Through this scheme, more funds were raised and the body decided to expand their operation by putting up a canteen that caters the meals for the employees. The operation was not so successful because the working committee still lacks skills and necessary information, thus, became a setback for growing the business. The situation constrained the authorities to let the operation be managed by private people who can focus the business.
The initial operation was headed by Engr. Paulino B. Turla as the President, and Engineering Services Chief; Mrs. Zenaida P. Jacinto, Office Services Chief; Mrs. Elizabeth C. Roxas, Special Projects Officer; Ms. Evelyn Tamayo, Storekeeper; Mrs. Mabel Domingo, Auditor and Mrs. Ailyn Reyes as Cashier.
Years passed, the newly appointed General Manager of QUIRELCO noticed the need of the association to have its own office. Thus, he took the responsibility of providing portion of the store room of QUIRELCO and office supplies for the association to utilize.

 

               A question on the association’s lack of legal identity was raised and the body agreed to register it with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 30, 1971 with starting capital of P 250,000.00 and issued registration SEC No. ANO91-191371 named as QUIRELCO Employees Economic Development Association (QUEEDA) with its purposes and objectives.  

General Purpose:
The association shall carry out development activities to support pro – poor projects particularly in community organization; project development planning; manpower development; monitoring and evaluation; small business management; livelihood projects; environmental enhancement, health and nutrition; information dissemination and mutual benefit services.

    Specific Purposes:
• To conduct  leadership programs and trainings for the members
• To be recognized as a Non-Government Organization with branches for the implementation of government projects as well as the private sector
• To raise fund for activities and other purposes of foundation; any property, real or personal offered as gifts or donations from legitimate sources; be held administered and disposed  in accordance to the pursuant of the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation; and
• To work with other charitable organizations in assisting economically disadvantaged people and help them attain better living conditions.

            Like any other entity, the organization also experienced twist and turns but the obstacles encountered were resolved through the commitment and dedication of the officers and members. This led to the expansion of the business associated with the creation of a grocery located in front of QUIRELCO Main Office. The growth became noticeable and these convinced the Board of Directors with the persuasion of Mr. Clemente S. Salvador as the General Manager of QUIRELCO, to reorganize the association and make it function with the working principles of a regular cooperative. ​

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            The QUIRELCO Employees Economic Development Association (QUEEDA) was then registered to the Cooperative Development Authority on Nov. 17, 1992 at Tuguegarao, Cagayan with CDA Registration No. TUG-284 named as QUIRELCO EMPLOYEES MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE INC. During the registration, there were sixty five (65) members of the cooperative and the elected officers were also workers of QUIRELCO. They were: Elizabeth DC Roxas, Chairman; Engr. Wilson C. Martinez, Vice Director; Mely C. Seroma, Director/Bookkeeper; Imelda B. Evangelista, Director/Treasurer; Primo C. Clemente, Director; and Evelyn T. Clemente, Storekeeper.

            With the sacrifices and patience showed by the officers supported by the members, the operation boomed and catered not only the needs of the members but extended to their relatives and friends. The progress made the authorities decide to ask financial assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry subject to conditions that the cooperative should have an open membership not only for the QUIRELCO employees and there should be an appointed manager. The condition for an open membership made the cooperative change name to ABRASA MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE, INC on May 31, 1994 and the area of operation is province wide and later expanded to the Province of Isabela in 2007. The name Abrasa is adopted from an Ilocano term meaning “shake hands” or “hold hands”, in line with the purpose of promoting the welfare of the members.

            On July of 1994, the Abrasa-Multi-Purpose Cooperative is spearheaded by Mrs. Elizabeth DC Roxas as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Mrs. Evelyn T. Clemente as appointed Manager. After complying with the requirement, the cooperative acquired a loan of Two Million Pesos (Php 2,000,000.00) from the Department of Trade and Industry on October 28, 1994 which was allotted to small and medium scale industries in the province. The continuing progress of the cooperative led the Board of Directors to hire full time employees to focus on the implementation of its programs and services. A loan processor/clerk was first hired on October 24, 1994 and Bookkeeper on June 20, 1996. An additional loan of one million pesos was given by the DTI through the President Fidel V. Ramos in the celebration of the 25th Founding Anniversary of the province.

