The San Joaquin Multi-Purpose Cooperative was founded in 1984 with 17 members and a small capital contribution to provide economic opportunities and address needs in the community. Over decades, the cooperative expanded its operations and services, including a credit program, gas station, rice mill, and store locations. This growth allowed the cooperative to help more members and receive government recognition as a top performing cooperative. Today, with over 3,800 members, the cooperative continues to pursue its mission through diverse business lines and community programs.

1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. Scholarship program (Secondary to College Degree)
Accommodation of On the Job Trainees
Researchers

11. 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.