Nisa Ibrahim
In the last day of the National Women’s Month, we highlight the inspiring journey of the Lemba Nu Bangsamoro Marketing Cooperative (LNBMC) and its Chairwoman, Nisa Ibrahim—a story of resilience, leadership, and transformation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The cooperative traces its roots back to the early 2000s, during a time of armed conflict. Then known as Talayan Nurul Islam, Inc., the group was composed of women trained as medical first-aiders, serving their community amid displacement, uncertainty, and loss.
Even in the face of hardship, these women held on to a shared vision: to move beyond survival and build a future grounded in empowerment and economic independence.
Over time, that vision began to take shape.
From 2000 to 2008, they transitioned from a support group into a community enterprise, participating in skills training in dressmaking, food processing, and other income-generating activities. Then, in 2016, under the leadership of Chairwoman Nisa B. Ibrahim, the organization formally became the Lemba Nu Bangsamoro Marketing Cooperative with a membership of 116, largely composed of women.
From there, the cooperative expanded into value-added products such as calamansi juice and palapa. Eventually, after they recognized the vast potential of the coconut industry in BARMM, they began venturing into coconut processing—an opportunity that transformed their economic direction and strengthened their presence in local markets.
Still, the journey came with its share of challenges.
Limited technical knowledge, disruptions caused by conflict, and restricted access to broader markets made it difficult for members to fully realize their potential.
With support from the DTI RAPID Growth Project, Lemba strengthened its operations through capacity building, market exposure, and business development support. These interventions helped improve productivity, enhance product quality, and open new opportunities for growth.
Today, Lemba stands as a women-led cooperative driving both economic development and peacebuilding in their community.
Beyond increased income and expanded products, something even more meaningful has taken root—confidence, leadership, and a stronger collective voice among its women members.
This National Women’s Month, their story reminds us that when women are given the opportunity to lead and grow, they do more than build livelihoods. They strengthen communities, foster resilience, and create pathways toward lasting peace and inclusive development.
Be among the first to receive the latest news and updates from the RAPID Growth Project straight to your email address. Subscribe now!