             The exceptional performance of the cooperative together with the dedicated and hardworking staff was given credit when the cooperative was adjudged as the Outstanding Cooperatives in Region II on October 23, 1996. Another award was given by the DTI for the hundred percent repayment of the loan amortization. Due to its stupendous outbreak, the Land Bank of the Philippines also offered the cooperative for a rediscounting loan later 1996.This opportunity escalated the drive for the cooperative to borrow money from outside sources in line with the intensifying demands of the members. The first approved credit line was Php 500,000.00 with its first loan of Php 293,250.00 on December 23, 1996.

             In light of its exigency to effectively cater the demands of the members, the officers decided to seek financial assistance for the office building construction and Congressman Junie E. Cua (now Governor) generously offered Php 250,000.00 from the Countryside Development fund on January 22, 1998 with the initiative of the Department of Public Works and Highways. Moreover, on July 29, 1998, Hon. Delfin V. Vaquilar Jr., Mayor of Diffun, Quirino, with the cooperation of the Sanggunian Bayan Members led by Hon. Rey Antolin, Vice Mayor, approved the Memorandum of Agreement of 120 square meters government lot for the proposed site of the office building.

            The building construction was started on the later part of 1998. Due to limited funds, the construction was not completed. During that time, the officers struggled to find a way to explore other sources for the realization of the office building. Their tremendous efforts were remunerated when the cooperative was chosen to be a recipient of the Lingap Para sa Mahirap Fund of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile which amounts to Php 160,000.00. After four (4) years of rigid fund sourcing and with the Abrasa-MPC who shouldered           Php 430,000.00, the phase one (1) of the building was finally at their grasp and inaugurated on December 28, 2002.

 

              A year later, the Abrasa MPC Agri-vet supply located at Public Market, Diffun, Quirino was opened August 28, 2003 to fulfill the needs of the farmer-members. The Member Savings Operation (MSO) was introduced and launched September 21, 2004 to encourage thrift among members.

              Despite of stagnant economic environment, nitpicky weather condition felt throughout the region, hullabaloos and disparagements, Abrasa MPC stood strong and gritty to serve the members with highest respect and commitment. It has established major undertakings in 2005. The Abrasa MPC Grains Center & Abrasa MPC Agri-vet Supply at Cabarroguis, Quirino. The phase 2 of the office building was constructed through the generosity of the members who donated ninety percent (90%) of their interest on share capital and patronage refund earned for 2007.  Espousal of Western Union money transfer in 2008, a warehouse of 10,000 bags capacity was purchased in 2009 and embraced the challenge to engage in hotel operation in August of 2010.

              The strong and active partnership of the cooperative to different agencies, institutions, co-coops, GO’s & NGO’s local and international who extended financial and technical assistance has also contributed to its success.  The assistance extended by the European Commission and the Department of Agriculture who donated funds and facilities paved the way for the coop to establish the production of organic fertilizer through vermicomposting.

               With the timely, relevant programs and services, well-built camaraderie of the employees as well as the members served as their instrument in moving forward, the jam-packed commitment of the Board of Directors, officers and staff acted as shield and armor in overcoming hindrances, all was a success and efforts were compensated with laurels. This is just an indication that the cooperative had applied a logical and strategic management style that transformed the cooperative into an invincible association not only in the province but throughout the country, thus, obtained the confidence of the members as well as the people in the community. The cooperative was adjudged and recognized as one of the most respected cooperatives in the country as evidenced by its various awards/citations received.  Provincial Winner in the Search for Outstanding Small Farmer/Fisherfolk Organization for 2007, 2009, 2010 & 2011. Second placer in 2007 and winner in 2011 regional level in the same search and 2nd placer in its first attempt to join the national competition conducted by the Department of Agriculture. Awardee as one of the Outstanding Community United In Action (CUA Awards) in the province in 2010.  Regional winner for Best Productivity and Improvement Program (PIP) and National Finalist for the year 2009 & 2011 by the Regional/National Tripartite Wage & Productivity Board (NTWPB/RTWPB), 2011 SME Star Elite Awardee, Most Innovative Product for vermicast organic fertilizer awarded by the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), 2012 Outstanding Cooperative, Category B – Gawad Marlo S. Guillermo Award and 2012 National Winner, GAWAD SAKA Outstanding Small Farmer/Fisherfolk Organization

               Nowadays, the significant accomplishment of the Abrasa MPC is manifested by the employment generated from two (2) to thirty two (32) full time employees and Total Assets of P 81,664,042.99.
  These achievements have not been attained without the unparalleled dedication coupled with commitment of the officers and staff of Abrasa MPC to include the unselfish support of the political leaders and the untiring support and cooperation of the members-our clients, our fuel in our quest for success.