KOOPLYMPICS 2024 | Uniting Cooperatives for a Stronger, Self-Reliant Central Luzon

October 18, 2024 — The 11th Regional Kooplympics, a vibrant celebration of camaraderie within the cooperative sector in Central Luzon, has joined approximately 2,400 cooperative members, leaders and stakeholders from various provinces, including Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Zambales, at the Baler Convention Center in Brgy. Reserva, Baler, Aurora. This years’ Regional Kooplympics was hosted by the Province of Aurora through the dynamic leadership of the Aurora Provincial Cooperative Development Council Mr. Willy Avellaneda and Provincial Cooperative Officer Mr. Guy Tuzon.

This year’s theme, “Kooperatiba sa Rehiyon 3: Kaisa ng Pamahalaan sa Pagtataguyod ng Kasarinlan ng Pilipinas” honors the crucial role of cooperatives in economic development. The Kooplympics is a testament of the spirit of cooperation among its members, emphasizing that cooperatives can achieve greater heights together.

The day began at 6:00 a.m. with an assembly at the Baler Municipal Plaza for a lively motorcade that captured the participants’ enthusiasm. Following the motorcade, Mr. Willy V. Avellaneda (PCEDO of Aurora) ceremonially lit the torch and then passed it to Atty. Jayric Amil (PCEDO of Bulacan) symbolizes the rich transmission of cooperative values between provinces and emphasizes continuity and solidarity. The raising of banners representing the unity of Region III provinces followed.

Afterwards, The Trade Fair kicked off with an exciting ribbon-cutting ceremony led by CDA R3 Regional Director Marieta P. Hwang, along with Ms. Edna Dizon, the OIC Regional Director of DTI-Region III; Mr. Aldrin Veneracion, the Provincial Director of DTI-Aurora; Ms. Anabelle Tuy, Executive Assistant to Asec. Vergel Hilario; Hon. Ella Villacorte, Committee on Cooperative of the Municipal Government of Baler; and Hon. Roel Joseph Angara, Committee on Cooperative of the Provincial Government of Aurora. This symbolic act shows their commitment to supporting local products.

Following the Ribbon-cutting, each Provincial Cooperative Development Officers introduced their delegates with their short yet cheerful yells, Ms. Ludivina Banzon for Bataan Province, Atty. Jayric Amil for Bulacan Province, Ms. Lorna Vero for Nueva Ecija Province, Engr. Lulu Alingcastre for Pampanga Province, Ms. Marvi Dela Cruz for Tarlac Province, Ms. Flora Espinosa for Zambales Province and lastly the host province headed by Mr. Guy Alipio. Also, Mr. Brian John Mendoza, of CDA Region III representative of Ms. Carolina Miguel, introduced the CDA and other members of the CLRCDC from different National Government Agencies (NGAs), Non-government Organizations (NGOs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and Government Financial Institutions (GFIs) and Regional Clustered Organization.

The program then transitioned into a series of commemorative activities, including a throwback segment on the history of Kooplympics through an audio-visual presentation introduced by Director Marieta P. Hwang. The opening message was delivered by Mr. Guy A. Tuzon, who gave heartfelt acknowledgements to those who contributed to the success of the Kooplympics. Ms. Leilani Babista, Chairperson of the Central Luzon Regional Cooperative Development Council (CLRCDC) expressed her deepest gratitude to all the support that the Council is receiving making the yearly Kooplympics possible. Following this, messages of support were given by various officials from Aurora, including the representative of Hon. Reth Ronan T. Angara, Mayor of the Municipality of Baler, Hon. Ella G. Villacorte, Committee Chair on Cooperatives of the Municipal Government of Baler, Hon. Roel Joseph G. Angara, Committee Chair on Cooperatives of the Provincial Government of Aurora, Hon. Jennifer Araña, Vice Governor of Aurora, Hon. Reynante A. Tolentino, Governor of Aurora, and Hon. Rommel Rico T. Angara, Congressman of Aurora. Messages of solidarity were also delivered by Dr. Maricel L. Dullas, OIC Chief of the Agri-Coop Enterprise Development Division – Department of Agriculture, Ms. Maura Acosta, Planning Officer of the Department of Agrarian Reform Region 3, Ms. Edna Dizon, OIC Regional Director of the Department of Trade and Industry Region 3 and Ms. Anabelle Tuy, representative of Asec. Vergel Hilario from CDA.. Also, the presence of the CDA Chairman USEC. Joseph Encabo was felt through a video greeting.

In the afternoon, excitement ramped up as Mr. Nelson Rapiz, Vice Chairperson of APCDCI, led the Pledge of Sportsmanship. This was followed by a variety of fun and challenging games organized and facilitated by the DepEd Aurora, fostering a lively atmosphere and reinforcing the spirit of camaraderie. The games concluded with Bulacan emerging as the Champion of this year’s Kooplympics, CDA as the 1st Runner-up, Bataan as the 2nd Runner-up, followed by Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga-Angeles City and Aurora in respective order of ranking. The event also featured a Raffle Bonanza, adding an extra layer of enjoyment and anticipation. These activities not only entertained but also promoted cooperative values of mutual support and togetherness, making for a memorable day.

The Kooplympics served as a powerful reminder of the strength found in unity. In an era where collaboration is paramount, this celebration showcased not only the athletic ability of cooperative members but also emphasized the vital role cooperatives play in enhancing the quality of life for individuals and communities. As attendees gathered under one roof, they were reminded that through cooperation, they can overcome challenges and create a brighter future together.