“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – GRICPC
The Gupa Rural Improvement Club Producers Cooperative (GRICPC) is a shining example of what a united community can achieve with determination and a shared vision. On March 15, 2025, after years of perseverance, the cooperative proudly opened its first pasalubong store and eatery in Brgy. Gupa, Dipaculao, Aurora—a dream realized through grit, patience, and teamwork.
Their journey began in 2022 when women from Brgy. Gupa banded together with the goal of improving their lives through a community-based enterprise. From a makeshift kitchen and processing area in a vacant building of the barangay, they began producing products like turmeric blend, turmeric candy, and banana chips. However, like many new cooperatives, they faced hardships—limited resources, unsold products, misunderstandings, and even natural calamities that damaged their farms and raw material sources.
“Nagsimula kami sa ipinahiram na facility ng barangay para maiproseso yung mga sarili naming ani na turmeric at saging. Ngunit madalas nasisira ang produkto dahil walang bumibili at walang kitang pumapasok, kaya minsan ay nawawalan ng gana ang iba,” recalled Ms. Ronalyn de Guzman, former president and now manager of GRICPC. “May mga hindi pagkakaunawaan din. Pero kahit mahirap, hindi kami sumuko.”
Instead of giving up, they stayed committed. The members worked hand in hand, learning from each challenge and strengthening their foundation little by little. Crucial to their journey was the support from government agencies, particularly the Negosyo Center Dipaculao, which provided skills training and product development and facilitated their access to other Department of Trade and Industry – Aurora programs such as Kapatid Mentor Micro Enterprises (KMME), Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), and Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG). These DTI interventions enhanced their skills in food production, marketing, and business management, boosting product quality, exposure, demand, and cooperative operations.
“Malaki ang naging tulong ng DTI Aurora,” Ms. De Guzman shared. “Dahil sa mga programa nila, na-improve ang itsura ng produkto at tumaas ang kita sa Coco Jam, Bukayo, at Pakumbo. Naging maayos din ang pamamalakad ng cooperative at meron na kaming maayos na production area.”
As their operations grew, they reinvested their earnings into a catering service and developed new products to expand their offerings and customer reach, serving other local clients, travelers, and tourists. This growth not only sustained their business but also benefited the local community by creating jobs and supporting local farmer suppliers.
From a small group of hopefuls, GRICPC has become a driving force for community development. Their newly opened Pasalubong store and eatery is more than a business—it’s a symbol of collective resilience and empowerment.
Their story stands as a beacon for other grassroots groups, proving that with unity, support, and persistence, dreams can indeed transform lives. ♦
Date of Release: 03 June 2025
MSME Information:
Name of Business: Gupa Rural Improvement Club Producer’s Cooperative
Manager / Operations Head: Ronalyn De Guzman
Address: Purok 3 Brgy Gupa Dipaculao Aurora
Email/CP No.: 09107789542
