The entire month of October is a special time for cooperatives as it marks the National Cooperative Month, a month-long celebration that highlights the role of cooperatives in the community. The theme for Cooperative Month this year is, “Cooperatives: Pioneering the Path to Recovery Amidst Modern Challenges of Climate Change and Food Security.” This theme underscores the essential role that cooperatives play in addressing current issues, such as climate change and food security.
In Cagayan de Oro City, the celebration of Cooperative Month 2023 was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Regional Cooperative Development Council Region 10, the City Cooperative Development Council of Cagayan de Oro, the Provincial Cooperative Office of Misamis Oriental and the Cooperative Development Authority Region 10. It commenced with a successful opening program on October 1, 2023, which set the stage for a month full of activities and events that would emphasize the importance of cooperatives in addressing the challenges of our times.
Two important events during this month highlighting the cooperatives’ concern for community and environment were the Mangrove Growing Activity at Punta, Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro City, which took place last October 7, 2023. This event was participated by seventy-six (76) cooperatives, who collectively planted almost three thousand five hundred propagules along the shoreline. These new mangrove plantings will not only contribute to the protection of the coastal environment but also provide essential habitats for marine life. Through the dedication and hard work of Dr. Lydia Tubella who spearheaded the whole activity and through the generosity of the 1st Valley Credit Cooperative and CLIMBS sponsoring the morning snacks “Painit”, and MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center, which donated concrete posts and bamboos used as breakers amounting to more than Php 50,000 truly made such activity meaningful and successful.
On October 14, 2023, another successful activity focused on the environment spearheaded by First Community Cooperative, Mindanao Cooperatives Water Service Federation in collaboration with the CCDC-CDO, RCDC-10 and CDA-10 happened at Barangay Dansolihon, Cagayan de Oro City. Twenty-five (25) cooperatives united for this activity and collectively planted almost two hundred seedlings of the Teak Wood, a large type of tree known for its high quality wood.
These activities exemplify the true spirit of cooperativism, as the cooperative sector not only live up to the cooperative principles, but also contributes to the well-being of the community and the environment. All participating cooperatives are not only economic entities but also agents of positive change, promoting sustainability and resilience. These invaluable contributions of cooperatives and the remarkable impact they make in our ever-changing society are worth commending.
