Barbaza Multi-Purpose Cooperative Relief Assistance to our Members and Response to COVID-19 Health Crisis

As of April 26, 2020, a total of 7,579 confirmed COVID-19 cases including 501 deaths and 862 recoveries have been reported in the Philippines. The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) is carefully considering the decision to extend the current Enhanced Community Quarantine beyond April 30, 2020, taking into consideration the potential public health consequences and the socio economic impact on the overall country, as well as vulnerable groups whose livelihood have been negatively affected by the ongoing restrictions. While the Enhanced Community Quarantine was designed to keep communities apart so that we’ll stay safe at home, it has the welcome side effect of reigniting our sense of community. Over the course of the past weeks, we’ve seen people, organizations, and even businesses band together to help those who have been affected by the ECQ. Among those who have answered the call to help are cooperatives all over the country.

As an institution that values volunteerism and cooperation, Barbaza Multi-Purpose Cooperative sees this health crisis as an opportunity to further extend its services, resources and support. During this time we can fully realize our mission and vision as the Leading Cooperative not only on financial aspect but most importantly on social and community services. Barbaza MPC has done several activities in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in its 10 Branches in Panay Island by contributing and augmenting with the government in its efforts and also to the lives of our members.

1. COVID-19 Community Assistance

Being a billionaire cooperative with more than 70,000 regular members in Region VI, the Officers and Management crafted the community assistance solely for its members. With the assistance of municipal health officers, the staff and volunteers of Barbaza MPC risks their lives in giving relief goods composed of food packs or cash to members especially those who live in the mountainous and rural areas whose access to food and basic necessities is hindered due to the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

Barbaza Main Office

Culasi Branch

Sibalom Branch

San Jose Branch

Balasan Branch

Barotac Viejo Branch

Caticlan Branch

Molo Branch

Kalibo Branch

Janiuay Branch

2. Purchasing of Member’s Products

Barbaza MPC is very keen on supporting the backbone of our economy, the farmers. Due to travel restrictions brought by the ECQ, food supply is greatly affected and farmers finds it difficult to sell their harvest.

Due to the situation that the farmers are facing, the cooperative centers its thrust in supporting local farmers and producers by buying their products (vegetables, legumes, pickled products and dried fish) and distributes as relief packs to the members. Through this intervention, the farmers are taking their part in contributing to the community.

3. Donation of PPE’s, Alcohol and Face Mask to Hospitals and RHUs.

It is only deemed proper to return the services of our frontliners against COVID-19 by providing the much needed PPEs, Alcohols and Face Masks. Barbaza MPC spearheaded the procuring and distributing such to Hospitals and RHUs.

4. COOP Response Against COVID-19

Coop Response Against COVID-19 is a program in which staff are directed to prepare and distribute food packs to the frontliners (health workers and uniformed personnel). Providing them the delicious and nutritious foods together with vitamins and fruits are our way of showing support and appreciation.