Bringing Co-op Education and Eco-Tourism Closer to the OFs through Learning Visits

NATCCO takes into heart its vision of helping Global Filipinos become active, enterprising members and leaders of the cooperatives to contribute holistically to the local economy towards nation-building. As the best form of social enterprise, co-ops create greater impact in the local economy because of its grassroots outreach, ability to offer credit and investment products that create value and build wealth, and the commitment to combine financial products with non-financial services such as financial education and enterprise development support.

Two learning Visits were organized this week to gain deeper understanding and appreciation of the co-op system and enterprises.

Fairchild Cebu Community MPC: Your Community, Your Cooperative, Your Partner for Life

Organized 38 years ago, Fairchild Cebu Community MPC (FCCMPC) stands strong as the only ISO Certified Cooperative in the Visayas with the latest Risk-Based Management Certification. Started out as an institutional cooperative for the employees of the Fairchild Semi-Conductor inside the Mactan Economic Zone, the co-op saw the need to serve holistically the bigger community. with the growth of its assets, membership, and array of services, FCCMPC is a strong economic force in the province. One of its latest programs is the housing village for its members. You will be impressed by the quality of the houses and the beauty of its interiors. Inspired by the minimalist concept that maximizes space yet keeping things practical, homey, and in harmony. Marie Kondo will be proud.

Living its tagline of "Your Community, Your Cooperative, Your Partner for Life," FCCMPC delivers excellent programs that develop the social and economic well-being of the Cebuanos.

Lamac MPC: Serving the Countryside as a Co-op for People, Planet, Prosperity, and Peace

Lamac MPC (LMPC) is a strong socio-economic force in the Visayas. Its colorful roots can be traced in 1973 as one of the government-organized cooperatives called Samahang Nayon (Lamac SN) with 70 tenant tillers and small farm owners as original cooperators. It exemplified its vision by contributing immensely to the community’s growth and development. The co-op paved the way for the barangay to acquire concrete roads, electricity, potable water, decent forms of transportation, and telecommunication signals. The inspiring achievements of the co-op from a lowly Samahang Nayon to a billionaire cooperative makes it a living testimony of the indomitable Filipino spirit and how cooperatives can transform lives and communities.

The cooperative epitomizes cooperation, innovation, and partnership. These are all evident in the coop’s programs and services especially in its agri-enterprise initiatives.

The co-op develop strategies and linkages to help farmers become financially independent entrepreneurs and empowered to support other farmers in the community. It also guides the sector to link up with the supply chain, helping the farmers earn sustainably and ethically. Lamac MPC has 33 branches all over the Visayas region.

In the Visayas, LMPC's Hidden Valley Mountain Resort is the first resort to open a wave pool facility that sets against the backdrop of Lamac's scenic mountains. The resort also provides relaxing accommodation and venues with its sprawl of rustic cabanas and function halls.

Recently, it hosted the International Cooperative Alliance - Asia Pacific Youth Summit where they showcased their best practices especially on transparency, good governance, and active youth engagement.