-ranging services that clients, depositors and borrowers can avail. Deposit, savings, remittance services, etc. are of course included, with other inventive micro loan products like Kita Loan (Individual loan) Makita Loan (Group Loan), BEL Micro (Business Enterprise Loan) Housing Microenterprise for Entrepreneurs (HOME), Pag – uma Loan, Pang Eskewela Loan (PEL) and PhoneKit Financing. One of the most eye-catching is the SSC, otherwise known as the Student Savers Club. Those who open an account are provided with giveaways like dolls, lunch boxes and other colourful items that kids will surely treasure.
With the services “tailor fit” to suit the needs of locals, farmers, entrepreneurs and students, it is then not surprising to hear one satisfied customer’s upbeat comment after attending a session on mobile banking: “Iba talaga ang Cantilan.”
Well, iba talaga ang rural bank. Friendly, personalized, innovative.
That’s rural banking for you.
