SOEMCO in the Philippines: A Model for Cooperative Growth and Innovation

Strategic Planning for a Stronger Future

The workshop initially started as a Structured Problem-Solving session, first conducted for AgriCOOPh in December 2024. Due to its success, primary cooperatives like SOEMCO expressed interest in receiving similar training, leading to an expanded Strategic Planning Workshop. The event took place mid–March 2025. The goal was not only to address immediate operational challenges but also to establish a clear and repeatable framework for decision-making. Additionally, as SOEMCO prepares to develop its five-year strategic plan, the workshop provided a timely opportunity to refine its strategies and strengthen its organizational foundations.

Sparking New Ventures for SOEMCO

SOEMCO, a key multi-purpose cooperative and member of AgriCOOPh, took a step toward growth during the strategic planning workshop. With a terrific result! Eight dynamic enterprise plans across savings and credit, consumer retail, hardware, and agribusiness – designed to boost resilience and market competitiveness. 
Hand in hand with DGRV’s agribusiness experts, SOEMCO also mapped out a start-up seaweed production enterprise, set to enhance fishing community livelihoods and promote marine conservation. Meanwhile, a SWOT analysis lead to an exciting new venture: “Koop Farm Factory” on Siargao Island. This initiative will cater to the booming tourism industry, lower farm product prices, and optimize cooperative resources.

A Hands-On Approach to Capacity Building

SOEMCO’s board of directors, committee members, management team, department heads, and selected personnel actively participated in workshop. Combining lectures with hands-on exercises, collaboration and practical application of problem-solving techniques were encouraged. To ensure a structured approach, participants utilized documentation templates for process tracking and explored various business analytics and planning tools for potential adoption. A key feature of the initiative was its emphasis on training AgriCOOPh’s business development officers and cooperative staff, following a trainer’s training approach. By integrating this method, the program aimed to ensure the long-term replication of knowledge and skills within the federation, making a lasting impact beyond SOEMCO itself.

Strengthening Agricultural Enterprises with DGRV Support

DGRV’s cooperation with SOEMCO includes several ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening its agricultural business activities. One such initiative focuses on seaweed production, where SOEMCO receives assistance in market linkage, agricultural questions, business planning, and operational management. Another key project, the Koop Farm Factory, benefits from DGRV’s expertise in business modelling and production planning. These initiatives align with DGRV’s broader objective of empowering AgriCOOPh to independently support its members. The long-term vision is to increase the turnover of agricultural business activities within the federation, introduce sustainable farming methods to at least 1,000 cooperative members, and develop new services related to agricultural value chains.

A Sustainable Path Forward

With this momentum, SOEMCO is well on its way to solidifying its position as a leading cooperative, while AgriCOOPh continues to grow as a vital support system for agricultural cooperatives nationwide.

A Project Story of the Month by DGRV Philippines