Olongapo City Launches 2026 with the Inaugural Gawad Parangal for Cooperatives
Olongapo City ushered in 2026 on a high note with the successful conduct of the first-ever Olongapo Gawad Parangal Para sa mga Kooperatiba, spearheaded by the Olongapo City Cooperative Development Council (OCCDC) under the leadership of its Chairperson, Ms. Emilia P. Sanchez, on January 9, 2026. The awards program honored outstanding cooperatives in Olongapo City in recognition of their significant contributions to local economic development and the overall welfare of the community.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including City Mayor Rolen C. Paulino, Jr., City Councilor Ermelando N. Anonat, representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and key leaders of the cooperative sector in the city. The program was smoothly executed through the dedicated efforts of Ms. Joy F. Cahilig and her team.
The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Regional Extension Office III, headed by Regional Director Marieta P. Hwang, was also invited to the ceremony and received a Plaque of Appreciation for its unwavering support to the cooperative movement in Olongapo City. In addition, Ms. Rowena E. Pastor was given special recognition for her exemplary service as the Field Cooperative Development Specialist (Field CDS) for Zambales.
As part of the celebration, the OCCDC likewise acknowledged the six (6) cooperatives that played a vital role in the establishment of the Olongapo City Credit Surety Fund Cooperative (OCCSFC), namely:
– Columban Credit Cooperative;
– Olongapo City Government Employees Multipurpose Cooperative;
– Olongapo Subic Castillejos San Marcelino Transport Service and – Multipurpose Cooperative;
– Olongapo-Tipo Transport Service Cooperative;
– The Professional Group Multipurpose Cooperative; and
– Zambales Medical Mission Group Hospitals and Health Services Cooperative
The OCCSFC is a specialized cooperative formed through the collaborative efforts of the cooperative sector in Olongapo City, the local government unit (LGU), and the Land Bank of the Philippines, with technical assistance from the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Its primary objective is to strengthen the financial capacity of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the city by providing enhanced access to credit and financial opportunities.
Currently in the final stage of its registration, the OCCSFC is expected to commence operations and extend its services to member cooperatives early this year.
