The Insider's View: Opening of SIDC One Stop Shop in the Visayas

The largest Cooperative in the Philippines, The Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC), has opened its first-ever one-stop shop in the Visayas. They have chosen our hometown of Jamindan, Capiz.

On October 30, hundreds of Jamindanganons attended the grand opening and blessing of the SIDC One Stop Shop at National Road, Poblacion, Jamindan, Capiz. Our Local Government Unit officials also attended it and welcomed this great opportunity that supports the livelihood and uplifts the economic development of the people and the entire community.

Reverend Father Jeffrey Estrella and Reverend Father Krys Señeres from the Our Lady of  Perpetual Help Lomboy Parish officiated the blessing ceremony. It was followed by a Ribbon-cutting ceremony headed by AGAP Congressman Rico Geron, who played a crucial role in the project, Dr. Angelito Bagui, SIDC Chairperson, SIDC Board of Directors including the LGU officials of Jamindan led by Mayor Mac Valdemar, Vice Mayor Ildy Cusay, SB Members and Barangay Chairmen.

The messages of SIDC and LGU Jamindan officials inspired the people. They have warmly welcomed this newest development in town. They are grateful for the infrastructure project given by SIDC through AGAP Partylist, the Farmer's training center located at Poblacion, Jamindan, Capiz. We also welcome future programs and projects offered by SIDC and AGAP that have economic benefits and social impact through the Barangay Development Fund.

The COOP MART, the largest grocery store in town, promises a modern and convenient shopping experience with the lowest prices for groceries and other merchandise. Its meat shop offers the freshest and highest-quality meat products, all meeting the highest sanitary standards. This is a shopping experience that the people of Jamindan can look forward to with excitement and eagerness.

On opening day, hundreds of SIDC members had their first grocery experience at COOPMART. To become a member, one needs to fill out a membership form and pay a nominal fee. Members benefit from the lowest price and patronage refund. COOPMART is open Monday through Sunday, 7 days a week, from as early as 6 AM until 7 PM, and the friendly and helpful staff is ready to serve the members and consumers. These are the reasons more people and families will love COOPMART.

SIDC Feeds offers the highest-quality products for pig raising and other animal livelihood farming. They also provide veterinary products for quality produce. With SIDC's technical assistance, more families will be able to take advantage of this livelihood opportunity, fostering a sense of optimism and hope for the future.

Another service is the SIDC Koopinoy Savings and Loans. For only 100 pesos, a member can open a passbook savings account and apply for different kinds of loans depending on their needs. There's also a Young Savers Club for those under 18 to start their savings experience. Koopinoy Savings and Loans is open from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Saturday, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to be financially empowered and included.

The SIDC One-Stop-Shop opens various opportunities and benefits for members and the whole municipality of Jamindan. It provides a platform for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and a convenient shopping experience. May it grow in the years to come and improve the quality of living of members and the people through its various quality products and services. SIDC is our partner for local development as we work together to achieve our vision of a Shining Jamindan.

© 2019 Del Cusay

The Insider's View: A Better Living Through Cooperative

Life becomes more manageable, lighter, and brighter when we come together as a community, sharing common goals and interests to uplift and improve our lives. This is the essence of a Cooperative— a group of like-minded individuals working towards sustainable economic development, fostering a sense of togetherness and community.

In our hometown in Jamindan, Province of Capiz, we have welcomed the establishment of the largest Agri-based Cooperative in the Philippines. The Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative, or SIDC, was founded in Batangas in 1969.

In celebration of SIDC's 50th year, we warmly welcomed their partnership for local economic development. We opened the first-ever SIDC One Stop Shop in Visayas, our hometown of Jamindan.

Fortunately, I applied for a regular membership before the opening on October 30. As a member, I could see firsthand the products and services they offer to the people and community. Becoming a member was straightforward, involving [specific steps or requirements].

As an Agricultural-based Cooperative, SIDC will offer its members products and services such as Organic fertilizer, veterinary products, feeds, and meat shops. It will also provide assistance and partnerships for Hog raising or pig farming. 

SIDC also has the Koopinoy Savings and Loans service for its active members to support their financial needs and growth. Members will have a loan opportunity to start their farm business, with [specific loan terms and interest rates]. They also provide other loan services like vehicle loans, motorcycle/tricycle loans, and micro and enterprise loans for entrepreneurs with no collateral requirement for members.

Koopinoy provides a passbook savings account and time deposit with higher annual interest for member Savers. Opening a savings account was [specific process or requirements]. Even children under 18 can open a savings account to secure their future.

SIDC has a modern look grocery/convenience store that offers the lowest price in town. This is another saving for the members and consumers
aside from the Loyalty rewards as a member.

SIDC will also accept bill payments for various utility bills and has a money remittance service in partnership with Truemoney padala. This brings a sense of relief and convenience to consumers, making the use of these financial services a breeze.

SIDC One Stop Shop in Jamindan will open its doors to everyone, offering a pathway to personal and community growth. May it bring progress in the lives of the people who patronize its products, services, and programs, fostering a sense of hope and optimism for a better local economy and community.

© 2019 Del Cusay

When September Ends: Timeless Wishes

There's nothing more to be excited about than hearing Christmas songs in the Philippines. That moment is genuinely awaited by many: the month of September. Perhaps there is something so special about the beginning of the "Ber" month season. This is when we feel loving, caring, and somewhat excited about the remaining few months before the year ends. We may still need to achieve some of our goals, but it's never too late.

What makes September so unique for me is that this is the month that I was born; this is my birth month, and the same as with the person who has given birth to me; my loving mother. We both celebrate our birthday in September, and it's always a fantastic month, like the autumn season. We feel the positive vibe and are more excited about what comes next. 

This month, I feel vital energy in my goals and desires. I am more motivated to execute my ideas and plan into action. This may be a tiring month based on actual experience, but in the end, it is fulfilling. Nothing in life comes easy, and when we aspire for success, we have to sweat it out to fuel our passion and desires. Some tasks may always be challenging, and that needs patience and tolerance. It is when we persevere that we reap the best rewards after that. We trust the system and are guided to do what is just. Then, we feel relieved and grateful for the challenges we have survived. 

It may have been a fantasy, but the time has come to take action on the dream that was put on 'hold' for the longest time. No matter how long it would be, I still take the initiative to live on my dreams and make them 'alive'; otherwise, they will still be a dream and not reality. Wake me up when September ends because this month may be full of make-believe ideas turning into action. Here comes October, the first month of the last quarter. This is it! And may the Divine guides inspire and bless the venture I am now into. May this be the fulfillment of my most awaited heart's desire. 

© 2018 Del Cusay