From a Seminarian’s Dream to Changing Lives: The Story of S-LMC in Mindoro

Every great mission begins with a dream. For the Steward-Leaders Multi-Purpose Cooperative (S-LMC) of Oriental Mindoro, that dream took root many years ago, not in a boardroom, but in the heart of a young seminarian who believed that faith, hard work, and unity could transform communities.

A Dream That Became a Movement

The story of S-LMC began with Fr. Simplicio A. Bonquin. Even as a seminarian, he carried a vision: to form a cooperative that would help people become productive, empowered, and capable of uplifting their lives. To him, a cooperative was not merely an economic system—it was a formation ground for human dignity and long-term community development.

That dream took form when Fr. Bonquin became chaplain of St. Benedict Chaplaincy, serving the villages of Tawiran, Lalud, and Camilmil. Inspired by the dedication of local lay leaders, he gathered a core team in 2009 to begin drafting the Articles of Cooperation and By-Laws.

Fr. Bonquin recalled: “In 2009, instead of the traditional pilgrimage of the image of St. Benedict to the pamayanan before the feast day celebration, I invited parishioners from three barangays to a triduum of Holy Masses, accompanied by a special cooperative formation. This initiative became the first challenge for the leaders, calling them to commit themselves to the spirit of cooperativism. With God’s blessing, they responded with faith and generosity.”

After the Pre-Membership Education Seminar, 29 cooperators formally joined.

From there, the cooperative evolved—initially known as Hapag ng Pamilyang Mindoreño Savings and Credit Cooperative, later becoming the Steward-Leaders Savings and Credit Cooperative (S-LSCC) in 2010. With an initial capital of ₱49,300, the group launched its first Provident Loan and was officially recognized by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) on May 10, 2011.

Growing Through the Years

The cooperative experienced steady growth driven by strong leadership and a genuine commitment to service. From 29 members in 2011, the number grew to 44 by the end of the first year and continued rising.

By 2013, S-LSCC launched a Savings Deposit system, which later supported the Emergency Loan Program.

As the community’s needs grew, so did the cooperative’s services. It began offering livelihood loans that supported a wide range of income-generating activities, including business ventures, poultry raising, livestock production, and small-scale farming—helping members expand opportunities and improve their quality of life.

With the guidance of Fr. Bonquin and subsequent board chairpersons, the cooperative expanded beyond its original TLC (Tawiran–Lalud–Camilmil) membership to include farmers, teachers, vendors, barangay officials, church workers, and professionals.

In 2021, the cooperative transitioned into a Multi-Purpose Cooperative, expanding its services to include catering and other livelihood support.

By 2023, the cooperative had 173 members and ₱3.5 million in assets, elevating its classification from a Micro-Level to a Small-Level Cooperative.

In 2024, S-LMC launched its Rice Trading Program, supporting farmer-members by buying their produce and selling rice at fair prices to both members and the wider community. It also added catering equipment rentals to its growing list of services.

Partnerships That Strengthened the Vision

S-LMC’s journey was strengthened by the support of several government agencies, including the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), the Provincial Cooperative Development Office, the Calapan City Trade and Industry Office, the City Cooperative Development Council, and MiFedCo.

A major milestone came with the construction of a two-story cooperative building worth ₱4.3 million, funded through former Congressman Arnan C. Panaligan. The 200-square-meter lot donated by the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan, through the late Bishop Warlito I. Cajandig and continued by Bishop Moises M. Cuevas, now stands as the cooperative’s permanent home, symbolizing the vision and solidarity that brought the mission to life.

Weathering Challenges, Strengthening Commitment

Like all cooperatives, S-LMC faced challenges, most notably delinquent accounts that threatened financial stability.

In response, the cooperative implemented stricter restructuring guidelines and mediation programs in 2023, encouraging members to regularize their accounts.

To deepen member participation, S-LMC began recognizing top contributors in savings, capital build-up, and responsible membership. The interest rate on savings deposits was raised from 1% to 2%.

Through transparency, open communication, and committed volunteer leadership, the cooperative continued to thrive.

Awards & Impact

Over the years, S-LMC has earned numerous awards recognizing its excellence, including CDA’s Best Social and Community Outreach Program, Most Outstanding Cooperative in Oriental Mindoro, multiple Gawad Parangal honors, and the Best Cooperative Manager Award for Fr. Simplicio A. Bonquin. Yet beyond these accolades, the cooperative’s true impact is reflected in the lives it transforms: farmers gain financial freedom, parents benefit from fair, member-focused policies, young entrepreneurs access tools for their livelihoods, families earn from new ventures, and members find vital support in times of need, demonstrating how S-LMC turns recognition into real, life-changing service.

Continuing the Mission, Embracing the Future

Under the leadership of Chairperson Myrna B. Lunario and General Manager Fr. Simplicio A. Bonquin, S-LMC continues to dream boldly. Among its upcoming goals are strengthening youth involvement through a Youth Engagement Program, becoming a major rice supplier to other cooperatives, partnering with Mangyan communities for cow’s milk production, exploring soy production initiatives, and providing stable salaries for cooperative staff.

As S-LMC looks to the future, it remains firmly rooted in faith, service, and the power of collective aspiration, a reminder that when people unite around shared dreams and God’s grace, small beginnings can grow into life-changing missions.