The CDA-Siargao Satellite Office, in collaboration with the Municipal Cooperative Development Office of Dapa (MCDO-Dapa), concluded the Cooperative Month Celebration by hosting a dynamic event titled “Coop Lens: A Symposium of Cooperativism” on October 25, 2023. The symposium brought together 108 General Academic Strand (GAS) Grade 12 students from Dapa National High School (DNHS) in an engaging session.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from Mrs. Marietta C. Asignar, the Head Teacher IV of Dapa National High School, emphasizing the significance of cooperativism and the necessity for early education in financial literacy.

Dr. Jovito S. Gambong, ABE, LPT, DBA, the designated head of MCDO-Dapa, highlighted various programs of the office that could be made possible through the support and organization of farmers and fishermen cooperatives.

The students were taken on a historical journey back to the 18th century in Europe during the industrial revolution, where the concept and establishment of cooperatives initially took root. Three exceptional cooperatives, namely First Community Cooperative (FICCO), Socorro Empowered People’s Cooperative (SOEMCO), and the Fishermen Cooperative of Consolacion (Fish Coop), were presented, shedding light on their historical achievements, current programs, and services. These cooperatives inspired the audience, encouraging them to become an integral part of the cooperative movement, recognizing them as the future of cooperative endeavors.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Gambong emphasized the necessity of engaging the youth in the cooperative movement, stressing the importance of initiating discussions to instill the values of cooperatives as vehicles for social justice and economic prosperity. ********