The Samahang Gumagawa Tungong Tagumpay Multipurpose Cooperative (SAGUTT MPC) is a thriving cooperative based in Barangay Paitan, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. Established in 2005 with just 31 members, the cooperative was born out of a shared dream to improve the livelihoods of its members, who primarily consist of rice, onion, and corn farmers, and tuna fishermen. Located in a remote area far from urban centers, the cooperative has become a vital lifeline for its members, helping them navigate the challenges of rural life.

Challenges Faced

Ms. Livelyn F. Castillo, Chairperson of SAGUTT MPC, shared that one of the initial challenges the cooperative faced was the high-interest rates charged by private lenders. “Ang interes po ay umaabot ng 6% kada buwan o minsan ay mas mataas pa. Sa ngayon po, nararanasan namin ang tagtuyot o El Niño kaya halos yung target namin sa pananim ay hindi nakukuha. Sa halip na may kita po kami ngayon, tamang pambayad na lang sa utang o kulang pa,” she said. 

Ms. Marilou Maycong, the cooperative’s manager, added that onion farming, in particular, is a risky venture. They have encountered infestations, low market prices, and difficulties in marketing their produce.

Partnership with DA-ACPC

The partnership between SAGUTT MPC and the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) came about almost coincidentally. According to Manager Maycong, a member of the farmers’ association attended a meeting with DA-ACPC and learned about the requirements to become a Partner Lending Conduit (PLC). Realizing that SAGUTT MPC could meet these requirements, she quickly gathered and submitted the necessary documents. Since 2018, the DA-ACPC, through SAGUTT MPC, has continuously disbursed funds to finance the agri-fishery projects of its farmer-members. As of March 2024, DA-ACPC has downloaded P33 million funds to SAGUTT MPC, benefiting around 240 farmer-members. 

“Malaki po ang naitulong ng DA-ACPC sa SAGUTT MPC. Noong dumating ang DA-ACPC, hindi po kami makapaniwala na mayroon palang ahensyang magpapahiram ng walang interes. Kaya po malaking tulong ito lalo na nung natanggap ito ng aming mga miyembro. Yung iba sa kanila ay first time makahawak ng ganoong kalaking halaga na magagamit sa kanilang mga bukid o pangingisda,” Chairperson Castillo shared. 

“Napakalaking bagay po ng DA-ACPC sa kabuhayan ng karamihan ng aming members. Isa dito ay noong tinulungan kami ng DA-ACPC na i-finance ang onion farmers. Yung hiniram sa DA-ACPC, pinang-finance nila sa kanilang pagsasaka at yung iba naman ay sa mga makinarya. Tulad ngayon na may pinagdadaanang tagtuyot, kailangan patubigan ang kanilang pananim. Yung iba naman ay nakapag-pundar at gumanda ang buhay,” Manager Maycong added.  

Commitment to Repayment

In terms of repayment, SAGUTT MPC boasts a high repayment rate. Manager Maycong explained that they do not have collecting agents; instead, borrowers willingly come to the cooperative to settle their loans. She believes that the members see the heart of SAGUTT in how they help them, and in return, they do their best to repay their loans so the members can borrow again. She always reminds them, “Ang SAGUTT MPC po ay hindi iba ang nagmamay ari kung hindi kayo mismo.”

Innovations and Future Commitments

SAGUTT MPC is not just focused on financial services; it is also committed to innovation. The cooperative has established facilities for land preparation and offers machinery for cropping and hauling. Additionally, they are in the process of constructing onion storage and rice mills to ensure price and production security.

With 260 farmer-members today, SAGUTT MPC remains committed to its vision of uplifting and improving the livelihoods of its members, ensuring that no one is left behind. Chairperson Castillo emphasized, “Patuloy tayong maniwala at gawin ang ating obligasyon upang patuloy tayong mabigyan ng tulong ng gobyerno. Ilagay natin sa tama yung nahiram natin para mapakinabangan ng ating mga pamilya at ng susunod na henerasyon.”

Manager Maycong added, “Lagi tayong makipagcommunicate dahil yun naman ang best way para maramdaman natin ang isa’t isa. Tangkilikin natin ang sarili nating negosyo. Kasi ang SAGUTT MPC, negosyo natin ito. Atin ‘to!”