From roadside vendor to community builder: How ‘CJ’s Bukohauz’ grew beyond a simple buko stand, backed by LANDBANK

ESPERANZA, Sultan Kudarat – What started as a small roadside stall selling buko juice has grown into a thriving community enterprise in Sultan Kudarat—one that now creates jobs, supports families, and brings people together.

At the heart of this story is Jose Fernand Latog, a retired police officer who turned personal loss into a lasting source of hope for others.

When his father passed away in 2005, Fernand inherited a modest coconut farm in Barangay Dukay. Driven by a strong desire to succeed despite limited resources, he began selling fresh buko juice along the highway, serving mostly tricycle drivers and passersby.

“Buko juice lang ang puhunan ko noon. Sa gilid lang ng kalsada, naghahanap ng paraan para kumita,” he recalled.

But what set Fernand apart was his willingness to listen and adapt. When customers joked that drinks should come with something to eat, he took it to heart. What followed was a steady journey of experimentation and hard work, gradually expanding his offerings into a full menu of coconut-based products—from shakes and halo-halo to bibingka and pies—all sourced from his own farm.

Modernization and growth with LANDBANK

A turning point came in 2018, when he secured financing support from LANDBANK. Through a ₱1‑million loan, he was able to modernize operations, improve production, and take his small business to the next level.

“Dati natatakot ako kung kaya ko bang bayaran yung loan ko. Pero dahil sa improvement na dinala ng LANDBANK, di ko namalayan nabayaran ko na pala. Kaya malaki ang utang na loob ko kay LANDBANK,” Fernand said.

With renewed confidence, Fernand took another bold step and established CJ’s Aquafarm, a hatchery for tilapia and catfish. It soon became a local attraction, offering visitors a unique farm-to-table experience where they can catch their own fish and have it cooked on the spot.

When he retired from the police force in 2020, Fernand devoted himself fully to the business, working side-by-side with his wife and children. What began as a modest family venture has since grown into a source of income and opportunity for others in their community.

“Kahit mga customer ko, nakikita ang laki ng improvement ng business namin. Lagi nilang nakukumpara sa kung paano kami nagsimula. Ang lagi ko lang sagot sa kanila, dahil yan kay LANDBANK,” Fernand shared in gratitude.

Today, CJ’s Bukohauz continues to create opportunities for local residents, extending beyond regular employment to provide healthcare coverage and educational assistance for their families.

Strengthening local economies

Fernand’s journey has also earned national recognition. In 2025, he was honored with the Outstanding Agribased Enterprise (MSME Category) award at LANDBANK’s Gawad Tanging Yaman at Galing (TANYAG), a testament to his perseverance, innovation, and impact.

Beyond success, his story reflects a deeper purpose—how a simple idea, backed by determination and the right support, can uplift not just a family, but an entire community.

Through financing programs tailored for farmers, fishers, and small enterprises, such as the Agrisenso Plus and the LANDBANK Innovative Financing Thrust Towards Inclusive National Growth through MSMEs (LIFTING MSMEs) Lending Program, LANDBANK continues to open doors for stories like Fernand’s—turning humble beginnings into sustainable livelihoods, and helping ensure that progress reaches even the most local communities.