Jomar Dupende grew up in a simple farming family and worked his way through school by selling food and snacks. Despite earning a Criminology degree, he chose to return to his agricultural roots, eventually buying land to establish his own chicken farm. His dedication to researching poultry raising led him to join the Integrated Livestock and Poultry Raisers Cooperative (ILIPCO) in 2017. Through his exceptional contributions and farm improvements—such as extending his chickens' lifespan to over two years—he quickly rose to become the cooperative's vice president.

Today, Dupende extends his passion for community building as the CEO of the Bethany Christian Home for Children, Inc., using agricultural development to breathe new life into the orphanage. He actively advocates for greater youth involvement in the agricultural sector and cooperatives, believing these avenues can empower the next generation, lift families out of poverty, and create lasting, meaningful change.

In 2001, government employees and minimum wage earners in Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay, were heavily burdened by loan sharks charging a compounded 10% monthly interest rate. Driven by the need for an alternative, 18 local government workers pooled ₱2,000 to establish the Sibuguey Valley Multipurpose Cooperative (SIVAMPCO).

SIVAMPCO provided an immediate escape route for desperate borrowers by offering loans at just a 2.5% diminishing interest rate. What began as a small, closed-type cooperative operating on a payroll deduction system eventually transformed into a ₱1.2 billion financial institution. Today, SIVAMPCO not only provides fair credit but has successfully diversified into real estate and agriculture, recently earmarking ₱80 million to build a rice milling facility aimed at helping local farmers escape the cycle of poverty

Born in one of the poorest regions in the Philippines, the Samar Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SAMICO) rose from a modest ₱40,000 seed capital and 38 members into one of the largest homegrown cooperatives in Samar SAMICO feature story . Built on trust-based microfinance and community solidarity, SAMICO empowered sari-sari store owners, drivers, farmers, and fisherfolk who were long excluded from traditional banking.

When Typhoon Yolanda devastated the region in 2013, wiping out offices, livelihoods, and ₱150 million in exposed loans, the cooperative nearly collapsed SAMICO feature story . Yet through resilience, strategic innovation, and diversification into dairy farming during the COVID-19 pandemic, SAMICO rebuilt itself—proving that even the strongest storms cannot break a united community.

A proud member of the Federation of Peoples' Sustainable Development Cooperative (FPSDC), SAMICO continues to innovate and dream boldly, aiming to join the billionaires’ club in the years ahead

From zero real assets to over ₱1 billion, Taloy Multipurpose Cooperative (TAFARMCO) transformed itself through disciplined leadership, the Igorot code of honor, and strong community accountability

TAFARMCO Feature story

Now serving 14,000 members, the FPSDC-member cooperative stands as a model of how culture, integrity, and strategic partnerships can uplift farmers and drive sustainable development in Benguet.

Kooperatiba Naton Multi-Purpose Cooperative (KNMPC) is a powerful testament to the impact of community-driven financial empowerment. From a humble P7,000 startup, KNMPC has grown into a P189 million cooperative, offering micro-lending, savings, agribusiness, and modern transport services. Rooted in Christian values, it prioritizes quality membership, sustainable ventures, and economic self-sufficiency for its members. Discover how Koop Naton continues to transform lives through cooperation and innovation.

From a bold vision to a billion-peso enterprise, MAGSIGE-MPC has transformed the lives of banana workers, rice farmers, and entire communities. Founded by Agripino Torres, the cooperative overcame resistance, redefined labor standards, and diversified into agribusiness, garments, and more. Discover how MAGSIGE-MPC empowers thousands through sustainable growth and innovation.

From a humble gathering under a mango tree in 1988, 51 farmers in Diffun, Quirino, planted the seeds of what would become the billion-peso Diffun Saranay and Development Cooperative (DISADECO). Now serving over 35,000 members, DISADECO thrives on integrity, accountability, and servant leadership—offering innovative financial services, sustainable agricultural support, and community-driven development. As a leading farmers' cooperative, it continues to empower members through accessible loans, business opportunities, and livelihood training. Discover how DISADECO transforms lives and strengthens Filipino communities through cooperation and shared success.