“Nothing great has ever been achieved without enthusiasm” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Last April 7, 2020 Magsaysay Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAGCOOP), in cooperation with Homer Foundation, Inc. (HFI) and Magsaysay – Mitsui O.S.K. Marine, Inc. (MMM), donated a total of 200 sacks of rice to Barangays 666 and 667 in Manila to help uplift the community where it operates. The sacks of rice were repacked and distributed to families whose sources of income were severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also MAGCOOP took steps in helping members and employees during COVID-19: For Members

• 30-day grace period for loan payments (as mandated by the Bayanihan to Heal as One Law) with waived interest, no late payment charges and accrued interest (interest on principal) as an act of good will.

• Release of interest on share capital and patronage refund. For Employees • Full release of March 30 payroll despite of Temporary Office Closure notice on March 17. • Early release of 50% of 13th month pay..

• Hazard pay to frontline employees including MAGCOOP-Ministop crew and MAGCOOP House front desk staff. • Free meals, mask, alcohol, lodging, and transportation to frontline employees.

• Free load for mobile hotspot for work-from-home employees who do not have internet connection at home.

MAGCOOP accommodated the Magsaysay seafarers who were greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to its transient houses, the MAGCOOP House and The Cabin. Despite challenges of operating such a facility amidst the pandemic,

MAGCOOP continues to provide a feeling of “home away from home” to Magsaysay community especially to those who were repatriated, sent home, and unable to book flights back to their provinces due to the Enhanced Community Quarantine. Free meals were also served including breakfast, lunch, and dinner to a total of 74 guests and employees. Aside from free meals, delivery services for purchased goods at the MAGCOOP-Ministop such as extra food, medicines, toiletries and more were also offered for free. With the on-going fight against the pandemic, all we can hope for is for everyone to unite and help each other in times of crisis. That is why cooperatives, such as MAGCOOP continues to display such enthusiasm and passion to heed the needs of the community and its members. #CoopsAgainstCOVID19 By: SKS and Magcoop Digital Marketing