“ICMIF has played a crucial role in helping us form strong relationships with external organisations, while also introducing innovative ideas and opportunities focused on enhancing and upskilling our workforce,” writes Noel Raboy, President and CEO of ICMIF member CLIMBS (Philippines), in this guest blog for ICMIF. “As we continue to grow and evolve in our partnership with ICMIF, we look forward to deepening these relationships and creating lasting change in our communities,” Raboy adds.

A leading insurance company in the Philippines

CLIMBS is a cooperative insurer based in the Philippines. Our mission and vision are deeply rooted in the wellbeing of its member-owners and fellow cooperators. Guided by the universal values of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), we prioritise the needs of our community and strive to create a positive impact in every aspect of our operations.

From the early initiatives of Mr Mordino Cua and Mr Aquilino Pimentel Sr., CLIMBS started as a mutual benefit association and has since developed to become one of the leading insurance companies in the Philippines. This journey is a testament to our combined efforts to tailor products and services to the unique needs of each individual seeking insurance solutions.

We aim to inspire, empower, and cultivate a positive influence in people’s lives at the grassroots level.

ICMIF’s role in our growth and development as we move to a global stage

ICMIF has, and continues to be, instrumental in facilitating successful collaborations and partnerships for CLIMBS with other ICMIF members.

Since being an ICMIF member, CLIMBS has participated in many of ICMIF’s learning and development opportunities, virtual networks and in-person events which have proven critical in strengthening the company’s operations, streamlining staff, and enhancing employee productivity.

For CLIMBS, ICMIF’s services are an invaluable resource for capacity-building, knowledge and information dissemination, and employee capability enhancement.

To share a few examples:

• Each year, CLIMBS sends middle-managers and top performing employees to the Advanced Management Course (AMC). These activities and workshops equip CLIMBS’ employees with new and valuable knowledge and help to maximise their capabilities within CLIMBS on their return.
• CLIMBS has an on-going two-year cooperative agreement with fellow ICMIF member Belgian Raiffeisen Foundation (Belgium), initiated by the ICMIF Foundation, to support the construction of a pilot data warehousing system. Most recently in June 2024, BRS IT experts spent three days in Cagayan de Oro, providing CLIMBS with on-site technical assistance. The goal of this collaboration is to enable the digital transformation of CLIMBS by leveraging BRS’ expertise in data quality management and data-driven decision-making. This partnership is one of the key testimonies of how ICMIF has supported CLIMBS’ strategic development and growth.
• CLIMBS developed its Weather Protect Insurance (WPI) in collaboration with follow ICMIF member, IBISA (Luxembourg) – another connection facilitated by ICMIF. This is an agricultural insurance partnership that cultivates inclusive and sustainable protection by ensuring that payouts are given based on the different trigger parameters posed by CLIMBS and IBISA to help mitigate the effects of climate-related disasters in the Philippine agri-sector.

The value from engaging in ICMIF’s global network

Through ICMIF’s networks and events, CLIMBS has undoubtedly broadened its reach in terms of connecting with highly skilled professionals from other mutuals and cooperatives across the word that are able to help guide, shape, and develop the company’s direction.

The virtual networks and in-person events that we participate in, such as the ICMIF Biennial Conference, the Young Leaders Programme, and the AMC, have been vital in helping the organisation to step out of its comfort zone and explore new horizons.

In addition, staff members that participate have formative experiences and newfound learnings. There is a marked effect on their leadership capacities on their return which, in turn, cascades down to every member of their team.

Moving forward with ICMIF

In our growing and evolving partnership with ICMIF, we look forward to strengthening connections with other members and creating a lasting change in our communities.

In line with our cooperative values, we look to make a positive impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) wherever possible. Our main contribution is focused on SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goal which calls for forming exponential relationships and collaborations with prestigious organisations in order to expand its impact. ICMIF plays a crucial role in facilitating collaboration among cooperative members, fostering an environment where mutual growth and shared learning are significantly enhanced.

Looking at what possibilities the future holds, CLIMBS deeply values the networking opportunities and value-led, community-driven approach that ICMIF provides its members. It has helped CLIMBS set the direction for the organisation as a climate insurer and its research and networking opportunities also help us stay informed about industry trends, challenges, and opportunities.

CLIMBS places significant value on its ICMIF membership and is grateful for the opportunity to sustain collaborations with cooperative and mutual insurers from across the globe that have been established during our time as an ICMIF member.

Photo shows: Collaboration between CLIMBS and ICMIF member Belgium Raiffeisen Foundation (BRS)