By Eman D. Pangcatan,
MSU Intern
THE First Community Cooperative (Ficco) kicked off a four-day public celebration last Sunday at a mall in downtown Cagayan de Oro, marking its 71st anniversary and more than seven decades of community-based financial service.
Established in 1954, Ficco traditionally held anniversary activities within its own premises. This year, the cooperative is taking a more inclusive and outward-facing approach.
“Before, our activities were only seen by members. But now, we want people outside to understand what a cooperative truly is. It’s more than just saving and borrowing — we’re here to improve lives,” Ficco CEO Edgardo A. Micayabas told Gold Star Daily.
The event, which opened July 6 with a fun run, will continue through July 10. It features advocacy talks on topics like mental health and aging gracefully, a poster-making contest for youth and a grand medical mission.
Focused on the grassroots
“Our mission is to lift people from the grassroots to the middle class. Cooperatives don’t operate on the same model as banks. We are here for socio-economic improvement, both financial and non-financial,” Micayabas said.
Ficco emphasized it targets communities often overlooked by larger institutions. The cooperative serves members across all age groups, including minors under 18, who are engaged through Ficco’s laboratory cooperative programs.
“They’re our future leaders. If we don’t shape their understanding of cooperativism today, who will lead tomorrow,” Micayabas said.
Toward full digitalization
Micayabas also announced that Ficco aims to fully digitize its services by 2026.
The goal is to provide members the ability to deposit, withdraw and borrow money digitally — even on weekends — while addressing security concerns like online scams.
“We are working to fine-tune the system to make sure members can transact safely and conveniently, with no need for human interaction,” he said.
Empowering microentrepreneurs
Ficco has partnered with the iSTAR program — a Coca-Cola and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority initiative — to provide livelihood training for sari-sari store owners and other microentrepreneurs. The aim is to equip them with the tools and knowledge to grow beyond small-scale operations.
“I told them: don’t settle with calling yourself a sari-sari store owner. Visualize your business as the next Seven-Eleven, You’re not just a coop member — you’re part of a billionaire cooperative,” Micayabas said.
A cooperative that cares
At the core of Ficco’s identity is its commitment to community welfare. Members receive not only financial services but also support for their families, including access to insurance.
“This is what makes cooperatives unique. We’re not just building a business; we’re building a family. We want this message to reach even the most remote communities,” Micayabas said.
Looking ahead
With branches across the Philippines, Ficco plans to expand the anniversary celebration to other regions in future years.
“We’re getting out of the box. We want all our members — wherever they are — to feel that Ficco is here, not just as a coop, but as a partner in life,” Micayabas said.
Ficco’s 71st anniversary celebration underscores its evolving mission: to bring inclusive, grassroots-driven economic empowerment to communities across the nation.
