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.