At the 2024 Cooperative Leaders’ Congress in Davao City recently, Darwin Mandante of Maragusan Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Davao de Oro showcased how his co-op is achieving economic growth while preserving the environment.

 DAVAO DE ORO — Magrow MPC is dedicated to fostering economic, social, and environmental transformation in Maragusan. This commitment is a core priority of the cooperative, which recognizes the critical importance of environmental preservation in addressing today’s societal challenges.

The Go Green Program of Magrow MPC focuses on preserving and rehabilitating natural resources as part of its journey toward becoming a greener cooperative.

Located in Maragusan, Davao de Oro—hailed as the “Summer Capital” of the Davao Region and the “Valley of Nature”—Magrow MPC benefits from the area's abundant tourism opportunities due to its environmental attractions. Maragusan’s rolling terrain is also known for its agricultural productivity.

Magrow MPC is a significant player in the local economy through its Cavendish banana production, a highly valued crop. The cooperative is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of its operations and recognizes its responsibility to lead in this area.

This commitment is reflected in Magrow MPC’s policies and programs. Established on February 14, 1994, as Maragusan Gold Banana Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Magrow MPC has been a key player in the banana industry, leveraging Maragusan’s fertile soil.

The cooperative's general membership includes 9,311 individuals, with 1,016 regular members, comprising banana landowners and their heirs. The remaining 8,295 members are associate members, including farmers and laborers. Magrow MPC's assets amount to PHP 631.43 billion.

MMPC’s diverse enterprises include a gas station, hardware store, manpower services, Magrow Retail Center, co-op assurance center, clothing store, bookkeeping services, and wireless internet services. The cooperative also has two major projects in the pipeline that will significantly impact the agriculture sector:

A PHP 20-million banana tissue culture laboratory under the DA’s Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).

A PHP 5.5-million bio-secured and climate-controlled swine facility under the DA’s INSPIRE Program.

These projects contribute to the economic growth of both the cooperative and the local community. By expanding membership and financial services, MMPC sustains its growth through excellent service provision and alignment with economic, social, and environmental goals, fostering triple bottom-line sustainability.

Embracing a culture of sustainability, MMPC has institutionalized the 5S Program across its operations, emphasizing energy conservation, waste management, and minimized water usage.

Key initiatives include:

Solar Panels: MMPC uses solar panels for its internet transmitters. In 2020, the cooperative launched the Magrow Internet Service, expanding its internet offerings with an environmentally friendly system.

Eco-friendly Practices: At the Magrow Trade Center, reusable eco-bags are used, and customers are encouraged to bring their own. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) awarded the center a Bagwis Seal in recognition of its adherence to consumer rights and environmental responsibility.

Green Water Harvesting System: MMPC collects rainwater during the rainy season for use in the summer. This system also supports the gas station’s comfort rooms, promoting water conservation.

Tree Planting: In 2019, MMPC planted 450 native tree seedlings at its bio-secured and climate-controlled swine facility. As part of the Davao de Oro project to plant one million native trees by 2025, MMPC began its “Green Cooperative” journey in 2020 following a seminar with NATCCO on Climate Action.

Bamboo Planting: To prevent soil erosion and enhance soil fertility, MMPC plants bamboo along riverbanks. Now in its third year, the cooperative has partnered with local governments to establish 300 bamboo plants.

Green Finance: MMPC has established an “environmental fund” to support small enterprises in achieving triple bottom-line sustainability goals: People, Planet, Peace, and Prosperity.

In November 2020, MMPC launched the Magrow Internet Service, with all wifi facilities powered by solar panels, furthering its commitment to creating an environmentally responsible internet infrastructure.

Darwin S. Mandante is the Human Resource Development Officer of Maragusan Growers Multipurpose Cooperative (MAGROW MPC) and a member of its eco-ambassadors. He helped implement the Climate Action program, leading to the co-op’s recognition as a Green Co-op in 2023.

Darwin is a Certified Human Resource Associate, a national awardee of the Ten Outstanding Human Resource Students (TOHRS) of the Philippines 2019, and holds a Master’s in Management - Human Resource Management from UM Tagum College.

He is a product of Maragusan Youth Laboratory Cooperative of MAGROW MPC.