SAMULCO: Venturing forth with strong hopes for the future (1998-2007)
fourth decade of the Sta. Ana Multipurpose Cooperative (SAMULCO) is characterized by more member-responsive products and services, and continuing education programs for body, mind, and spirit.
Also, in this decade the coop started to provide access to productive resources and opportunities, including investment in a real estate portfolio, as well as expansion into branches in Davao City and community engagement activities.
In 1998, SAMULCO crossed the threshold and went for an automated system – the Micro Banking Computerization System and Networking. The next year, SAMULCO Mutual Benefit System (SMBS) was established to give insurance to member-beneficiaries in case of a member’s death or accident.
A Health Care Program for members through the SAMULCO Polyclinic was fully operational in 2004 through the initiative of Polyclinic Committee Chairperson Dr. Victor Bonifacio Hofileña and Director Arturo dela Cruz. The Mortuary As- sistance Program, in this decade, was also strengthened.
In 2001, the coop launched the Sports Development Program and held the first SAMULCO Bowling Tournament. It also established the Coop Assurance, offering life and non-life insurance for members.
In this period, management and staff underwent massive and extensive training, seminars and conferences. Much attention was given on upgrading skills at work as well as enhancing fitness of mind and spirit.
In 2003, the officers conceptualized and approved the SAMULCO Members Health Care Fund (SMHCF).
Also, the coop drew up plans to establish at least five branches around Davao City to cater to its growing members. In 2002, the Matina branch was established to serve members in the south district and in November 2005, the Panacan branch was opened to accommodate members living or working at the northern part of the city. In 2007, another two-storey branch expansion was approved to be built at a SAMULCO lot in Puan.
SAMULCO acquired a 420-square-meter lot in Buhangin for P2.5 million initially intended for a fourstorey building.
In May 2007, the coop registered the SAMULCO Foundation, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission intended to enhance the credit worthiness of the non-bankable members of the community to enable them to access credit from SAMULCO.
In the fourth decade of SAMULCO, members and officers were armed with strong hopes and aspirations for a better and prosperous future.
Note: Calling all SAMULCO members for the 50th Annual General Assembly which will be held on March 26, 2017 at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym, Obrero, Davao City.