To quote a famous philosopher, “Necessity is the mother of invention.”

This maxim holds true for the San Joaquin Multi-Purpose Cooperative, for long

before its birth, life in the community was remarkably hard. Organizations of different types were created by various government agencies but unluckily most of them faded away leaving behind people of the community hungry for social belongingness, economic progress and development. It was at this stage that the folks of Barangay San Joaquin led by Mr. Celso G. Rasalan and Mr. Camilo B. Rasos, who eventually became the Chairman and Vice-Chairman respectively, conceived of incorporating their skills and resources with the main purpose of “Changing Lives” in the community. So in 1984, with barely 17 initial members and a scanty capital of Seventeen Thousand Two Hundred Pesos (P17,200.00), the San Joaquin Samahang Consumers Cooperative was created. A small store building (3x4) was built out of improvised materials raised by the founding members. The benefits of having an accessible and convenient store, people in the community inspired to join the group.

Instantaneously, the Cooperative became the haven of the people particularly those who could hardly make both ends meet, it was observed that farmers tend to borrow capital from loan sharks. The Board of Directors, as sensitive as ever to the needs of the members, resolved for the creation of a Credit Department to solve the financial constraints of its constituents practically those belonging to the marginal strata.

Slowly the Cooperative became popular. Trust and confidence among the members sprouted. More money was infused to the Coop through Savings and Time Deposits. Thus, indirectly savings mobilization and Capital Build-up that is a common problem to all coops was neutralized. Providential and Agricultural loans at minimal rates were extended slowly eradicating the usurers that has been sucking the blood of these poor farmers. Simultaneously, its scope of operation covers the whole municipality.

As the Credit Department gained tremendous popularity in the community, membership had increased phenomenally. This paved the way for the formulation of control measures to protect the interest of the cooperative. This vital transformation created an impact in the locality particularly the way of living of the people. They have realized that teamwork and solidarity, if coupled with discipline and perseverance can build roads and bridges.

In 1988, the whole archipelago faced oil crisis. Day to day activities were greatly

affected especially transportation and farming. The Leaders of San Joaquin MPC pursued to have a Coop owned & manage gas refilling station. Applying in all the oil companies in the country, the cooperative was armed only with one thing, its quest for growth and development. But who would believe in a small rural-based organization ran by farmers? Only the Caltex Philippines did, San Joaquin MPC was the first Gasoline Station to operate in the municipality which turned out to be one of Caltex Philippines biggest client in the north, surpassing in sales many of the filling stations in the province.

The Gasoline Department became the top grosser of the Cooperative then, so a

need to have its own Hauling Tanker was figured out. The only problem then was capital. It applied for a facility loan at Land Bank of the Philippines but due to voluminous requirements, the Board of Directors thought of other way, instead of borrowing, they created a program to neutralize the problem, it offered higher savings and time deposits compared to commercial banks. The cooperative slowly affirmed its role and underscoring its mission, eradicating unscrupulous capitalists.

Gasoline Refilling Station

In so short a time, with the launching of its various business ventures the Cooperative became the epitome of a typical Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

With these developments, government agencies like Dept of Agriculture and Dept of Trade & Industry recognized the cooperative’s performance. Financial assistance to members named “Tulong sa Tao” were availed for several years.

The Department of Agriculture granted the SJMPC a Solar Drier under the former’s Livelihood Enhancement for Agricultural Development (LEAD) program. Later, this grant would play a major role in the conceptualization of a new business particularly palay trading and rice milling to maximize the utilization of this drier.

From then on, there was never a year to relax for the SJMPC as it pursued community growth and development. In 1991, a warehouse was constructed in a 542 square meter-lot that was acquired for P100,000.00. Through the self-help (free-labor) of the members, the edifice was erected. After which, a six-wheeler ELF truck was procured to haul and deliver farmer’s products.

The year 1993 was a very remarkable year in the annals of the San Joaquin Multi-Purpose Cooperative. The first National Award given by Dept of Agriculture being the OUTSTANDING SMALL FARMERS/FISHERFOLKS ORGANIZATION held in Malacañan Palace and a runner-up in the PARANGAL NG NEPA in the national category. With this achievements, the SJMPC received a cash award of P200,000.00 that was eventually used to purchase a Satake Cono Ricemill.

In 1994, as the Cooperative continued to grow and its membership multiplied by folds, Koop-Drugstore was established in front of the Sarrat Public Market to further serve its members’ needs.

