Koronadal City – The North Cotabato Zone Stanfilco Employees Cooperative (NOCOZSEMPCO) received a P400,000 cash grant from the Department of Labor and Employment Region XII on 14 July 2025 as Phase 1 assistance of the DOLE Adjustment Measures Program (DOLE-AMP) to support the expansion of its water refilling station business. 

The funding will aid in the expansion of the NOCOZSEMPCO Water Refilling Station in Makilala, Cotabato.  NOCOZSEMPCO is a cooperative-run enterprise that seeks to provide safe, clean, and affordable drinking water to the community while ensuring compliance with health and sanitation standards. 

The RTWPB-XII endorsed the cooperative to DOLE-XII for the AMP grant, citing its outstanding performance as a 2023 Productivity Olympics Regional Winner. The regional board also provided technical assistance to NOCOZSEMPCO in preparing and documenting their project proposal. 

“This Phase 1 assistance marks the start of a promising expansion for a community-driven enterprise,” said DOLE-XII Regional Director Joel M. Gonzales, CESO III. “We see NOCOZSEMPCO as a model for sustainable, values-based business that uplifts its members and serves the public well,” he added.   

With the grant, the cooperative plans to improve its delivery systems, enhance customer service, and build a sustainable model that could eventually expand to other barangays or municipalities. 

DOLE-XII reaffirmed its commitment to empowering worker-led enterprises like NOCOZSEMPCO, whose mission aligns with regional efforts to promote inclusive growth and productivity (Randy Oliver M. Legada).