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Planting Hope, Harvesting Progress Mary Grace Tiongson’s Story of Success with Tagum Cooperative In the quiet town of Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, Mary Grace Tiongson is nurturing more than just rice fields. She is cultivating a life of purpose and progress for her family and community. A member of Tagum Cooperative since 2018, Grace is a mother, a farmer, a food entrepreneur, and a source of livelihood for many around her. Grace’s co-operative journey began through a friend’s recommendation. She was drawn not only by the financial services but by the co-op’s warm, approachable culture. “At Tagum Cooperative,” she says, “you’re not just a member — you’re family.” From her first loan to support her rice farm, Grace gradually expanded into livestock, house rentals, and most recently, a food delivery business. Her rice farm, managed in partnership with co-op members Antonio Bergante Jr. and Baltazar Candelon, produces two harvests annually. Instead of selling everything, Grace sets aside portions for family, co-op obligations, and to acquire new land, her way of ensuring long-term security. With earnings, she and her OFW husband have invested in multiple agricultural lots, real estate, and local enterprises. Grace’s dedication extends beyond business. She offers employment and mentorship to helpers like Antonio and Baltazar. Antonio, who tends to the rice fields and assists with food deliveries, receives a fair share of the harvest. Baltazar, at 86, helps raise pigs, chickens, and ducks and benefits from shared income, housing support, and co-op membership.  What makes Grace’s enterprise sustainable is her eco-conscious practice. She studied Organic Agriculture under TESDA and now uses animal waste as fertilizer for her bananas and coconuts. Her pigs — Helen and Maymay — are part of a growing livestock program. Grace doesn’t just run a farm; she builds an ecosystem of resilience, recycling, and reciprocity. The co-operative plays a vital role in her journey. With savings, capital loans, and regular patronage refunds, Tagum Coop has empowered Grace to grow her business while supporting others.  Through hard work and faith, Grace has turned her humble farm into a thriving micro-agriculture enterprise — feeding families, educating others, and proving that rural dreams can flourish.

Tobacco and Tenacity: Juvy’s Road to Growth Juvy Caparoso’s Story of Success with MSU-IIT National Multi-Purpose Cooperative In the farming town of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, Juvy Caparoso, 53, has transformed a life once burdened by financial hardship into a thriving tobacco enterprise. Together with her husband Danilo and their five children, Juvy faced years of limited capital and unstable income, until she discovered the empowering support of MSU-IIT National Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MSU-IIT NMPC). Before joining the co-op, Juvy relied on small, informal loans to keep her household afloat. But in 2013, after an orientation, she took a chance and became a member. She began with a modest Loan Against Deposit (LAD) of ₱3,000, which she quickly repaid. From there, her trust and commitment grew as did her loans, which eventually reached ₱250,000. Each loan helped expand her tobacco farming and cover her children’s education. Today, two of her children are married, two are graduating, and one is in her third year of college. Juvy chose tobacco farming for its profitability. Although labor-intensive and dependent on unpredictable weather, she found the income more rewarding than other crops. With patience and care, native tobacco yields high-quality leaves that are in constant demand. A single crop cycle can yield a significant return, especially when market supply is low. To maintain quality, she practices indigenous methods and organic fertilization, investing in water supply and equipment during dry spells. Each cycle, from seedbed preparation to harvest, demands precision and care. With 10 farm workers under her wing, Juvy ensures they’re compensated fairly: food, accommodation, holiday bonuses, and even per-hour overtime pay. Beyond her farm, Juvy shares her blessings. Her business contributes to the local barangay through regulated product fees, and the income her workers earn helps their own families. Some of them, including her helpers, have even become co-op members themselves as encouraged by Juvy. An active member in good standing, Juvy regularly saves, attends assemblies, and advocates for co-operative growth. “MSU-IIT Cooperative was the foundation of our success,” she says. “They stood by us when no one else could.”

From a Wedding Gift to a Business Empire Velma Abejero’s Story of Success with Oro Integrated Cooperative For Velma Dagunlay Abejero, what started as a modest sari-sari store built from wedding gift money has grown into a thriving multi-branch cellphone and gadget business. All thanks to hard work, discipline, and the support of her co-operative, Oro Integrated Cooperative (OIC) Velma, 43, lives in Tankulan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, with her husband Michael John and their four children. Their entrepreneurial journey began in 2007 with a small store in Lapasan, and her husband peddling eggs and ice cream in nearby barangays. After moving to Manolo Fortich, they decided to shift to a cellphone business, combining her background in business management and her husband’s technical skills in phone repairs. The biggest challenge was capital. As cellphone models quickly evolved, keeping up with customer demand for the latest units and accessories required constant investment. Velma found her solution in OIC. She became a member in 2008, starting with a ₱5,000 loan that helped launch their second branch. Over time, she accessed larger loans to grow the business, all while diligently saving and encouraging her children and staff to do the same. Today, they operate eight branches in Manolo Fortich and neighboring municipalities like Kisolon and Talakag. Through their business, they’ve purchased property in Sankanan, vehicles, and even a condo unit in Cagayan de Oro — now used by their daughter who studies in the city. Two of their children are in college, and the couple can now support not only their family’s needs but also community events and causes through donations and sponsorships. Their success also means employment for others. Velma and her husband now have 10 employees, all earning above minimum wage and receiving bonuses and incentives. Some staff have been with them for over 15 years, have built their own homes, bought vehicles, or finished school while working part-time. “Whenever I need capital, I go to OIC because I feel secure,” she says. “Here, we’re not just members — we’re owners.”

