Noteworthy and laudable

There are certain political and social events that are not only worth remembering but also commemorating and celebrating because of their immense impact on the promotion of the common good, particularly poverty alleviation and social justice. I am not referring here to the proclamation of martial law yesterday that has only brought us so much sufferings oppressions and injustices and should not be commemorated anymore except never to forget it so it will never happen again. The events I am citing here which we should remember and commemorate usually have simple and humble beginnings, commencing quietly and without much fanfare. And the people behind them have the purest of heart and noblest of intentions to help their fellowmen especially the poor, helpless and less fortunate members of our society.

And so for today, I would rather write about an event which started like a mustard seed planted almost 50 years ago in the parish of the Immaculate Conception Cubao, Quezon City. I am particularly referring here to the establishment of a credit cooperative union by 15 dedicated and young men and women, all married couples and members of the Christian Family Movement (CFM), to assist the poor parishioners in their financial needs and to help them put up and operate their own small businesses.

These young couples saw during their time the unfortunate situation of their fellow parishioners without any visible means of livelihood. And thus they envisioned the liberation of these parishioners from the shackles of poverty by helping them generate their own sources of income. But they saw during those times that they had no chance at all, even if they want to engage in income-generating businesses and other activities, because of lack of opportunity to obtain loans from banks and financial institutions which understandably had no confidence in their ability and willingness to pay their loans. They also saw that their poor co-parishioners had no chance at all of succeeding in their endeavors if they are totally dependent on usurers who virtually squeeze their own blood in order to recover the money lent. And their decision to establish the union was further spurred by the existing atmosphere at that time and even until now where our poor countrymen are totally dependent on dole-outs especially from politicians.

So at about this time in 1964 these 15 idealistic couples started deliberations on how to put up a credit cooperative union in their parish. After a series of meetings and sometimes heated discussions, they incorporated the Immaculate Conception Credit Cooperative Union in early 1965 by first registering it with the Securities and Exchange Commission. But before it could start operations it had to be registered with the Cooperative Administration Office (CAO). And so 39 days after its incorporation and after the incorporators drafted and signed the Cooperative’s Constitution and By-laws, or exactly on February 26, 1965, ICCU was registered with the CAO and started operation amidst hopes and fears on the part of its movers.

The incorporators started with high expectations coupled with some trepidations understandably because of the small amount of capital it had, totaling only P545,000 consisting of the incorporating members’ contributions. Initially there were indeed lots of obstacles encountered along the way foremost of which was the lack of interest of people to join the union either as members or as officers. But with tireless and sustained campaigning and information dissemination, the problem was solved as parishioners started becoming members and making deposits while at the same time obtaining loans. Some of them also volunteered to help in the operation of the cooperative. The spirit of cooperation among its members thus started to grow.

Slowly but surely, the cooperative began taking off the ground and moving upwards even as it encountered bigger and more daunting problems. Aside from lack of more professional and knowledgeable officers and staff members, the ICCU likewise ran into some serious dissensions and differences or conflicts among some members and officers with hidden interests to promote and protect other than those of the organization. These challenges were indeed expected as part of human nature. When trees start bearing plenty of good fruits, people start throwing stones at them and pick them up even before they are ripe. The cooperative was not spared from such challenges also.

But with great faith and hope coupled with the love and unstinting cooperation of its more dedicated members who never forgot to implore the aid of God Almighty, ICCU was able to overcome all those challenges and triumphed over the many obstacles it encountered through the years. Indeed the name of the cooperative was changed several times in the 50 years of its existence reflecting the many changes it had undergone to meet those challenges and problems. The name changes likewise reflected the positive developments happening after every such change.

From its small beginning with a small capital, the Cooperative now has a total financial asset amounting to almost a billion pesos. As it celebrates its golden anniversary with the name of Immaculate Conception Parish Development Cooperative (ICPDC), the cooperative has garnered numerous awards the Most Outstanding Cooperative Award.

Special mention should therefore given to its incorporators who are, to my recollection, the following: Rene and Inday Pronstroller, Eden and Sylvia, Chuanico, Benny and Sally Mantes, Tony and Zeny Licuanan, Tony and Tita Carreon, Tony and Herminia Roman, Frank and Nini Ramos, Mike and Cora Tuason, Ping and Josie Sison, Bert and Alice Palacios, Abet and Nita Abaquin, Vic and Nanette Puyat, Fred and Puring Cruz, Quintin and Rita Eala, Tita and Rey de Vera, Al and Baby Arboleda. Its first Manager was Flora Claudio followed by Alice Enriquez who has served the longest.

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