Achievement November 27, 2025

At the age of 70, Nanay Paula R. Almazan is a testament to resilience and determination in improving her livelihood. She lives in Kias, Baguio with her husband, Reynaldo, a retired member of the Armed Forces.

In 2013, Ma’am Paula started her convenience store, with the dream of growing it into a mini-grocery. However, like many small business owners, she faced challenges, such as competition from other stores and the rising cost of goods. There were times when she had to use her earnings for unexpected expenses, like buying medicine. Due to these struggles, her fellow store owners and friends helped her find a cooperative that could assist her.

On February 1, 2016, she became a member of NSCC MPC. The cooperative became more than just a financial institution—it became her partner in achieving her dreams. She chose NSCC MPC because of the quick loan approval, low interest rates, and no cash-out requirements. NSCC MPC helped her run her business despite the challenges. But beyond loans, NSCC MPC also offered other services that Nanay Paula benefited from, such as savings deposits and time deposits. The cooperative also provided dividends and patronage refunds, which further increased her capital.

Above all, through running her business, Nanay Paula was able to purchase a lot for her family, which has greatly improved their living situation.
Nanay Paula is deeply grateful to NSCC MPC for the products and services they provide to their members. They have helped her convenience store continue to grow. As she puts it, “Because of NSCC

Achievement November 27, 2025

Ms. Melanie Maria C. Clorion is a proud resident of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan and a dedicated entrepreneur. She became a member of NSCC MPC on January 28, 2022, and since then, the cooperative has played a vital role in her journey toward business growth and financial stability.

As a devoted wife and mother of three, her family has always been her inspiration. Her eldest child is now married, while her second and youngest children are still pursuing their studies. Even before joining NSCC MPC, Mrs. Clorion had already established her bakery business. She embarked on this venture in the year 2000 with an initial investment of Php 20,000. Running the business was a family effort, as she did not hire staff for the baking process. Together with her husband and children, they handled every step, from baking the bread to selling it at their market stall. When her children were free from school, they would eagerly help with sales.

In 2022, she took a significant step by joining NSCC MPC, which provided her with a Php 40,000 loan. She wisely utilized this amount to expand her capital for bread production and sales. According to her, NSCC MPC has been a tremendous help, allowing her to grow her business steadily. With the income she earned, she was able to support her two children's college education while also providing for their family's daily needs.

Now, after three years as an NSCC MPC member, she is already on her fourth loan cycle. Her share capital has grown to Php 37,234.00, and her savings have reached Php 14,523.50. Currently, her business capital stands at Php 120,000, a testament to her dedication and smart financial decisions.

Mrs. Clorion remains steadfast in her goal of further expanding her business, believing that hard work and determination will lead to continuous success. She firmly states, “With perseverance comes success!”

She also shares valuable wisdom from her experiences: "Sales may be slow or strong at times, but patience is essential. I chose NSCC MPC over other financial institutions because they offer excellent cooperative services, low-interest rates, and outstanding support. Through the cooperative, I don’t just have access to capital—I also have the opportunity to save and grow my money."

Her journey is a shining example of how perseverance,

Achievement November 27, 2025

Mrs. Myrna G. Solsona, 59 years old, is a proud Ilokana from Cagayan who currently resides on JP Rizal St., Project 4, Bayanihan, Quezon City. She is happily married to Mr. Pedro Solsona, and they share their home with their daughter, Ma. Cherish, and their beloved grandchild.

A loyal member of NSCC MPC since 2018, Mrs. Solsona has built a strong credit history within the cooperative. She is regarded as a trusted member, especially since her husband, Mr. Pedro Solsona, is a retired NATCCO Network employee who once worked as a part-time driver for Dr. Divina Quemi.


