No more mortuary notices: TAMPCO to automatically suspend members with over ₱6,000 unpaid obligations starting July 1

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Members of the Tabuk Multipurpose Cooperative (TAMPCO) will no longer receive mortuary notices, while those with more than ₱6,000 in unpaid mortuary obligations will have their Mortuary Aid Program (MAP) accounts automatically suspended under the cooperative's new policies that took effect on July 1, 2026.

The updated guidelines were approved during the 2026 General Assembly and were announced through an official advisory posted on the cooperative's Facebook page.

Under the new policy, TAMPCO will no longer distribute mortuary notices, making it the responsibility of members to regularly monitor their accounts and update their Mortuary Aid Program passbooks.

Members who accumulate more than ₱6,000 in unpaid mortuary obligations will automatically have their accounts suspended until they settle their obligations.

"Pinapayuhan ang lahat ng miyembro na regular na i-monitor at bayaran ang kanilang mortuary obligations upang maiwasan ang pagka-suspend ng kanilang account," the advisory stated.

The advisory also introduced other major changes to the Mortuary Aid Program.

Beginning May 1, 2026, new applicants must be 65 years old or below to qualify for membership. They will also be covered by an eight-year pro-rated benefit system, meaning the amount of mortuary assistance they or their beneficiaries may receive will depend on the length of their membership. Members who complete the full eight-year period will qualify for the full benefit, while those who have not completed the required period will receive only a proportional amount.

Meanwhile, existing mortuary members were reminded to complete the required share capital before the 2027 General Assembly. Members aged 0 to 64 must complete a ₱25,000 share capital requirement, while those aged 65 and above are required to complete ₱40,000.

Founded in 1971, TAMPCO has grown into one of the largest and most successful cooperatives in Northern Luzon, with billions of pesos in assets and thousands of members across Kalinga and neighboring provinces. The cooperative provides a wide range of financial and social protection services, including savings, loans, insurance, and its Mortuary Aid Program, which helps members and their families cope with funeral and burial expenses during bereavement.

TAMPCO emphasized that members are responsible for regularly checking and settling their mortuary obligations to avoid suspension and ensure uninterrupted access to the benefits of the Mortuary Aid Program.

The cooperative also encouraged members to familiarize themselves with the updated policies to remain in good standing.

Following the announcement, the advisory drew mixed reactions online.

While many members supported the stricter policies as a way to strengthen the sustainability of the Mortuary Aid Program, others questioned the provision on automatic suspension.

One netizen argued that members whose accounts are suspended should also be refunded for their previous contributions.

"Agree nak dta ngem nu dyta automatic suspension nu haan makabayad kt madi dyta ah. Mabalin nga i-suspend yu ni member basta isubli yu dagijay inbaybayad na idi ta sayang met. Karu dagijay direct yu nga inkaltas nga dibidindo ken GA cash incentives da. Alangan nga mapukaw latta dayta?" wrote Clark Jeric Baddongon Adora.

Another netizen commented that as TAMPCO continues to expand, members are also carrying heavier financial obligations compared with those in other cooperatives.

"Ayow habang dumadami ang members mas lalo dumagsen obligations mo. Compare ko lang a ti daduma nga coop nga saan met nga kastoy. As in metten nagdakkel mabaybayadan ti mortuary. Imbes nga isupay koma maikabil ti fix, saanen ta ginoyod ti mortuary en," commented Mel Jee.