Bannering and exemplifying to the highest degree the principle of cooperation among cooperatives, leaders and officers of fifty six (56) Billionaire Cooperatives of the country came to answer the call of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) to further an urgent cause for cooperatives development of the country.
On March 15, 2023, at the Mallberry Suites and Hotel, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City saw the gathering of the cooperative leaders to champion the cause of ensuring the viability and sustainability of micro and small cooperatives through the Koop Kapatid program and endeavors.
The CDA led Forum was headed by no less than the Chairman of the CDA, USec. Joseph B. Encabo who himself presented the Adopt-a-School, the Cooperative Way. Championing Merger and Consolidation of Micro/Small Cooperatives was presented and discussed by ASec. and Acting Administrator Myrla B. Paradillo. The other Board Members of the CDA, ASec. Abdulsalam Guinomla, ASec. Virgilio Lazaga, M.D., ASec. Abad Santos, and ASec. Pendatun B. Disimban were also present and signed the commitment as an indication of partnership with the sector. ASec Pendatun B. Disimban in his closing remarks stressed on the much needed unity of the sector, for it is this concerted effort that more avenues and wider arena for cooperatives development will be opened. More cooperative representation in congress will ensure passage of important measures beneficial to the cooperative movement, such as, and among others, to continue the advocacy on tax exemption of cooperatives, the increase of the budget of CDA to allow a more enabling environment, will be given much attention.
CDA officials from the Head Office, Deputy Administrators Atty. Elizabeth Batonan of the RSED, Atty. Leah Banagui-Han of the LAS, and Atty. Mona Liza Arriba-Juarez of the GASS, and Atty. Jovy Gaffud-Marquez were in attendance as the Salient Features of the Omnibus Rules was Presented. All Regional Directors of the CDA offices from Region 1 to Caraga Region, the CAR, and NCR were present, with the host Regional Director Aminoden A. Elias giving the Welcome Address.
It was a day where the shared vision of the CDA and the billionaire cooperatives, through its leaders and officers, was strengthened, their aspirations brought to the fore, and their partnership was sealed, as the event was highlighted by the signing and sealing of Statement of Commitment, Collaboration and Support.
Indeed, it was a day for the rich and famous of the cooperative movement of the country to show that they are not the rich and the mighty, but the rich with the might to share, to serve and to be of service for the kindred. For the 56 Billionaire cooperatives of the country, we salute you and your magnanimity. (gvb)