A Culinary Journey Fueled by Passion and Hard Work

In 2013, Mrs. Solsona embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by opening her own eatery. Over the years, her food business has grown, gaining a loyal customer base that includes neighbors, regular patrons, and construction workers from nearby sites. Her mission is simple yet heartfelt: to serve good and delicious meals daily, ensuring that every customer enjoys a hearty and satisfying dining experience.
She strongly believes in the saying, “Hangga’t may buhay, may pag-asa.” For her, as long as one is alive, there is always hope for a better life, and no one should ever give up on rising each day. She also follows the mantra, “Happy Tummy, Happy Life,” emphasizing that a delicious meal brings joy and satisfaction to her customers.


Overcoming Challenges with NSCC MPC's Support

Like any other entrepreneur, Mrs. Solsona faced difficulties in the early years of her eatery. Limited customers and a small menu made it challenging for her business to thrive. However, her turning point came in 2018, when NSCC MPC established a branch in Quezon City. Seizing the opportunity, she applied for her first loan, using the funds to expand her menu and attract more customers.
With the increased financial support from NSCC MPC, Mrs. Solsona was able to successfully grow her eatery. She improved her services, attracted more customers, and learned the importance of saving money. Now, she maintains savings deposits and share capital in her NSCC MPC account, ensuring long-term financial security.

She has also developed a deep appreciation for NSCC MPC, as she admires the staff’s excellent service and warm accommodations. For her, NSCC MPC is more than just a cooperative—it is a partner in success. She acknowledges that the cooperative has made significant contributions to business owners like herself, helping her flourish and sustain her eatery.

As she proudly reflects on her journey, Mrs. Solsona expresses her heartfelt gratitude to NSCC MPC, knowing that with their support, her business continues to thrive.

Achievement November 27, 2025

“CARPE DIEM". A Latin quote which means "Seize the day", Live the moment, manage your life, make the most of the present and take advantage of the opportunities without delay.

Dr. Christopher Bernabe M. Baes was born in Manila on November 21, 1973. He was the third born and the only boy among his siblings. Dr. Baes is 51 years old and is married to Mrs. Arlene Baes. They have been together for 23 years and have three beautiful daughters: Milcah, Almira and Kaithlyn. Dr. Baes completed his studies at Saint Paul University (Manila) in 2018, earning a Master of Business Administration with a major in Organizational Development. An AB Philosophy graduate at St. Louis University/Maryhurst Seminary (Baguio City) in 1994. He also was conferred with his Honouris Causa Doctoral Degree in Humanities at the International Institute of Leadership/World Christian Fellowship Ministry (Philippines/Malaysia) in 2020.

Dr. Baes is a Human Resources Practitioner with more than three decades of solid work experience in the Business as an HR and OD practitioner with an expertise in the corporate and cooperative sectors. He is a recognized authority in Strategic Human Resource Management. His skills include Account and Project Management, Business Development, Events Management, and Community Relations. Dr. Baes has received numerous awards and certifications, showcasing his dedication to excellence. Currently serving as an Unit Head, under Cooperative Academy of NATCCO Network’s Talent Acquisition, Assessment & Training Center (CANN-Talent) his contributions extend to co-authoring a handbook and holding leadership positions in professional committees. Dr. Baes brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his roles, making him a valuable asset to any organization.

Dr. Baes has been a loyal member of NSCC MPC since 2018. He has also opened a back-to-back Time Deposit and has been a former “2-termer” Audit Committee Chairperson (Pangasinan-Cubao Cluster) of NSCC MPC which had great contributions also. He later resigned due to conflict of schedule and his promotion to NATCCO Network.


Why did you choose NSCC?

“First, I met Dr. Divina Quemi and I saw the facility of NSCC MPC and I had an idea in joining an organization as a member. For me, I first look at the background aligned with the Vision, Mission and Core Values.” Dr. Baes actually is a member of three Cooperatives and NSCC was one of his Cooperatives, which started from buying onions and longganisa. He initially planned to join as an associate member and since it’s near NATCCO Network’s office, he then processed his membership. He is an active and committed member.
He was introduced to NSCC because he knew that Dr. Divina Quemi was the Chairperson of NATCCO Network at that time. Prior to that, he had a Consultancy Engagement, then became a Consultant as an HR Advisor and the one who structured the NSCC Federation’s Salary and Organizational Structures. Dr. Baes stayed in cooperative for a long time because he saw the sense of belongingness.

