The story of Panamar Ko Ranao Marketing Cooperative is a powerful testament to the spirit of resilience, community empowerment, and relentless pursuit of sustainable growth. From our humble beginnings in the challenging aftermath of the Marawi Siege to our current position as a beacon of agricultural innovation, every step has been a significant achievement. We invite you to explore the pivotal moments that have shaped our cooperative and fueled our commitment to a brighter future for Lanao del Sur.

Our Foundation: Born from Necessity, Built on Hope (2017)

Our journey began in 2017, emerging directly from the urgent needs of communities striving to rebuild after the devastation of the Marawi Siege. In this period of profound challenge, a determined group of individuals united with a singular, powerful vision: to cultivate sustainable economic growth and create vital new income opportunities.

• Official Establishment: Panamar Ko Ranao Marketing Cooperative was officially founded in Ganassi, Lanao del Sur, and formally registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) on December 29, 2017.
• Founding Members and Initial Capital: We started with a dedicated group of 15 cooperators who pooled their resources to establish an initial paid-up capital of PhP 15,000. This modest sum was the seed from which all our subsequent growth blossomed.

Strategic Evolution: From Reselling to Direct Production (2020)

Initially, our cooperative focused on reselling local products to generate immediate income for our members. However, the global landscape shifted dramatically with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, presenting new challenges and a critical turning point. Under the visionary leadership of Chairman Hamdanie T. Tahir, we recognized an opportunity for deeper impact and greater self-reliance.

• Strategic Pivot to Agriculture: In 2020, instead of retreating, Panamar Ko Ranao made a bold strategic pivot, venturing into direct agricultural production. This decisive move marked our transformation from a small-scale reseller to an integrated agricultural producer.
• Significant Land Acquisition: We acquired approximately 20 hectares of land in Camponga-Raya, Ganassi, specifically for coconut cultivation and production. This acquisition not only boosted our production capacity but also underscored our commitment to self-sufficiency and long-term sustainability.

Demonstrating Financial Health and Community Impact (2023-2024)

Our financial progress is a direct reflection of our effective management and the collective efforts of our members. More importantly, our financial success is intentionally designed to flow back into the community, embodying our philosophy of shared prosperity.

• Remarkable Asset Growth: From an initial paid-up share capital of just PhP 15,000 in 2017, our cooperative’s total assets have grown steadily to over PhP 2.8 million.
• Increased Net Surplus: We achieved a remarkable increase in net surplus by over 170% in a single year, from PhP 53,610 in 2023 to PhP 144,900 in 2024. This highlights our operational success and efficient management.
• Direct Member Benefits – Profit-Sharing: In line with our cooperative structure under Republic Act 9520, a significant portion of our net surplus is distributed back to our members. In 2024 alone, we allocated over PhP 101,000 for distribution to our members through interest on share capital and patronage refunds, directly rewarding their vital contributions to our collective success.
• Guaranteed Market and Fair Pricing: Through strategic supply contracts, we provide our farmers with a stable and guaranteed market for their coconuts. This crucial support shields them from market volatility and price drops, ensuring a predictable and fair income that significantly aids their financial planning and stability.
• Community Development and Education Funds: Our commitment extends beyond direct financial returns. We reinvest a portion of our net surplus into statutory funds, ensuring our financial success contributes directly to social and educational progress.
  • The Community Development Fund (CDF) supports projects benefiting the wider community. For example, in March 2024, the CDF proudly supported a community-wide Clean-up Drive in Ganassi.
  • The Cooperative Education and Training Fund (CETF) fosters the professional growth of our members. In 2024, we allocated over PhP 14,000 to the CETF, providing training on improved agricultural practices, sustainable farming techniques, and new technologies.

Cultivating Partnerships and Expanding Reach

We understand that true growth comes through collaboration. Our strategic alliances and outreach initiatives are crucial for strengthening our technical capabilities and expanding our market presence.

• Engagement with Online Platforms: To broaden our reach in the digital economy, we are actively developing our presence on regional e-commerce platforms, including E-Bangsamoro and Padian sa Bangsamoro.
• Government Collaborations: We partner closely with key government bodies to enhance our technical capabilities. These include the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).

Future Commitments: Aiming for Excellence

Our journey is far from over. We are continuously striving for higher standards and broader impact.

• Certifications for Quality: We are actively working towards securing organic and Halal certifications for our products. These certifications will not only broaden our market access but also serve as a formal validation of our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of quality, purity, and ethical production.

These milestones represent not just achievements, but stepping stones towards Panamar Ko Ranao’s vision of becoming a leading cooperative in the Philippines, recognized for its unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community development.