Sowing Change: The Growth of QFUC in Quezon
As one of the largest provinces in the country, Quezon is home to approximately two million people and boasts a thriving economy, driven by agriculture, trade, and local enterprises. Its cities—Lucena and Tayabas—serve as hubs of cultural heritage and commercial activity.
Driving this dynamic development is its vibrant cooperative movement. According to the Cooperative Development Authority, Quezon hosts more than 500 registered cooperatives, that generate employment, enhance commercial and agricultural productivity, and promote inclusive growth in their communities.
At the forefront of this movement is the Quezon Federation and Union of Cooperatives (QFUC) – a pillar institution dedicated to supporting cooperatives across Regions IV-A and B through financial and technical assistance.
Uniting cooperatives for a common purpose
QFUC was established in December 1970 with the support of six primary cooperatives in the province, aiming to coordinate collective action and amplify their impact.
“Back then, cooperatives were closely tied with the social action initiatives of the churches,” said former Chair and current Treasurer Paz Bobadilla. “There was a clamor to create a council to guide and represent these organizations. That’s how the Quezon Union of Cooperatives Inc. was formed, which eventually became the QFUC.”
With a vision as a multi-industry organization catalyzing inclusive socio-economic growth, QFUC now serves 168 member cooperatives through capacity-building and lending programs.
Equipping cooperatives; financing initiatives to respond to community needs
As an accredited training provider of CDA, QFUC offers mandatory and specialized training for cooperatives. These include lakbay-aral (learning visits) and event management services to strengthen local enterprise and community initiatives.
In partnership with the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF), QFUC has trained newly established organizations in Padre Burgos and Agdangan. From December 2024 to March 2025, organizations such as the Padre Burgos Farmers Consumer Cooperative, Sta. Rita Agriculture Cooperative, Agdangan Fishermen Cooperative, and Padre Burgos Fruits and Vegetables Farmers Association participated in training covering cooperative management and governance, financial management and bookkeeping, credit and risk management, leadership and values formation, and strategic planning.
To further empower members, QFUC also offers tailored loan products, including pondong pangnegosyo (enterprise loans), fixed asset loans, and executive loans, to address the financial needs of its network.
Value-adding for coconut farmers
In a significant milestone, QFUC was chosen by the Philippine Rural Development Program of the Department of Agriculture to manage a Php 70-million virgin coconut oil (VCO) processing facility in Pagbilao. Launched in April 2024, the facility is expected to process up to 15,000 nuts per day, boosting incomes for coconut farmers and generating jobs for the local community.
“This initiative is expected to generate a net surplus that will benefit our members and stakeholders,” QFUC staff Mc J Pangan said.
A Legacy of Cooperative Impact
The work of QFUC stands as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of cooperativism. From its early days as a response to social causes to its present-day leadership in regional development, QFUC continues to champion the values of resilience, collaboration, and inclusive growth.
Its legacy is one of impact, not only in strengthening the cooperative sector but also in uplifting lives and transforming communities across Quezon.