Product Offerings
Product Categories:
Community Development, Organic Farming
Products:
Various organic agricultural products and food items produced through sustainable farming practices
Kauswagan Community Multi Purpose Cooperative (KCMPCO) is a grassroots cooperative organization based in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, Philippines. It is widely recognized for its inclusive approach to peacebuilding and community development by offering microfinance, livelihood assistance, and sustainable agricultural programs to its members and surrounding communities.
History and Background
Founded in the wake of the "From Arms to Farms" peace initiative launched in Kauswagan, KCMPCO has been instrumental in transforming former conflict zones into hubs of economic productivity and community resilience. Established in 1996, the cooperative was created to serve as a financial and developmental institution focused on marginalized sectors affected by insurgency and poverty.
Core Business
KCMPCO operates as a multi-purpose cooperative, offering financial, agricultural, and digital services to its member base. Its foundational model integrates community savings, micro-lending, cooperative farming, and capacity-building programs. By empowering its members—many of whom are former combatants—the cooperative supports sustainable livelihoods and long-term socio-economic reintegration.
Product and Service Offerings
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Microfinance and Savings Services
- Small-scale loans for livelihood projects, farming inputs, and education
- Regular savings programs with interest for members
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Agricultural Development
- Provision of fruit-bearing tree seedlings
- Access to land preparation, technical training, and organic fertilizer
- Crop rotation and cash crop consultancy services
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Carbon Sink Program
- Environmental initiative encouraging tree planting as carbon sinks
- In partnership with LGUs and environmental NGOs
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Digital Cooperative Services
- Partnership with Digicoop to offer digital wallets, e-commerce platforms, and cooperative analytics
- Enables rural members to access digital payment and micro-entrepreneurship tools
Specialization and Core USP
The core strength of KCMPCO lies in its ability to combine peacebuilding with grassroots economic development. The cooperative integrates social reintegration with environmental sustainability, making it a unique model for post-conflict community rebuilding. Its Carbon Sink Program not only contributes to environmental goals but also provides long-term income opportunities for its members.
Financials
As a registered cooperative, KCMPCO adheres to the financial transparency regulations under the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) of the Philippines. Although detailed audited financials are not publicly available, the cooperative reports positive growth in member loans, tree planting incentives, and savings deposits year over year. Membership expansion and increased digital transactions reflect strong financial health.
Shipment Data
KCMPCO does not operate as an exporter of goods but contributes indirectly to agricultural supply chains through cooperative farming. Their activities focus on local production and regional economic inclusion rather than formal exports.
Target Market
- Local farmers and former combatants seeking sustainable livelihoods
- Community members requiring access to affordable financial services
- Partner NGOs and LGUs implementing peace and development programs
- Young entrepreneurs and MSMEs engaging in digital cooperative platforms
Capabilities
- Branch Network: Multiple satellite branches across Lanao del Norte
- Training Centers: Offers agro-entrepreneurship, cooperative management, and technical farming
- Partnerships: Collaborates with Digicoop, local government units, NGOs, and the CDA
- Digital Capacity: Equipped for cooperative-level fintech services via Digicoop
Certifications and Compliance
- CDA-Registered Multi-Purpose Cooperative
- Participates in government and donor-funded development programs
- FDA License to Operate (for agricultural and organic products handled under their initiative)
Customer Testimonials
"KCMPCO has been the backbone of our community transition from war to peace. Their services help us build new lives."
— Abdul Karim, Former Rebel Combatant and Current Farmer
"Through Digicoop, I now manage a small sari-sari store and send digital payments to family—something I never imagined possible."
— Maricel T., Coop Member and Small Business Owner
Major Achievements
- Integral part of the From Arms to Farms national peace initiative
- Planted over 10,000 fruit-bearing trees across Kauswagan municipalities
- Introduced digital financial services to over 2,000 rural cooperative members
- Regularly cited in DTI and LGU development reports as a model cooperative for peace-based development