Solidaritas Credit Cooperative (SCC) is a faith-rooted financial institution that offers specialized savings, investments, and loan services designed specifically for the Catholic clergy in the Philippines. With a mission to foster unity, support, and financial stability among priests, SCC provides not just cooperative membership but also a strong spiritual and social community. Founded in 1992, it has grown into a dynamic institution serving the financial needs of its members while supporting the apostolate of the Church.
Becoming a member of SCC is more than just gaining access to loans or savings—it’s about being part of a strong, value-centered cooperative that supports the clergy’s financial and spiritual well-being. With a firm foundation in the Church and a focus on solidarity and service, SCC continues to grow as a reliable financial partner for Catholic clergy across the Philippines. If you are interested in becoming part of this group, then, this guide is for you.
Background
SCC is a church-based financial institution established in 1992 by priests from the Archdiocese of Manila, originally known as Bahay-Pari Credit Cooperative. It was officially registered with the Cooperative Development Authority in 1997 and rebranded in 2016 to reflect its broader mission of solidarity and service to clergy members nationwide. In 2019, SCC moved to its own facility within the San Carlos Seminary Complex in Makati, marking its continued growth. Guided by principles of democracy, self-help, equity, and shared responsibility, SCC aims to support the stewardship goals of the Catholic clergy through tailored financial services. Its mission is to strengthen fraternal bonds and provide social and economic support to its members and the Church community.
Member Benefits
Becoming an SCC member offers exclusive financial privileges designed specifically for Catholic clergy. Members enjoy access to personalized services that support both their personal needs and ministry work. These services include:
- Access to specialized loan products exclusively for clergy
- Opportunity to grow savings through interest-bearing accounts
- Investment options within a trusted cooperative setting
- Eligibility for Climbs Insurance coverage
- Use of share capital as collateral for select loans
- Participation in a democratic and faith-based cooperative community
- Support for long-term financial planning aligned with priestly life
- Involvement in programs that promote social responsibility and solidarity
Products and Services Offered
SCC offers financial services that match the unique needs of the clergy. These include:
1. Specialized Savings Accounts
- Regular Savings Account (minimum P100,000 to earn interest)
- Designed to support both personal and ministry-related financial goals
2. Share Capital
- A required investment from each member
- Cannot be withdrawn unless membership is terminated
- May be used as collateral for loans
3. Loan Products
- Available only to priest-members
- Loan terms are designed with clergy responsibilities in mind
4. Investment Opportunities
- Safe and cooperative-based investment platforms
5. Insurance
- Climbs Insurance coverage for members
Membership Information
Joining the Solidaritas Credit Cooperative gives Catholic clergy access to exclusive financial services and a fraternal network that supports their vocation.
Who Can Join?
Solidaritas membership is open to the following:
- All Catholic clergy in the Philippines:
- Bishops
- Priests
- Deacons
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for membership at Solidaritas Credit Cooperative, applicants must meet specific criteria such as:
- Must be a Catholic clergy member (Bishop, Priest, or Deacon)
- Must be assigned or affiliated with a diocese in the Philippines
- No specific age requirement stated, but must be of legal age and actively serving
- Must have an official Appointment Letter from the Chancery
- Must possess a valid Celebret ID
- Must be able to attend the Cooperative Orientation Seminar
- Must have a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Types of Membership
There is only one kind of membership here, unlike in other cooperatives. That is, becoming a regular member – a category which is also exclusive to Catholic clergy.
Membership Requirements
To join SCC, interested clergy must:
- Certificate of attendance to the Cooperative Orientation Seminar
- Duly accomplished Membership Application Form
- Two (2) copies of recent 2”x2” photos
- A copy of their Appointment Letter from the Chancery
- A copy of 2 valid IDs (Celebret & Government-issued)
- TIN (Tax Identification Number)
- Membership Fee of Php 1,000.00
- Initial Capital Share (minimum Php 10,000; maximum Php 1,000,000)
Application Procedures
To apply for membership, follow these step-by-step procedures:
Step 1. Attend the Cooperative Orientation Seminar (in-person or online)
Step 2. Fill out the Membership Application Form (available online at https://solidaritascooperative.com/membership#download-popup)
Step 3. Prepare and submit the required documents listed above.
Step 4. Pay the Membership Fee of Php 1,000.00
Step 5. Deposit the required Share Capital (minimum Php 10,000.00, maximum Php 1,000,000.00)
Share Capital Requirement and Other Fees
When applying for membership at Solidaritas Credit Cooperative, new applicants are required to contribute a minimum share capital as part of their investment in the cooperative. This amount, along with a one-time membership fee, allows access to all SCC services and benefits.
- Minimum Share Capital: Php 10,000.00
- Maximum Share Capital: Php 1,000,000.00
- Membership Fee: Php 1,000.00 (one-time payment)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some.of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) and their answers regarding membership application at Solidaritas:
1. Can I withdraw my share capital?
No, the share capital cannot be withdrawn unless the membership is terminated.
2. Is the share capital used for anything else?
Yes, it may be used as collateral for certain loan products.
3. Do members earn interest from savings?
Yes, savings accounts with at least Php 100,000.00 balance earn interest.
4. Can deacons also become members?
Yes, deacons who are officially part of the Catholic clergy in the Philippines may apply.
5. Do I need to be assigned to a specific diocese?
You must be assigned or affiliated with any diocese in the Philippines and have documentation from your Chancery.
6. How long does the application process take?
The timeline may vary, but applications are processed upon completion of requirements and attendance at the seminar.
7. What if I don’t have a TIN?
A TIN is a mandatory requirement. You must secure one before applying.
8. What is Regular Savings?
This is the member’s savings account, with a minimum deposit of Php 100,000 to earn interest.
9. How can members avail of loans?
Only priest-members can apply for loan products.
10. Are insurance products offered?
Yes, SCC provides Climbs Insurance options for members.
11. Can I recommend another priest to join?
Yes, but they must independently meet all membership requirements and attend the orientation seminar.
Contact Information
To know more or begin your application, contact the SCC team today at:
- Office Address: SCC Building, San Carlos Pastoral Formation Complex, EDSA, Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City
- Tel. No.: 8895-8855 loc 180 / 0977-0627712 / 0917-8076743
- Email: bahayparicc@gmail.com
- Official website: https://solidaritascooperative.com/