MAGSIGE COOP: 10 YEARS OF HELPING PEOPLE
Committed on its goal to improve the quality of life of the people, Manuel Guianga & Sirib Growers & Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Magsige MPC) has continued to soar higher to live up to its purpose in addressing the problems in the community by promoting local economic development.
Magsige MPC turned a decade last September 10, 2018 and for the last 10 years, it takes pride in all the accomplishments it achieved that makes it one of the leading and outstanding cooperatives in the Philippines.
Agripino L. Torres, chief executive Officer (CEO) of Magsige MPC, in an interview with SunStar Davao boasted the feat that they’ve accomplished because of the collective effort of the members. From only few members in the formative stage, it grew to around 15,000 members all over Mindanao to date with 14 clients. They also transformed from an ordinary multi-purpose cooperative to a manpower and job provider.
Torres said that one of the factors of their growing institution is that they do not only include banana growers but also those who are engaged in other agricultural operations. Lately, they have invited some entrepreneurs to join the coop.
For this year’s anniversary, they centered their celebration on the theme: “Sampung Taong Pinagpalang Pagkakaisa”. It has
been 10 years of grace-filled unity among members-employees, affiliates and partners in the Cooperative sector, government agencies and other industries.
“We would have never come to reach this moment without each of you. You have grown with us and in us. Our work is far from over, but what we’ve accomplished together has made a difference in thousands of people’s lives. If we’ve made much progress in just 10 years, think of what we can do in another 10 years or more. I am sincerely thankful for the pleasure and privilege of working with you,” Torres said in his message.
With the blessings that they have right now, he encouraged the members to continue pursuing their goals and deliver the services while embodying the core values in doing business and likewise learn from the setbacks that they’ve come across in the past.
Businesses
Magsige MPC is also involved in financing and marketing the other services available. Over the years, they were able to help in the socio-economic status of their members. They continue to renew their commitment to their clients in providing high-qualified workforce and professional job contracting services and sustain employment.
After the cooperative has proven its caliber, it expanded its operation to other location beyond the city. They have operation in Toril, Tamayong in Davao City; T’boli in South Cotabato, Tagbina in Surigao del Sur and Matalam in North Cotabato.
Aside from the services, Magsige MPC has also its own banana and cacao farm. Other than that, it is involved in savings and loans, rice, food packs, bill payments, plane tickets, janitorial services and garment-making project.
“Being a member, whatever is the earning depending on the equity of the member, the earnings are shared to everybody in the form of dividend and patronage refund,” he said.
Corporate Social Responsibility
To give back to the community, Magsige MPC has implemented various community development projects. They initiated trainings for their people in food processing, poultry raising, hog raising, vegetable growing to give them a head start in life and as income-generating projects.
They also identify areas where they conduct regular medical mission not only for the communities but also for their employees. This year they had also distributed more than two thousand bags complete with school supplies to their partner elementary school aside from their regular feeding program.
They also have bloodletting activity, Kasalang Magsige, and donated water systems in remote areas which do not have access to clean water and adopted day care centers in South Cotabato to help in the education of Indigenous Peoples who are not reached by government services.
Torres said that they are active in their Brigada Eskwela every year.
For their members, they offer scholarships for the children of their members and conduct trainings to their members in partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda). During cooperative months, they coordinate with the Cooperative Development Office (CDO) in conducting tree planting, bloodletting and other community projects.