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AGAR-AGAR: OCEAN’S BOUNTY The Story of Sonia Balansag of MSU-IIT National Multi-Purpose Cooperative Sonia Balansag, a 51-year-old Lumad from Birocoy, Zamboanga del Sur, knows the rhythm of the sea like the back of her hand. For years, she and her husband, Antonio, cast their nets, making a living through traditional fishing. While it provided for their basic needs, financial security remained a distant dream. “The ocean can be generous,” Sonia says, “but it can also be unpredictable.”  Limited catches and fluctuating fish prices made financial stability a constant struggle. Then, in 2017, Sonia’s life took an unexpected turn. She was approached by Editha Martonito, a representative of MSU-IIT National Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MSU-IIT NMPC).  Editha introduced Sonia to the co-operative’s seaweed farming program, a revolutionary approach to income generation in coastal communities. Intrigued by the potential, Sonia decided to take a leap of faith. She joined MSU-IIT NMPC, eager to explore this new opportunity. The co-op provided her with the training and resources she needed to get started, including a crucial loan to kickstart her agar-agar business. Agar-agar, a gelatinous substance extracted from seaweed, is a valuable commodity used in food production, pharmaceuticals, and various industries.  With the loan, Sonia was able to expand her seaweed farming operation, purchasing necessary equipment and increasing her production capacity. “Our income has significantly increased,” Sonia explains. “Because of the agar-agar, our way of life has become more comfortable.” The financial stability has brought a wave of positive changes for the Balansag family. “We’ve been able to acquire new properties and assets,” says Antonio, Sonia’s husband. “We even replaced our old car with a new one!” But the benefits extend beyond material possessions.  “The agar-agar business has improved our quality of life in so many ways,” Sonia beams.  “We can now afford to provide better for our family, including our children’s education.” Sonia’s story is a shining example of how MASS-SPECC empowers coastal communities. By providing access to knowledge, resources, and financing, the co-operative equips individuals like Sonia to cultivate a sustainable and lucrative livelihood from the very waters they’ve always known. As Sonia looks towards the future, her vision is clear.  Her plans include expanding the seaweed farm further and inspiring other Lumad families to embrace the potential of seaweed production. Sonia’s journey is truly a story of hope, resilience, and the power of harnessing the ocean’s bounty for a brighter future.

FROM CURIOSITY TO LIVESTOCK BUSINESS OWNER The Story of Chona G. Magtuba of Davao Oriental Market Multipurpose Cooperative In the bustling markets of Davao City, Chona G. Magtuba, a 47-year-old mother of four, navigates the familiar crowd with a confident stride. A member of the Davao Oriental Market Multipurpose Cooperative (DOMMUPCO) for a decade now, Chona’s journey with the co-op began with a simple question – a curiosity sparked by her friend’s frequent cash purchases of dressed chicken. It was this curiosity that led Chona to the doors of DOMMUPCO, and into a world of opportunity. DOMMUPCO became more than just a source of fresh chicken for Chona. It transformed into a springboard for her own ambitions. With the support of the co-op, she wasn’t just buying chickens, she was acquiring the tools to become a business owner herself. Their guidance and financial programs empowered Chona to take a significant leap — the purchase of a 1.2-hectare livestock farm.  This wasn’t the end of her growth, however. Fueled by her determination and the co-op’s loan program, Chona expanded her reach by opening two stalls in the public market. Chona isn’t just a successful entrepreneur; she’s a testament to the power of co-operative principles. She religiously participates in the co-op’s daily savings program, a habit that has instilled a culture of saving within her family. This dedication to saving has gone hand-in-hand with her smart utilization of the co-op’s loan program, allowing her to strategically invest back into her business and increase her share capital in DOMMUPCO. Chona’s story is an inspiration for many in Davao City. It is a narrative woven with threads of curiosity, determination, and support of a co-operative community.  As Chona looks towards the future, one thing is certain: her journey with DOMMUPCO has only just begun. Together, they will continue to write a story of success anchored on the power of collective action and shared dreams.

The Lucero Legacy A Journey of Growth and Empowerment with TIMMULCO In the heart of Bayug, Zamboanga Del Sur, there lies a story of resilience, empowerment, and community spirit intertwined with the journey of Susana B. Lucero. Her narrative unfolds within the embrace of Timbermines Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TIMMULCO), a co-operative that not only fosters economic growth but also cultivates the seeds of self-reliance and mutual support. Susana’s tale begins in the early 2000s, where she ventured into entrepreneurship with an eatery catering predominantly to municipal employees. The aroma of her home-cooked meals became a staple, drawing patrons from all walks of life. It was during this period that she first encountered TIMMULCO, finding solace in its philosophy of self-help and mutual aid. She invested her capital into the co-operative, recognizing it as a cornerstone for her aspirations. In 2007, when the winds of opportunity whispered, she seized the chance and availed an express loan from TIMMULCO. With the support of her husband, they embarked on a journey into agriculture, cultivating their farm with the funds obtained. The years unfolded, and in 2010, Susana and her husband decided to transition their business endeavors to a refreshment parlor in Poblacion Bayug. The move marked a new chapter, accompanied by challenges and triumphs. Yet, through it all, TIMMULCO stood as a beacon of support, offering micro-business loans to bolster their capitalization. As their enterprise flourished, so did their reliance on TIMMULCO’s financial assistance. Her journey echoed with the sentiment of gratitude, encapsulated in her words, “Napalaki nang naitulong ng TIMMULCO sa paglaki ng aming negosyo lalo na sa aming buhay” (TIMMULCO has greatly helped in the growth of our business especially in our lives). Susana’s story speaks of empowerment and generational change. With her children now at the helm of their enterprise, she envisions a future shaped by their education and the values instilled by TIMMULCO. Moreover, her recent venture into a piggery project signifies not only diversification but also a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit. In Susana’s eyes, winning a MICMA award is not merely a recognition of her achievements but a celebration of the co-operative identity that propelled her forward. Her gaze is fixed on the horizon of possibilities, where the legacy of the Lucero family continues to thrive, nurtured by the roots of community and cooperation.