Dr. Baes successfully pursued his Doctoral Degree through the help of NSCC MPC by availing a loan to augment for the financial requirements. In order for him to earn his degree, he joined the 90-Day Book Writing Challenge (BWC) of Ms. Sha Nacino. He then wrote his book during the month of April 2024 and has the target publication of June-July 2024. During the publication process, Dr. Baes encountered several challenges. He struggled to find reliable resources and a publishing partner to distribute his book and have it stocked in National Bookstore. Although he was unable to secure a publisher, he still needed to proceed with the publication of his book. He found a solution through partnering with NATCCO Network.

His book, "LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS 3013," discusses the corporate and cooperative sectors and includes themes such as how to manage a 30-Day Preventive Suspension and what CEOs think about when it comes to People Management. Dr. Baes meaningfully noted that the “3013” in his book title is all about the 30-Day Preventive Suspension and 13 for the Cooperative Influential Leaders, which he looks for inspiration, and one of the CEOs he interviewed is Dr. Divina Quemi.


What’s your goals or purpose in life?

It's simple—my goal in life is to maintain a balance between order and spontaneity while staying organized. To put it into perspective, being organized is a valuable trait, which is why I appreciate moments of disorder—they give me the opportunity to bring structure and clarity. I see this as one of my strengths. Even now, I am being conferred with an "Honoris Causa", not solely because of my job but due to a combination of various experiences and influences in the community that I have worked with. At the same time, I continue to lead an active and fulfilling lifestyle.


What can you say about NSCC MPC?

“NSCC MPC has a big potential especially in expansion, but as we expand, we should also adapt digitalization. We should also keep in mind that when we compete with other organizations/cooperatives, they don’t usually do physical branching, but rather they’re more into digital branching. We need to compete with technological advancements.”

Achievement November 27, 2025

Ronald Castro is a hardworking and resourceful entrepreneur who lives in Barangay Talang, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, and was unfamiliar with large businesses. Through his perseverance, he became successful in establishing a business that offers frozen foods. His story serves as an inspiration to many, not only because of his success but also due to his decision to become part of a cooperative that helped grow his business.

In 2019, he started a small home-based business selling frozen foods like longganisa, tocino, and hotdogs. At the beginning, his business wasn’t that big, and most of his products were sold to friends and neighbors. However, Ronald knew his business had the potential to grow.

In the first year, Ronald faced challenges such as a lack of funds to expand his business. He learned about a cooperative called the NSCC MPC, which focuses on small businesses and offers loans with low-interest rates. Because of this, Ronald decided to join the cooperative to continue growing his business. Being a member of the cooperative provided him with many benefits, such as saving from his savings deposit and share capital.

Through his active participation in NSCC MPC, Ronald achieved unexpected success. He also learned the proper methods of managing his business. As a result, he started gaining new clients, including stores in their town. The loans from NSCC MPC were a big help, allowing Ronald to purchase higher-quality equipment for his business, such as heavy-duty freezers. Thanks to the modernization of his equipment and the support of the cooperative, his production became faster and more efficient. As the quality and quantity of his products increased, so did the number of his customers. His frozen foods became popular not only in their barangay but also in neighboring towns. He introduced his products through online platforms, opening up more opportunities for his business. He also hired four employees to help run the business.

Ronald Castro's story shows that success is not solely dependent on one's abilities but also on the support of others. Nevertheless, he believes in his motto: “Work Hard, Earn Money.” His experience in business and acceptance of the cooperative offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs—to not be afraid to seek help from others and, most importantly, to work hard and believe in one’s abilities. In the future, Ronald plans to continue improving his business and is excited to contribute to his community.