With more than a decade of fruitful existence, the SJMPC showed no signs of contentment. In 1997, it expanded its warehouse to accommodate voluminous farmers’ produce and the Consumers Store, which was a mere sari-sari store, was replaced by a 2-storey building, now a Grocery Store, equipped with electronic point of sale (POS) and CCTV cameras.

Part of growth and development, a 2-storey Credit & Admin Building was constructed equipped with updated computer machines, fully airconditioned, fireproof vault, CCTV cameras and other necessary facilities to accommodate voluminous daily transactions.

The single tri-bike used as delivery equipment during its early operation was

replaced by newly acquired trucks, haulers, cabs and motorcycles.

As a proof that the government extols the achievements of ordinary citizens, the cooperative posted an award winning-streak that is yet to be surpassed among cooperatives in the Province. Here are the most significant awards the Cooperative has had for the last 30 years of existence:

Top Performing Cooperative, Reg I – 2014, CDA

10 Most Outstanding Community Ent. 2013 (Villar-Sipag)

Ginintuang Kooperatiba, Agri-Category 2012

Hall of Fame Award, Gawad Pitak-Agri Category, 2011

Plaque of Commendation (CDA) 2011

Top 1 Dealer Cat I - SMBD for CNLA 2012

Top 2 Dealer Cat I—SMBD for CNLA 2011

Ist Place Gawad Pitak Agri-Category (LBP) 2010

Ist Place Distinguished Award for MPC(CDA) 2010

Top 2 SMB Dealer Cat I for CNLA—SMBI 2010

2nd Place Gawad Pitak Agri (LBP) 2009

2nd Place Gawad Pitak Agri (LBP) 2008

2nd Place Provincial Level (CDA) 2008

4th Place Gawad Pitak Agri (LBP) 2007

2nd Place Provincial Level (CDA) 2007

Excellence Award (CDA-DEO) 2007

Ginintuang Kooperatiba, Agri-Cat- 2012, LBP-Gawad Pitak Hall of Fame – 2011, LBP Gawad Pitak Ist Placed, Gawad Pitak, Agri-Cat – 2010, LBP

Ist Placed, Distinguished Award for MPC – 2010, CDA 2nd Place, Gawad Pitak, Agri-Cat – 2009, LBP 2nd Place, Gawad Pitak, Agri-Cat – 2008, LBP 4th Place, Gawad Pitak, Agri-Cat – 2007, LBP 3rd Place, Gawad Pitak, Agri-Cat – 2006, LBP 4th Place, Gawad Pitak, Agri-Cat – 2005, LBP

Outstanding Small Farmers & Fisherfolks Org., National - 1993, DA

With these diversities, the Board of Directors, Officers, and Management Staff never lost focus to what they are bound to pursue: “Service to the people and to the community.” This might be the rationale behind the rapid growth of the Cooperative. It has certainly created an image worthy of trust and confidence from the public. And by being proactive and creative and by living-up to a culture of excellence in all its undertakings, the San Joaquin Multi-Purpose Cooperative slowly etched its name in the archives of cooperativism.

Partnerships with well-known business tycoons were made. Distributorship of Coca Cola products and San Miguel Beer products were awarded to San Joaquin MPC, the first Coop to enter in such venture. Kabalikat ng Magsasaka with Universal Harvester Inc. and the Northern Foods Corporation of Food Chain Supply Agreement.

Linkages and affiliations to tertiary coops made a way for San Joaquin MPC to

walk in a better journey.

CISP

MSCB

PHILAC

PFWC

CBIN

IMHSC

PCU

PCDC-IN

NATCCO

COOP-NATCCO PARTYLIST

Affiliations and Linkages

Government Agencies

DSWD MOA on 4P’s Program LBP Lending Center Food Chain - NFC

Continuous Education forms a vital role for the Cooperative’s strong foundation.

Educational trips are conducted to big and successful cooperatives and other agencies .

As one of the Cooperative Principles “Concern for the Community”, various

community services are being conducted always, to mention some:

Supplemental Feeding

Potable Water Source

Scholarship program (Secondary to College Degree)

Accommodation of On the Job Trainees

Researchers

Mutual Death Aid Assistance

Today, with the cooperative efforts of its highly competent BOD’s & Committees,

52 motivated and efficient Management Staff and a very supportive membership, the

Cooperative have metamorphosed from a mere Consumers Store to a multi-line

business that is expanding in response to the demands of its constituents. Its Total

Assets have ballooned to 130 million pesos, Total Paid-up Capital to 24.662 million

pesos and its membership to 3,833 as of December 31, 2014.