Bread to Breakthrough Teodoro Catiag’s Story of Success with MSU-IIT National Multi-Purpose Cooperative In a quiet neighborhood, a powerful story unfolds, one not of instant success but of sacrifice and faith. Leticia Corbita Martinez, once a caregiver in Taiwan, returned to the Philippines not to rest, but to rebuild a life closer to her family. Her decision not to return abroad was the turning point. With her husband’s encouragement, the couple started a modest business — crafting coffins. With only one carpenter and one painter, and her husband driving deliveries, they worked from home, fueled by hope and the little savings she had brought home. As orders trickled in, so did the potential to grow. Leticia turned to Tagum Cooperative, not just for capital but for support and trust. Every time she completed a loan, she applied for another, allowing her to buy materials in bulk and fulfill increasing orders. “If you’re afraid of death, you can’t survive in this business,” she says candidly. “But there’s no shame in honest work.” Their business has grown steadily. From just the two of them, they now employ seven workers, each depending on the business for their daily needs. Leticia takes pride in never delaying salaries. “You cannot borrow someone’s labor,” she insists. “Even if I have to borrow money to pay them, I do. These workers have families, too.” Today, she no longer just builds coffins, she serves her community. As a Purok Leader, JKK Treasurer, Lupong Tagapamayapa member, Women’s Council President, and active barangay leader, Leticia gives back. For newborn deaths in her area, she provides coffins and delivery free of charge. “This isn’t just a business,” she says. “It’s also a form of service. If someone has nothing, we help. We’ll earn that back in blessings.” Faith is central to her story. She never misses Sunday Mass and prays daily for her family and the co-op that stood by them. “Without Tagum Coop,” she reflects, “we wouldn’t have grown. God gave us this opportunity and Tagum Coop was the instrument.” Leticia’s journey is a testament to what courage, humility, and grace can build. She encourages others to join the co-operative that changed her life.

From Grief to Grace: Leticia’s Life-Building Business Leticia Martinez’s Story of Success with Tagum Cooperative In a quiet neighborhood, a powerful story unfolds, one not of instant success but of sacrifice and faith. Leticia Corbita Martinez, once a caregiver in Taiwan, returned to the Philippines not to rest, but to rebuild a life closer to her family. Her decision not to return abroad was the turning point. With her husband’s encouragement, the couple started a modest business — crafting coffins. With only one carpenter and one painter, and her husband driving deliveries, they worked from home, fueled by hope and the little savings she had brought home. As orders trickled in, so did the potential to grow. Leticia turned to Tagum Cooperative, not just for capital but for support and trust. Every time she completed a loan, she applied for another, allowing her to buy materials in bulk and fulfill increasing orders. “If you’re afraid of death, you can’t survive in this business,” she says candidly. “But there’s no shame in honest work.” Their business has grown steadily. From just the two of them, they now employ seven workers, each depending on the business for their daily needs. Leticia takes pride in never delaying salaries. “You cannot borrow someone’s labor,” she insists. “Even if I have to borrow money to pay them, I do. These workers have families, too.” Today, she no longer just builds coffins, she serves her community. As a Purok Leader, JKK Treasurer, Lupong Tagapamayapa member, Women’s Council President, and active barangay leader, Leticia gives back. For newborn deaths in her area, she provides coffins and delivery free of charge. “This isn’t just a business,” she says. “It’s also a form of service. If someone has nothing, we help. We’ll earn that back in blessings.” Faith is central to her story. She never misses Sunday Mass and prays daily for her family and the co-op that stood by them. “Without Tagum Coop,” she reflects, “we wouldn’t have grown. God gave us this opportunity and Tagum Coop was the instrument.” Leticia’s journey is a testament to what courage, humility, and grace can build. She encourages others to join the co-operative that changed her life.

