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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.