Achievement November 27, 2025

The Fontanilla Family’s business started in the Year 2019 when they decided to expand their canteen by including bulalo and mami to their menu. As the cooking business thrived, they gradually expanded their menu, adding more delicious dishes to cater to their growing customer base.
However, the path to success was far from smooth. The family faced financial challenges, including medical expenses for son’s heart condition and the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, the family was resilient, persevered and was committed to the continuous growth of their business. Their determination and commitment paid off, and now, CJ and JC Fontanilla Panciteria Restaurant operates from a cozy rental building where customers can fully enjoy a welcoming atmosphere and a menu filled with hearty, flavorful dishes.

Their family and business are guided by a vision and mission. The former, to be recognized as a casual dining restaurant in their community, known for their exceptional service, delicious food, and their heartfelt hospitality. The latter, to continually adapt and innovate- ensuring their menu and services meet the evolving times as well as the needs and preferences of their customers.

A goal that they continue to works towards was to manage and overcome any financial challenges that they may face to ensure longevity and growth of their business. Core values such as commitment, perseverance, teamwork, and the desire to continue to learn and innovate have been instrumental in helping them thrive. These principles not only guide their business decisions but also strengthen their bond as a family, making their story an example of resilience and dedication.

Through their hard work and resiliency, the family has turned their humble beginnings into a thriving business, a testament to what an unwavering spirit can achieve.

In their words, “ Maraming salamat sa NSCC MPC dahil sa inyo akin pong nasimulan at napalago ang aking negsoyo sa halagang Php50,000.00 taong 2022. Napalago ko ito at sa ngayon ay Php300,000.00 ang puhunan na aking nahiram. Muli po malaking pasasalamat ko sa NSCC MPC dahil kayo po ang naging kaakibat at financial provider sa tulad kong negosyante at entrepreneur. Ang NSCC MPC ay maraming inooffer na benefits upang ma[aunlad ang ating kabuhayan , kaya sa mga katulad kong negosyante makibahagi at pagyamanin ang salaping ating nahiram para sa success ng ating negosyo.”

Achievement November 27, 2025

"While there is life, there is hope. Just pair it with hard work, patience, and trust in the Lord," is the saying of Mrs. Correa.
In 2019, Mrs. Hazel A. Correa became a member of NSCC MPC SUAL Branch. She lives with Mr. Elmer Espinoza, and they have three children. Their eldest child is married and is helping them with their watermelon farm.

At the beginning, Mrs. Hazel and Mr. Elmer were sharecropping, working on other people's land. They started with a small capital and land to plant, but they faced a huge challenge when Elmer became ill. The funds that were supposed to be used to pay off their loan from NSCC MPC were spent on medical treatment. Despite this, they did not give up. Through their hard work and perseverance, they slowly recovered.
With the help of NSCC MPC, they were able to continue planting watermelons, and their business flourished, expanding their fields. Thanks to the capital they borrowed, they were able to purchase a vehicle, which they now use as transportation to their farm. Most importantly, they were able to buy their own land and build a house.

Currently, their farm spans 9 hectares, where they grow watermelons, and they now have four workers whom they also pay for their labor.
Mrs. Correa’s goal is to continue helping other people who are also planting watermelons, save more, and ensure that their children complete their education.

Mrs. Hazel chose NSCC MPC because it is approachable and offers many benefits to its members. Aside from the low-interest rates, she has also benefited from various loan programs provided by the cooperative. According to her, they are deeply grateful to NSCC MPC and to God because they have been their partners in progress and achieving their dreams.

Her advice to fellow members: "Maintain a good record with the cooperative, follow the agreements, and pay on time. Avoid making your accounts past due. It's not only the cooperative

Achievement November 27, 2025

Ms. Evelyn Pilis is involved in both wholesale and retail of second-hand clothes (ukay-ukay). She started her business in January 2023. She believes in the saying, “When you trust in God and work hard, nothing is impossible.” Her goal is to renovate the 4th floor of their house in Baguio once she fully pays off her current loan.

One of her challenges before was capital. She tried borrowing from other lenders, but it wasn’t ideal as they would already start collecting payments from her early on, even before her business had a good start. She tried saving with NSCC MPC before requesting a loan. The good thing with NSCC MPC was that they would ask how much money she needed to borrow. She started with Php 50,000.00 to ensure she could pay it back.

