It is no secret that Filipinos can turn seemingly ordinary things into extraordinary stories, and the co-operative sector has its fair share of these transformations.
The Mindanaw Co-operative Micro-Entrepreneur Award (MICMA) was initiated in 2009 to recognize and celebrate the journeys of co-op member entrepreneurs from their humble beginnings, to surpassing challenges, and ultimately, to their success stories.
Three extraordinary stories proved that, with determination to succeed coupled with the right support from the co-operative, anything is possible.
Smelting a Brighter Future
Elenita Villarta and her husband, Joel, took over the blacksmith business of Elenita’s father. Through their ingenuity, they have developed their enterprise into what is now known as Villarta’s Blacksmith Tools Manufacturing.
As members of the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology National Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MSU-IIT NMPC) since 2015, they have been availing of the co-op’s financial services to expand their business. The couple has purchased molye [rims of tires] to manufacture machetes, which are then sold in Iligan City and the nearby areas of Lanao del Norte province. The co-op has likewise helped the Villarta’s family, especially for their daughter’s education.
Elenita and Joel worked together to grow their enterprises. At present, they have also established a mini grocery store and an eatery.
The couple won the MICMA for Nanlimbasog Category (successful micro-entrepreneurs whose microenterprise has asset size with a market value of not more than P300,000.00).
Building Blocks for Success
In 2013, when the MSU-IIT NMPC opened in General Santos City in South Cotabato, Rengie Patigayon was among those who received the flyers inviting people to become co-op members. After learning about the benefits of a co-operative, she was enticed to join with an aim to expand their sand-and-gravel business.
Rengie and her husband, Bernardo, started their modest business with a PhP 5,000 capital. When they became pioneering co-op members, they availed of a business loan from the co-op to purchase a karag-karag or vehicle.
In one year, their business grew bigger and more efficient as they acquired more project contracts to provide affordable and quality hollow blocks, sand, and gravel. Their savings helped send their children to school and prepare their family for emergencies.
Amid the pandemic, they have weathered the challenges and remained in business, inspiring their relatives and friends to become members of the co-op as well.
Rengie was hailed as this year’s MICMA winner for Mauswagon Category (for micro-entrepreneurs whose microenterprise has asset size with a market value above P300,000.00 up to a maximum amount of P 1 million).
A Blooming Business Garden
Ernesto Montano used to cultivate farmlands in Brgy. Digkilaan of Iligan City with his wife Joyce and to venture into trisikad [sidecar] rentals. Ernesto joined MSU-IIT NMPC after his wife convinced him that co-operatives are good to start a business from.
In 2011, they focused on gardening, a new enterprise they, as farmers, felt comfortable about. Joyce had some experience in selling plants, and Ernesto knew how to propagate. They sold garden soil, nurseries, full-grown plants, grasses, and seeds. Ernesto also developed his landscaping skills, so he ventured into designing landscapes. He was even chosen to do the landscape for the MSU-IIT Coop Housing.
The family takes pride in its thriving enterprise as it has been accredited as a Farm Tourism Site by the Department of Tourism – Region 10. It also continues to mold a new breed of passionate people engaged in agriculture.
The Montanos were 2021 recipients of the MICMA for Micro-Agri Category (successful farmers whose farm and other aligned agro-enterprises has a market value of not more than P300,000.00).
The MICMA has grown into the MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center‘s premier recognition program for outstanding micro-entrepreneur members of the federation’s affiliates. Every year, MICMA continues to inspire the co-operative movement with stories of success.
As MASS-SPECC contributes to educating more people about the co-operatives and micro-enterprises, it also helps its members cultivate their entrepreneurial skills, increase their incomes and assets, and generate employment, ultimately making all its members enjoy a better quality of life.
MASS-SPECC is a member of The Mindanao Coalition of Development NGO Networks (MINCODE), one of the member networks of CODE-NGO.
Watch videos of the awardees:
Written by: Ma. Carmel Rowena T. Neri
MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center
Strategic Communication Officer
Gender and Development Focal Person