Lourdes Multipurpose Cooperative is a prime example of a co-op that is more than just a member of NATCCO, but has actually embraced and is journeying toward the NATCCO vision of an integrated network. Read how the co-op resurrected in 2008 by the MICOOP Program, and in just 16 years, became a large cooperative empowering farmers and communities.

At the 2024 NATCCO Aurora Gala Awards, co-op leaders all over the Philippines will gather and witness Lourdes Multi-Purpose Cooperative, a cooperative in Occidental Mindoro, get maximum recognition in six categories: Full Provisioning, Solvency, Share Capital Structure, APPEALS Rating, Top Remitter of Coop Education Training Fund (CETF), and Digital Adopter.

It is not easy running a cooperative.  It’s much harder to grow a cooperative.  But to receive awards for excellence in six categories is truly astounding.  Lourdes MPC achieved excellence in their financial performance and has made impact in communities as well. 

Lourdes MPC exemplifies the transformative power of the Microfinance Innovation in Cooperatives (MICOOP) Service partnership between the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

The cooperative had to pass through the “eye of the needle” in overcoming its initial challenges through perseverance.

Although not the first choice of the DAR for MICOOP Program’s assistance, Lourdes MPC (originally Lourdes Women's Club Himatudes Chapter Multipurpose Cooperative) stepped forward in 2008. The all-women, 26-member Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) cooperative faced delisting with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and its registration with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

With guidance from the local Cooperative Development Specialist (CDS) and NATCCO MICOOP Team’s diligence, the cooperative achieved legal compliance by first reactivating their CDA registration and addressing then outstanding BIR requirements.

The co-op leadership was advised that in order to grow, they first had to build a strong foundation.

Lourdes MPC hired and trained seven staff and underwent training on the MICOOP policies, systems, and procedures,  and the eKoopBanker accounting software.

Reconciling the existing but very disorganized accounting records proved challenging. With the NATCCO Area Manager's support, the records were rectified, facilitating a smooth transition to the eKoopBanker core banking system.

For the first seven years on the road to recovery, the cooperative focused on membership recruitment, and deposit and share capital generation, and agri-loan services with heavy financial support from NATCCO in the form of loans. 

Lourdes MPC consistently maintained a low delinquency rate (PAR 1 below 10%).

The cooperative continued its existing palay marketing service, connecting members directly with the National Food Authority.

Expanding Horizons

Their impressive performance attracted partnerships with banks and government agencies. A pivotal moment came in 2016 with a collaboration between Jollibee Foods Foundation and the Department of Agriculture for white onion production. This marked the start of Lourdes MPC's Business Development Services.

From just seven white onion farmers, the cooperative now connects with other farmer organizations in Occidental Mindoro to supply Jollibee. This partnership created a reliable market for farmers in the province, empowering them beyond production. Lourdes MPC now supports the entire white and red onion value chain, encompassing production, marketing, and farm inputs.

Lourdes MPC recognizes the importance of youth development.  They actively promote cooperative education by engaging young people through NATCCO's Aflatoun Program. This program equips students with financial literacy skills and fosters a spirit of entrepreneurship.  Lourdes MPC has partnered with four schools across the municipalities of Magsaysay, Rizal, and Calintaan to deliver this valuable program. 

Investing in Its People

Recognizing the value of a skilled, healthy, and motivated workforce, Lourdes MPC prioritizes employee well-being and development. The cooperative provides staff with comprehensive benefits, including:

-    Health and wellness: Monthly rice and vitamin allowances, and annual physical examinations.

-    Professional development: Regular training workshops for both officers and staff to enhance their knowledge and skills.

-    Teamwork and well-being: Annual team-building and rest and recreation programs to foster team spirit and provide a well-deserved break from the routine.

By investing in their employees, Lourdes MPC creates a positive work environment that contributes to overall success.

Committed to the Community

Lourdes MPC demonstrates its commitment to the community through various initiatives:

Environmental Stewardship: The cooperative participates annually in the tree planting program organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), contributing to environmental sustainability.

-    Education Support: They actively participate in the Department of Education's (DepEd) "Brigada Eskwela" program, helping prepare schools for the academic year. Additionally, they support their Aflatoun partner schools through donations.

-    Community Cleanliness: Lourdes MPC recognizes the importance of a clean environment and regularly participates in local clean-up activities.

-    Disaster Relief: In times of calamity, the cooperative extends a helping hand to both members and non-members, providing much-needed assistance during difficult times.

These community initiatives showcase Lourdes MPC's dedication to social responsibility and its commitment to creating a positive impact beyond its core business activities.

A Model for Success

The cooperative boasts a modest 175 million-peso asset size and serves over 4,604 members in Occidental Mindoro. Their infrastructure includes: office building with a lot; agriculture supply store, rice milling area, cold storage facility, stockroom and sorting area.

Additionally, they have branch and satellite offices in Calintaan, Sablayan, and Sta. Cruz. A new partnership with the Department of Agriculture for palay milling and marketing is underway.

Lourdes MPC's journey exemplifies the transformative capacity of the MICOOP Service.  

The MICOOP Team practically held the hand of Lourdes MPC’s leadership and workforce to overcome the initial hurdles to become a large, diversified cooperative, serving as an inspiration for others.

From 2008, the barangay-based cooperative that did not even have an office, LMPC now has province-wide in operations with two branches, one satellite office, an agriculture store, agri processing facilities.  From having no staff in 2008, today LMPC is powered by 46 highly-motivated employees serving 4,600 members.