SAFADECO satellite office, now open in Irosin

Ribbon cutting by Leonito M. Gaveria,

OIC PARPO II and

Tita L. Desquitado, BOD

TWO years have passed, Salvacion Farmers Development Cooperative (SAFADECO) once again has proved it’s competent in financial management as it opens a satellite office in Alonzo St., San Juan, Irosin, Sorsogon.

SAFADECO a farmer’s organization in Salvacion, Sorsogon City engaged in Copra Trading and Consumer Store was registered in Cooperative Development Authority as cooperative in March 9, 2010 which caters four barangays in Sorsogon City. As the Department of Agrarian Reform teamed up with the National Confederation of Cooperatives, SAFADECO became the recipient of MiCoop@ARAs program which gave way to the cooperative’s Savings and Credit business launched on October 9, 2012 at Jamoralin St., Burabod, Sorsogon City extending its coverage to the municipalities of Casiguran and Castilla; and the City of Sorsogon. According to Jessica Samantha Dob-Acleta, General Manager it was the year when they enthusiastically knock unto the heart and mind of their prospect members. That was the period of SAFADECO’s history when its cooperative management team zealously gave their best to keep up the trust and confidence of everybody especially the pioneer members.

SAFADECO’s BOD, COMAT, DAR Personnel & NATCCO Area Manager

At long last, they were able to prove their worth as they made their operation province wide. Eventually, a satellite office in Irosin, Sorsogon was launched on July 9, 2015.

The event was started with a motorcade around the Irosin town proper joined by SAFADECO officers, staff and members. Ribbon-cutting and office blessing follows which was attended by Leonito M. Gaveria, OIC Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II; Benilda G. Dogillo, Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer of Irosin, Oliva L. Amosco and Joey B. Azurin, Agrarian Reform Program Technologists; Gerwyn D. Pura, Area Manager from NATCCO Network; the SAFADECO Board of Directors and COMAT; and the members from Irosin, Sorsogon.

SAFADECO Members and Guests during the launching

“I’m very glad that SAFADECO has now a satellite office. At first, when NATCCO offered this partnership, I was hesitant because who knows whether we’ll win or lose? I don’t want to put our cooperative at risk. But today, seeing how far our services have reached, I am satisfied and thankful especially to the effort and dedication of our staff for the effective and efficient operation of the cooperative as well as to the NATCCO’s area manager for his perpetual support,” Tita L. Desquitado, BOD Chairperson said during the launching. SAFADECO has a five-year contract with NATCCO which will end in 2017. The area manager was so pleased witnessing the success of SAFADECO after the challenges it had overcome.

SAFADECO Members and Guests during the launching

“Now, it has many members, the operation is excellent, and the camaraderie of officers, staff, and members is great. NATCCO is just here all the time to assist in your operation of micoop program. Since our five-year contract is almost ending, if your operation sustained its well performance, you can buy out from NATCCO. A one million income this year is still small. But if everybody will work out to hit the one million target this year, that would be SAFADECO’s first one million income,” Area Manager Pura said challenging the cooperative. 

DAR Sorsogon too, feels fulfilled of SAFADECO’s achievement. This is indeed an evidence of farmers’ empowerment. 

“I am very happy and proud because the cooperative which has been once DAR’s baby is now grown-up while broadening the area that it serves. DAR will always be here to support your program. I will wait and expect for that one million income achievement, wishing that your prestigious performance will remain,” PARPO Gaveria said. The launching ends with ceremonial deposits and loan releases. The office is open to serve Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and during Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN. Pre-membership education seminar is conducted during Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 10:00 AM.