BUTUAN CITY – On October 3rd, Butuan City bore witness to a momentous occasion as local cooperatives came together for the kick-off activity to launch the month-long celebration of Cooperative Month 2023. The event, orchestrated by CDA Caraga in collaboration with the City Cooperative Development Council of Butuan and the City Government of Butuan, gathered an enthusiastic assembly of over three hundred cooperative members.
This year’s Cooperative Month carries the theme “Cooperatives: Pioneering the Path to Recovery Amidst Modern Challenges of Climate Change and Food Security”. The theme shines a spotlight on the pivotal role that cooperatives play in addressing contemporary global challenges. These cooperative entities act as catalysts for fostering sustainable agriculture, fortifying resilience against the impacts of climate change, and ensuring food security for communities.
The festivities commenced with a city-wide motorcade, commencing at the City Hall grounds and culminating at the Capitol Gymnasium where a short program awaited the participants. Beyond the celebration, this event provided a platform for nurturing camaraderie among cooperative members. The participants exhibited their talents by joining a lively and vibrant Zumba session, showcasing their readiness and creativity during impromptu jazz chants.
Monatao Honeya R. Alawi, the Regional Director of CDA Caraga, extended a warm welcome to all the cooperative members who actively contributed to the sector’s activities. She underscored the significance of RA 11502, an act declaring the month of October as the “National Cooperative Month,” recognizing the substantial contribution of cooperatives to the nation’s economy.
Junee Lee Mars Nebrada, Chairperson of the City Cooperative Development Council, echoed the urgency of addressing the climate crisis in his solidarity message. He emphasized that the celebration was not just an initiative of the Authority but a collective effort of the entire cooperative community. “As part of a cooperative movement, each of us should live by the cooperative values of caring for others”, he added. He was instantly made famous for initiating the words “I care for you!… as tagline among cooperators
This communal gathering served to strengthen the bonds among cooperatives in the City. Cooperative members reveled in the spirit of competition during parlor games, demonstrating their sportsmanship. The contagious laughter that resonated among the members added to the festive atmosphere, making the celebration truly memorable.
The remarkable and successful launch of Cooperative Month 2023 in Butuan City underscored the unwavering commitment of cooperatives to promote cooperative principles, uphold values, foster cooperative movement, and stand united in their shared mission – to be pioneers of change.
Simultaneously, the month of October also marks the celebration of Senior Citizen’s Month, with the theme “Honoring the Invaluable Legacy of Filipino Senior Citizens.” CDA Caraga demonstrated its support and recognition for senior citizens by visiting Por Cristo, a home for the aged/elderly individuals in Abilan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, on the afternoon of October 3rd. The CDA – Caraga personnel offered a heartfelt program for the cherished senior citizens. Heartwarming and uplifting songs were performed and transformed the atmosphere into a moment of joy. The elderly residents responded with nostalgic songs and meaningful poems. Gifts were then distributed which were received with gratitude by the elderly and staff of Por Cristo. This memorable occasion serves as a tribute to the senior citizens to give value for their contributions of Filipino senior citizens to society, emphasizing their worth and value and reminding them that they are loved and cared for.
