Serving our community since 1964.

Founded in 1964, ISAT U & Community Multipurpose Cooperative has grown from a small credit union into one of Iloilo’s enduring cooperative institutions. With approximately ₱195 million in assets and nearly 1,000 members, the cooperative continues to empower individuals through accessible financial services, community-oriented enterprises, and a steadfast commitment to cooperative values.

The roots of a cooperative movement

The cooperative movement traces its origins to the middle of the nineteenth century, when people came together to address common economic and social challenges through collective action. Built on the principles of mutual assistance, democratic participation, and shared benefit, cooperatives provided individuals with opportunities to improve their livelihoods while strengthening their communities.

Over time, the movement spread across the world and eventually took root in the Philippines, where cooperatives became important vehicles for financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and community development. It was within this broader movement that what is now known as ISAT U & Community Multipurpose Cooperative began its own journey.

The founding of the cooperative (1963–1964)

The history of the cooperative can be traced to School Year 1963–1964, when the Iloilo School of Arts and Trades Alumni, Teachers and Employees Cooperative was organized to serve the needs of its members.

A significant milestone was reached on January 6, 1964, when the completed Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of the ISAT Alumni, Teachers and Employees Cooperative Credit Union, Inc. were submitted to the Cooperatives Administration Office under the Department of Commerce and Industry. The following day, January 7, 1964, the cooperative was officially registered and recognized under the leadership of then Director Cecilio Montemayor.

This formal registration marked the beginning of a member-owned institution founded on the ideals of cooperation, financial responsibility, and shared progress.

Growth and formal registration (1976)

As the cooperative matured and expanded its services, it sought to align its operations with the evolving legal framework governing cooperatives in the Philippines.

On March 15, 1976, the organization was registered as the Iloilo School of Arts and Trades Credit Union, Inc. under the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 175 and Letter of Implementation No. 23. It was issued Certificate of Registration No. P-369 RR by the Department of Local Government and Community Development (DLGCD), Bureau of Cooperatives Development, through Undersecretary Orlando J. Sacay.

The cooperative also carried Confirmation No. ILO-C-265 issued by the Cooperative Development Authority in Iloilo City, further strengthening its legal and institutional foundation.

This period marked an important stage in the cooperative’s development as it continued to build trust among members and expand its capacity to serve their financial needs.

Becoming WVCST Multi-Purpose Cooperative (1995)

As the institution it served evolved, so too did the cooperative.

Recognizing the growing and changing needs of its membership, the cooperative amended its Articles of Cooperation and By-Laws and adopted a new name: Western Visayas College of Science and Technology Multi-Purpose Cooperative (WVCST MPC).

The amendments were approved by the Cooperative Development Authority in Iloilo City on May 17, 1995, under the provisions of Republic Act No. 6938.

The transition from a credit union to a multipurpose cooperative reflected a broader vision for service. Beyond providing loans and savings opportunities, the cooperative sought to create additional programs and enterprises that would generate value for members and contribute to their overall well-being.

The transition to ISAT U & Community MPC (2017)

Another major milestone came with the transformation of the Western Visayas College of Science and Technology into the Iloilo Science and Technology University.

To reflect this institutional change and its expanding role within the community, the cooperative amended its name from the Western Visayas College of Science and Technology Multi-Purpose Cooperative to Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) and Community Multipurpose Cooperative.

The amendment was approved by the Cooperative Development Authority on April 10, 2017, under Amendment No. 9520-06008210.

The new name affirmed the cooperative’s continuing partnership with the university while recognizing its broader commitment to serving members and the wider community.

Growth through service and innovation

From its humble beginnings as a credit union, ISAT U & Community MPC has steadily expanded both its membership base and its range of services.

What started primarily as a lending institution has evolved into a diversified multipurpose cooperative that responds to the changing needs of its members. In addition to financial services, the cooperative has developed and managed enterprises such as dormitories, convenience stores, laundromats, and a copy center, providing practical services while generating opportunities for sustainable growth.

This expansion reflects the cooperative’s commitment to remaining relevant and responsive in an ever-changing environment. By continuously identifying new ways to serve its members, the cooperative has strengthened its role as a trusted partner in improving economic security and quality of life.

Today, with approximately ₱195 million in assets and nearly 1,000 members, ISAT U & Community MPC stands as one of the enduring cooperative institutions in Iloilo, empowering members through accessible financial services while contributing to community development and shared prosperity.

Looking ahead

More than six decades after its founding, ISAT U & Community MPC continues to build upon a legacy rooted in cooperation, service, and shared success.

Guided by its vision, mission, and core cooperative principles, the organization remains committed to delivering quality services, fostering financial empowerment, and creating opportunities that improve the lives of its members. As it embraces new challenges and opportunities, the cooperative continues to pursue innovation, sustainability, and excellence while remaining true to the values that inspired its founders in 1964.

The story of ISAT U & Community MPC is one of resilience, growth, and collective achievement—a testament to what can be accomplished when people work together toward a common purpose.