The Cooperative Development Authority Region III Extension Office (CDA-R3) conducted its fourth episode of the CDA R3 Podcast: Kwentuhang Makabuluhan Para Sa Mga Kooperatibang Pinaglilingkuran.

This episode’s discussion is in line with the celebration of the National Women’s Month. It focuses on the theme “HERStory: Women Leaders In Cooperative,” highlighting the call to “Lead Like the Babaylans” to honor women’s leadership, wisdom, and courage.

A selection of female leaders in the cooperative sector of Central Luzon sat with Regional Director Marieta P. Hwang in this coffee-table discussion, to wit:

– Ms. Leilani N. Babista – Manager of the Bulacan Federation of Credit Cooperatives, Chairperson of the Bulacan Provincial Cooperative Development Council, Chairperson of the Central Luzon Regional Cooperative Development Council, and Treasurer of the National Cooperative Development Council

– Lorna Mae Balunes-Vero – Department Head of the Provincial Cooperatives Development Office, Nueva Ecija

– Pelicula S. Rapanut – General Manager of the Bagong Barrio Multipurpose Cooperative

They recounted their life experiences as thriving women in the cooperative sector, inspiring the audience, especially the young Filipinas within the coop community. They told stories of their humble beginnings, giving the audience a peek at how things were in the coop movement decades in the past.

Their stories also included details of how they managed their time, given the demands that came with being a wife, a mother, a daughter, and a leader in their respective organizations; a feat that is relatable to perhaps all women, not just in the coop sector, but across the working population in general.

Exuding power and class, the four stars of the podcast talked about their personal advocacies. They shared how proud they were of the crowds they lead and how they look forward to seeing the new talents shape the industry into something more progressive and more prosperous.

They gave much importance to empowering the youth, highlighting some of the initiatives that are currently being campaigned for (e.g. Global Money Week, inclusion of cooperative management and law courses to curriculums of academic institutions, etc.)

They also mentioned programs of succession for cooperatives and organizations dedicated to providing service to the cooperatives. These, according to them, would ensure continued growth and development for the sector.

The discussion was both fun and inspirational. It reflected that we, as a people, have moved toward a more inclusive world, where women are valued not only for their beauty, but more so for their abilities. The cooperative sector has been very supportive of this inclusivity, and will continue to be, for an even brighter future.