22/07/2026
๐ฃSuccess Story Narrative: Mr. Eustaquio C. Pasalo, Jr., Chairperson, Inyam Pintuan Asbang Multipurpose Cooperative (IPAMCO), Matanao, Davao del Sur
One of the highlights of the SIB Experience Sharing cm Knowledge Harvesting Session for Field Implementers (Batch 2 - Mindanao-Wide) on July 20-22, 2026 held at Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City was the inspiring testimony of Mr. Eustaquio C. Pasalo, Jr., Chairperson of the Inyam Pintuan Asbang Multipurpose Cooperative (IPAMCO) of Matanao, Davao del Sur. Through his presentation, he shared the cooperativeโs journey of resilience, innovation, and transformation, demonstrating how a once small farmersโ organization evolved into a stronger and more sustainable Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization (ARBO).
Mr. Pasalo recounted the history of IPAMCO, highlighting the numerous challenges they encountered, including limited organizational capacity, inadequate resources, market constraints, and the need to strengthen membersโ participation and governance. Rather than allowing these obstacles to hinder their progress, the cooperative embraced strategic planning, unity among officers and members, continuous capacity building, and strong collaboration with government and development partners.
Among the opportunities they successfully seized were expanding their livelihood through cacao, corn, and cassava production, strengthening cooperative governance anchored on God-centered leadership, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, building partnerships with various stakeholders, and accessing government procurement opportunities through PhilGEPS accreditation. These initiatives significantly enhanced the cooperativeโs sustainability and competitiveness.
Mr. Pasalo also emphasized the invaluable interventions provided by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) through the Social Infrastructure Building (SIB) Program, along with the support of other partner agencies. Trainings on leadership, organizational management, enterprise development, and cooperative strengthening empowered the officers and members to improve governance, enhance business operations, and confidently pursue new opportunities.
He underscored the ripple effect of the SIB Program, noting that the knowledge and values gained by the officers were shared with members, resulting in increased participation, stronger organizational cohesion, improved decision-making, and greater confidence in managing the cooperative. This continuous learning culture has enabled IPAMCO to become more resilient and responsive to the needs of its members.
In closing, Mr. Pasalo encouraged fellow ARBOs to remain united, invest in good governance, continuously seek learning opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and maximize the assistance offered by DAR and other government agencies. He emphasized that success is achieved through committed leadership, active member participation, transparency, and perseverance and putting God at the center of all the cooperativeโs decisiong-making and endeavors. His inspiring journey serves as a testament that with dedication, collaboration, and a shared vision, ARBOs can become self-reliant organizations that uplift the lives of agrarian reform beneficiaries and contribute to sustainable rural development.
