Last May 24, 2025, the Cooperative Management class of Dr. Loreta V. Garlitos conducted a successful educational visit to the Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives (NSCC) in Vigan City. The primary aim of the activity was to deepen the students’ understanding of the operations, structure, and best practices of a cooperative federation in the Philippines.

The visit began with a solemn audio-visual prayer presentation, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the NSCC hymn. These initial activities set a patriotic and unifying tone for the day. Participants also recited the Cooperative Pledge, reinforcing their commitment to the core values of cooperativism. The NSCC’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values were presented, providing a foundation for the subsequent discussions.

A Preliminary Membership Education Seminar (PMES) served as the cornerstone of the visit. Ms. Maria Lourdes Torrijas Torreno led the orientation, highlighting the vital role cooperatives play in promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for members. Dr. Garlitos emphasized the academic importance of studying cooperatives’ contributions to socio-economic development.

Ms. Torreno showcased NSCC’s best practices, including a competitive 5% compounded interest on time deposits and an impressive 16% rate for pioneer members. She also introduced various loan offerings, such as clean loans up to ₱150,000, and provincial and regular loans with annual interest rates of 6% and 20%, respectively. She further highlighted the NSCC-Mutual Benefit Association, Inc. (NSCC-MBAI), which provides integrated insurance services to members.

An engaging Q&A session followed. MBA-2 student Mr. Neil Reginalde asked about strategies NSCC employs to achieve its goals. Ms. Torreno responded by detailing a structured five-year development plan with regular monthly evaluations. When asked about past challenges, she candidly shared how NSCC navigated the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and Typhoon Egay, underscoring the organization’s resilience and adaptability.

Dr. Garlitos delved into the cooperative’s historical ties with the Catholic Church. Ms. Torreno shared that NSCC continues to support the church through special programs and housing for clergy, including a monthly honorarium for the Cardinal. A church representative also holds an ex-officio seat on the NSCC Board of Directors, ensuring continued ecclesiastical oversight. However, Ms. Torreno emphasized the organization’s inclusive nature—religious affiliation is not a requirement for leadership positions within the cooperative.

In the afternoon, the group toured the NSCC Plaza and Business Center, where members displayed a variety of goods in a bustling “palengke/talipapa”-style marketplace. This allowed students to witness firsthand how NSCC supports member entrepreneurship and local commerce.

The highlight of the afternoon was a courtesy call with NSCC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Divina C. Quemi, who shared the organization’s long-term strategic direction and vision. The visit concluded with a comprehensive tour of key NSCC departments, including the Training and Collection Department, the Accounting and General Support Services, and the CEO’s Office. Students also visited the NSCC Farm at Stella Maris Hotel and Convention Center, showcasing the cooperative’s diversified ventures.

The learning visit proved to be an enriching experience for the MBA students, offering a deeper appreciation of the cooperative’s role in local development and the real-world application of business management principles. It also emphasized the NSCC’s dedication to inclusive economic progress, operational sustainability, and its enduring connection to the community and the church.

Written by: Jen R. Toluan and Dr. Loreta V. Garlitos