Manila: Banna, Ilocos Norte: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has acknowledged the Bagnos Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Banna, Ilocos Norte as a resilient medium enterprise due to its continuous growth, diversification, and significant impact on the community.
According to Philippines News Agency, the cooperative, which began in 2000 with a modest capital of less than PHP5,000, has evolved into a medium-sized enterprise boasting approximately PHP77 million in assets and around 1,500 members, predominantly farmers. The DTI attributes its success to community-driven entrepreneurship, efficient business management, and support from governmental agencies.
As a result of its achievements, the Bagnos MPC has been named a national finalist in the medium enterprise category of the DTI's 'Negosyong Matatag: MSME Disaster Resilience Awards 2026.'
The DTI explains that this recognition celebrates businesses demonstrating exceptional preparedness, effective response, and robust recovery from both natural and human-induced disasters through sustainable practices, disaster risk reduction, and sound business continuity strategies.
Banna Mayor Mary Chrislyn Abadilla praised the cooperative, stating that this achievement highlights the dedication, perseverance, and collaborative efforts of its officers and members, bringing pride and honor to the municipality. She affirmed the local government's support for cooperatives and micro, small, and medium enterprises through initiatives that encourage innovation, resilience, and inclusive development.
The cooperative's sustainable practices include diversification beyond credit services into areas like rice coffee production, consumer retail, agri-input trading, palay trading, livestock raising, meat processing, and farm equipment rental. Notably, its Banna Blend Rice Coffee generated sales of about PHP3.2 million in 2024, providing a stable market for members' rice harvests.
Bagnos MPC has also adapted to economic disruptions by utilizing digital marketing, logistics partnerships, virtual trade fairs, and electronic payments to sustain operations. Its accolades include Most Outstanding Cooperative (Medium Category) at the 2025 Cooperative Development Authority Gawad Parangal Awards and national recognition for contributions to government feeding programs benefiting thousands of children.