She chose NSCC MPC because of their low interest rates and their willingness to arrange monthly payments. They even give out soap on her birthday. NSCC MPC is a good cooperative because they don’t require collateral for small loans. What’s important is always paying on time and having good character. They are easy to talk to if you’re unable to make a payment, as long as you don’t hide from them.

She’s thankful to NSCC MPC because she has borrowed money from them five times. From being a member of the cooperative, she learned a lot: first, never forget to save; second, always pay on the correct date; and third, borrowed money should be used for business investment to ensure that there’s enough to pay it back.

Thanks to NSCC MPC, she was able to secure enough capital for her business, purchased a house, and even opened a branch in Angeles City, Pampanga. Her advice to fellow members is to prioritize paying debts on time, as doing so brings greater benefits with the help of the cooperative.
Thank you, NSCC MPC!

Achievement November 27, 2025

Ms. Cleopatra Ignacio from the La Union Branch shared her success story, highlighting her dedication to providing a better life for her children and ensuring they complete their education. She strongly believes that any dream can be achieved with hard work and determination. Her guiding principle in life is that anything is possible if one puts in the effort and perseverance. Despite the many challenges on the path to success, persistence will eventually lead to the fulfillment of one’s dreams.
She firmly states, “Life and personal growth will prosper if one does not engage in deception.” According to her, deceiving others will never lead to anything good, nor will it bring peace of mind and heart.
Ms. Ignacio prayed for a better life so her children would not have to experience the hardships she once endured. With God’s grace and the support of her husband and family, she was able to achieve her goals. Over time, she acquired land, two vehicles, built a two-story house, and successfully supported the education of her three children and even her nieces and nephews.
One of the biggest challenges she faced was when her food cart caught fire, forcing her to stop selling and close her business temporarily. However, through the help of NSCC-MPC, along with her hard work and perseverance, she was able to rebuild her business. She also expressed her gratitude to former Branch Manager Mr. Rolando Vitamog (+), who guided and supported her to ensure she maintained a good standing with the cooperative. This assistance allowed her to secure another loan, gradually recover, and by 2014, "IGNACIO'S EMPANADA DE ILOCO" boomed.
Her family remains her greatest inspiration, motivating her to strive for success. She also emphasized that she chooses NSCC-MPC over other financial institutions because of its leaders with genuine compassion, who provide honest service, kindness, respect, and a family-like environment, along with low-interest rates and excellent benefits.
As a member and officer of NSCC-MPC, she considers it a great privilege to receive the cooperative's benefits. The seminars and training sessions she attended helped boost her self-esteem, allowing her to overcome her shyness in facing large crowds. This newfound confidence improved her ability to interact with customers, which in turn helped grow her business.
NSCC-MPC has been her partner in success, providing financial support, business opportunities, and training that contributed to her progress. She encourages fellow members to maintain a good standing with the cooperative so they, too, can experience the benefits that will help improve their lives in the future.

Achievement November 27, 2025

rites Carino started Angel Joy Pottery in 2000, with a passion for creating beautiful pottery. She always dreamed of growing her business and reaching more customers through expansion. test

In 2019, Marites joined NSCC MPC which played a big role in her success. The cooperative gave her an initial loan of Php 5,000 to help her grow her business. She continuously applied for loan and used this money to buy new equipment and improve her operations.

The pandemic brought challenges, but Marites didn't give up. She kept her business going and found new ways to grow. She opened a transient house for additional income, expanded her facility, bought a vehicle for easier product transport, and even invested in a carabao as additional support for their business.

Marites is very thankful to NSCC MPC for their support. She says, “I thank NSCC MPC for the opportunity they gave me. My business wouldn’t be where it is today without them.” She continues to be an active member, paying her dues on time and working hard to keep her business successful.
She encourages other members of the cooperative: "Stay in good standing, work hard, and keep going—even when things get tough. God will bless your efforts."

Marites' story shows that with hard work, faith, and the right support, it's possible to overcome challenges