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The Kabangasan-Mapua Agrarian Reform Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (KAMADA) is a cooperative in Balingoan, Misamis Oriental that continues to support farmers and small entrepreneurs through accessible financial and enterprise services.
Established in 2001 with assistance from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), KAMADA began by offering lending and livelihood support to agrarian reform beneficiaries in Barangay Mapua. Over the years, it has expanded to include a consumer store, agricultural marketing, and trucking operations to meet the changing needs of its members
“Our cooperative started with the goal of helping farmers and microentrepreneurs improve their livelihoods,” said Engr. Rico Badilla, General Manager of KAMADA. “We focus on providing services that are practical and responsive to what our members need.”
Among KAMADA’s key initiatives is the Ginagmay nga Negosyo Loan (GNL), a microfinance program that provides small and flexible loans to members running micro and small businesses. To sustain and expand this program, KAMADA partnered with the Foundation for a Sustainable Society, Inc. (FSSI).
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The partnership began after KAMADA leaders learned about FSSI’s work and its commitment to promoting social enterprises that balance social, environmental, and economic goals. Through this collaboration, FSSI provided loan support and technical assistance to strengthen KAMADA’s GNL program.
“FSSI’s support has allowed us to reach more microentrepreneurs and improve how we manage our lending services,” Engr. Badilla said. “It has also helped us build stronger systems and align our operations with sustainable enterprise practices.”
With FSSI’s assistance, KAMADA has been able to expand its microfinance portfolio and improve its cooperative management. The support also enabled the cooperative to enhance its impact monitoring and planning processes.
Looking ahead, KAMADA aims to continue expanding its services in agricultural marketing, consumer retail, and logistics. It also plans to strengthen its financial systems and digital tools to better serve its members.
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“We aim to continue growing as a cooperative that supports inclusive economic development in our community,” Engr. Badilla shared.
KAMADA’s story shows how cooperatives continue to strengthen local economies and support community livelihoods. It also reflects how FSSI works with cooperatives by providing financing and technical assistance that help them grow their enterprises and better serve their communities.
Guided by its Triple Bottom Line (People, Planet, Profit) approach, FSSI partners with cooperatives like KAMADA to build enterprises that are not only financially sustainable but also socially inclusive and environmentally responsible.