Baked with Purpose Sanny Enide’s Story of Success with Tagum Cooperative For Sanny “Kuya Sanny” Enide, baking started not as a business, but as an act of love. What began as a craving during his wife’s pregnancy eventually became the heart of their livelihood. Back then, Saany worked a regular job. But when a single slice of his wife’s favorite chocolate cake cost more than his daily wage, he turned to his kitchen. Armed with trial-and-error, YouTube tutorials, and the honest critiques of his wife as taste tester, he experimented with baking until the recipe was just right. At first, he baked only for family events and gave cakes as gifts. But soon, people started asking if they could order. And without realizing it, a business was born. In 2015, he officially established Cakes ni Kuya Sanny. While working full-time, he juggled baking, deliveries, and being a present father of three. “Whenever my children had school activities, I’d still prioritize them no matter how many orders I had,” he says. Eventually, he left his job to focus on baking. Orders became consistent, and with support from Tagum Cooperative, which he first joined back in college, he was able to access capital for ingredients through loans. He recalls how hesitant he once was to borrow money, but experience taught him that limited resources often slowed him down. The co-op changed that. With steady access to credit and insurance, he could prepare for bulk orders without stress and maintain product quality. Cakes ni Kuya Sanny now serves a loyal customer base, especially among market vendors and working families looking for delicious, affordable cakes. For Saany, it’s not about using expensive ingredients, but about putting love into every bake, “as long as it tastes good and stays accessible to people like us.” His passion shines through. New recipes are rated by his daughter and wife, with one of his proudest moments being told, “Daddy, that’s 200%!” Through it all, the business has helped sustain their family’s needs, including their children’s education. “As long as there’s cake, we can still go swimming,” he jokes, a family motto that symbolizes hope, joy, and resilience. Cakes ni Kuya Sanny is more than a bakery — it’s a story of purpose, perseverance, and love baked into every bite.

Sewing Dreams Into Reality Celsa Formentera’s Story of Success with MSU-IIT National Multi-Purpose Cooperative For Celsa Formentera, tailoring isn’t just a livelihood — it’s a lifeline. Alongside her husband Mario and their three daughters, she built a business from scratch that would become both her family’s foundation and her triumph. Before becoming a full-time entrepreneur, Celsa would go around selling chorizo while carrying tailoring projects entrusted to her by neighbors. Hearing from a relative about the services of MSU-IIT National Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MSU-IIT NMPC) Pagadian, she joined the co-op in 2013. Her first loan was modest, but with discipline and vision, she invested in two sewing machines. From there, her small project grew. Through hard work and MSU-IIT NMPC’s support, she expanded her tailoring business to include school uniforms, PE kits, sportswear, and teacher uniforms. Customers brought their own fabric, and Celsa never turned anyone away. Demand surged during enrollment season, and when capital needs arose, she confidently turned to the co-op. Over the years, her loan grew from ₱20,000 to ₱250,000, always repaid with care. From those humble beginnings, Celsa’s dreams blossomed. She and her husband eventually purchased the house they once rented. Her tailoring shop now employs three full-time sewers with meals and insurance provided. She even trains students from vocational schools and offers snacks to immersion trainees. In recognition of her contributions, her family was awarded Most Outstanding Family in Sto. Niño, Pagadian. More than just a businesswoman, Celsa is deeply rooted in her community. She donates clothes during calamities, supports barangay drives, and ensures customers return by upholding high-quality work. Her daughter Rojean, one of her seamstresses, credits the job for helping her finish school and support her family. MSU-IIT NMPC has been with her every step of the way. She availed of services like Special Savings, Sunshine, Coop Care, and received benefits during medical checkups and her father’s passing. She diligently pays dues, advances payments, and appreciates the patronage refund she receives. The co-op also celebrates her growth, noting how she went from a renter to a titleholder, and how she brought her husband, child, and relatives into the co-operative fold. “To those who haven’t joined yet,” she says, “become a member. What I’ve received, you too can experience.”

The Comeback Story of Ma’am Saling Rosalie Ginogaling’s Story of Success with Makilala Multi-Purpose Cooperative “No matter the trials, I will rise again for my child.” These were the words of Rosalie “Ma’am Saling” Notarte Ginogaling, a 42-year-old solo parent and long-time member-owner of Makilala Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAK-MPC). A sari-sari store owner in Malasila, Makilala, Cotabato, she has been a co-op member for eight years, finding strength in both her child and her co-operative. Life was never easy. She left an unhealthy marriage and returned to her hometown with her child, starting over with help from her parents. Her first sari-sari store was funded through her mother’s ₱80,000 loan from MAK-MPC. However, in 2019, her community was struck by a 6.5-magnitude earthquake that destroyed her home and business. With the help of a calamity loan from MAK-MPC, she rebuilt both, constructing a new house and opening a new store. In 2020, she expanded into wholesale coconut oil, soft drinks, and groceries. With another loan in 2021, she grew her business, earning ₱300,000 weekly in sales. Today, she supplies 10 sari-sari stores and four larger retailers, with loyal customers across Barangay Malasila. Success didn’t come easily. “At first, it was difficult to gain customers’ trust,” she said. “I gave discounts and thank-you tokens just so they’d return.” She also faced personal setbacks, including financial loss due to a dishonest partner. But her child remained her source of strength: “Every hug reminded me to keep fighting.” Determined to grow, she adopted a POS system from Unilever and ventured into hog-raising, using her ₱300,000 loan to build a piggery and purchase land. In 2022, she bought a Bonggo delivery truck and later acquired a 100-square-meter lot to support her growing enterprise. Through it all, MAK-MPC stood by her. “MAK-MPC is more than a co-op — it’s a life partner,” she says. She maintains good standing through on-time payments and regular share capital contributions. Her staff admire her care, and her children credit the co-op for improving their lives. Ma’am Saling’s journey is one of strength and perseverance. With MAK-MPC by her side, she continues to rise, proving that through courage and cooperation, even life’s greatest setbacks can become comebacks.

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.