Dr. Aimee Mandawe Paredes is a shining example of how Davao Oriental Market Multipurpose Cooperative (DOMMUPCO) empowers its members. In 2010, Dr. Paredes took over a clinic, inheriting the responsibility of not only running it but also renovating it. She faced the challenges of starting from scratch, needing to establish a laboratory and pharmacy alongside managing patient admissions to Saint Camillus Hospital.

Her journey took a fortunate turn in 2012 when she became a member of DOMMUPCO. The co-operative provided her with the financial backing she needed to achieve her goals. Through DOMMUPCO’s loan program, Dr. Paredes was able to secure funding to purchase a beach lot. This wasn’t all – her dreams further expanded into building a resort and even starting a farm.

DOMMUPCO’s support extended beyond financial aid. Dr. Paredes benefitted from the co-operative’s hospitalization, mortuary, and consultation services. The co-operative also partnered with her on medical missions and free consultation projects, giving her valuable exposure and the opportunity to give back to the community.

Dr. Paredes’ success story highlights the power of co-operative efforts. In 2015, DOMMUPCO granted her a loan to secure a prime beach lot, laying the foundation for her resort. Then, in 2022, after faithfully repaying the loan, DOMMUPCO provided her with another hefty loan to help construct the resort building.

With DOMMUPCO’s support, Dr. Paredes’ dreams transformed into reality. She was able to establish a resort, becoming a small business owner and an employer in her community. She provides her employees with benefits, further contributing to the community’s well-being.

Dr. Paredes shows the transformative power of cooperation and how DOMMUPCO has empowered her to not only rebuild her clinic but to achieve even greater milestones and becoming a successful entrepreneur.