THIRD BILLIONAIRE COOP IN KALINGA: PEOPMPC celebrates 34 Years in Service

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The Provincial Engineering Office Personnel Multi-purpose Cooperative (PEOPMPC) celebrated its 34th anniversary on October 31, 2025, highlighting its continuous excellent service to the members and its contribution to the province’s development.

The event was attended by key officials and the families of one of its founders and early drivers of growth, Bansen Bangibang.

During the celebration, several pioneer members who began the cooperative with Bangibang shared their memories of its humble beginnings — the hardships, sacrifices, and the faith of 49 individuals who first dared to establish the cooperative.

One of the speakers was Judith Alimani, daughter of the late founder, who shared how her father’s principles and passion guided the cooperative toward progress.

“Ni papak haan ngay suna nga diay magatadan ti prinsipyo na… adu metlang naitulong daytuy coop kanyami nga pamilya. Diba idi gamin bassit sahod na ni papa mi, isu nga nag-source out suna ti other cooperatives dituy ayan tayo. Kasi passion na talaga ti cooperative, dagiyay sacrifices ni papa mi adu nga talaga idi in-build up dytuy PEOPMC,” said Alimani.

With the theme “From Humble Beginnings to Empowered Prosperity,” the celebration was graced by various stakeholders and guests, including Provincial Governor James Edduba represented by Albert Gayyaman, May L. Bumatay from the Cooperative Development Authority, Arlene B. Oyando from the Philippine Cooperative Development Office, and PEOPMPC Board Chairperson Jayford W. Dongdongan, among others.

Representing the Governor, Gayyaman expressed admiration for PEOPMPC’s achievement of billionaire status—making it the third cooperative in Kalinga to reach such a milestone—and conveyed the Governor’s gratitude to the cooperative for its continued contribution to the province.

“I am impressed with what you have accomplished here, especially in achieving this billionaire status. Being a member of this cooperative myself—with my six children also members—I can say that this is truly an impressive milestone. The Governor is likewise very proud of PEOPMPC’s 34th anniversary, which stands as a great honor and recognition for the people of Kalinga,” said Gayyaman.

Meanwhile, Catherine Lee T. Uera, representative from the City Cooperative Enterprise and Development Office, lauded the cooperative for becoming the third billionaire cooperative in the province and encouraged members to aim for their next billion in the coming years.

 Uera also reported that more than ₱7.5 billion in assets have been accumulated by various cooperatives in Tabuk City. Her report also highlighted 134 registered cooperatives with a combined membership of 180,794 individuals.

In August 2025, PEOPMPC achieved a significant milestone by reaching ₱1 billion worth of assets, making it the third cooperative in the city to attain such status—following TAMPCO and TAFAMULCO.

As PEOPMPC moves forward, it continues to remain steadfast in its mission to promote financial stability, empower its members, and strengthen the cooperative movement in the province of Kalinga.