Brgy. Samara, Aringay, La Union

October 2, 2026

The Province of La Union officially kicked off its month-long celebration of Cooperative Month with a series of meaningful activities held at Brgy. Samara, Aringay, La Union, attended by representatives and members of various cooperatives across the province. The event highlighted the spirit of cooperation, unity, community service, and social responsibility, reflecting the vital role of cooperatives in promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The celebration was graced by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Hon. Jefferson Fernando, Chairperson of the Committee on Cooperatives; Mr. Denver Badua, representing Hon. Governor Mario Ortega; Aringay Municipal Mayor Hon. Benjamin C. Sibuma; and Vice Mayor Hon. Charito S. Yu, together with cooperative leaders, officers, members, and partner agencies.

One of the highlights of the event was the coconut tree planting activity, conducted in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), which underscored the importance of environmental protection, agricultural development, and sustainability. This initiative also demonstrated the commitment of cooperatives and partner institutions to contribute to a greener and more resilient community.

 

 

The celebration also featured a lively Zumba activity, bringing together cooperative members and participants in promoting health, wellness, and camaraderie. In addition, a Medical and Dental Mission, spearheaded by the Provincial Health Office, provided essential health services to the community, including free vitamins and medicines, blood sugar testing, and other medical and dental services. These initiatives highlighted the importance of accessible healthcare and the cooperative movement’s commitment to community well-being.

 

 

Adding excitement and generosity to the occasion was the Ukay-Ukay Freebies, which provided participants and constituents of Brgy. Samara with free items, while an outreach program for the pupils of Samara Elementary School brought smiles and encouragement to young learners. Snacks, meals, and school supplies were distributed to the pupils through the generosity and sponsorship of the La Union Provincial Government Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative, demonstrating the cooperative’s dedication to education, community service, and social responsibility.

 

 

The successful conduct of the event was made possible through the concerted efforts and strong collaboration of the Local Government Unit of Aringay, through Cooperative Development Officer (CDO) Ms. Behilda Miana; the Office of the Provincial Governor – Provincial Cooperative Development Office (OPG-PCDO), headed by Acting Head Ms. Gemma Macusi, together with her dedicated staff; the Philippine Coconut Authority; the Provincial Health Office; and the participating cooperatives and other partner organizations.

The Province of La Union is known for its month-long celebration of Cooperative Month, providing a meaningful avenue to recognize the invaluable contributions of cooperatives to economic development, social progress, and community empowerment. Through various activities, the celebration strengthens partnerships among cooperatives, government agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders while promoting the cooperative principles and values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity.

 

 

More than just a ceremonial opening, the kickoff event in Brgy. Samara, Aringay, La Union served as a testament to the cooperative movement’s commitment to building stronger partnerships, nurturing communities, protecting the environment, and transforming lives through collective action. It reaffirmed that the true essence of cooperation goes beyond economic endeavors, extending to genuine service, compassion, and shared responsibility for the welfare of every member and the community.

 

 

As La Union celebrates Cooperative Month, the event inspires all cooperatives to continue working together, strengthening the cooperative movement, and upholding the spirit of cooperation for a better, more inclusive, and sustainable future.

 

 

 

By: Connie A. De Guzman & Engr. Marwin C. Peralta