The CALABARZON Region’s Culminating Activity for Cooperative Month was successfully conducted at the National University – Laguna Campus in Brgy. Milagrosa, Calamba City, Laguna on November 11, 2024 which stayed true to the coop month theme: “Cooperatives: Stronger Together Today for a Brighter Tomorrow.”
The gathering served as a grand celebration of achievements, partnerships, and the cooperative spirit that has been the foundation of progress of cooperative in the region.
Ms. Celia L. Atienza delivered a heartfelt solidarity message, emphasizing that while the Cooperative Month celebration may culminate, the cooperative movement thrives daily. She highlighted the region’s achievements, including a well-attended cooperative congress with 800 participants and emphasized the importance of collaboration for the benefit of the entire sector.
Underscoring the need for stronger cooperative partnerships, she expressed hope for Region 4A’s continued leadership in the national cooperative movement. She called on stakeholders to focus on developing micro and small cooperatives, recognizing their pivotal role in the community.
Keynote Highlights
CDA Chairman USec Joseph Encabo delivered a keynote address that tackled ongoing challenges in the cooperative sector, such as leadership and governance issues. He stressed the importance of servant leadership and the need to empower young cooperative leaders.
Encabo also shared the CDA’s efforts to uplift micro and small cooperatives by simplifying reportorial requirements and advocating legislative amendments to provide tax exemptions and reduce auditing requirements for micro cooperatives. His message was a call to action for Region 4A cooperatives to continue fostering solidarity and innovation.
Special Recognitions
Special recognition was given to Ltc Rolando M. Acido, ang Acting Battalion Commander of 2nd Civil-Military Operations Battalion (2CMO Bn), Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army for his partnership, emphasizing initiatives like a fish farm project involving wounded soldiers, former rebels, and CAFGUs. He gave his message of thanks and solidarity to the cooperative movement in CALABARON and extended his eagerness to help more ‘special groups’ in the region. Tribute was also paid to the provincial government of Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, and Quezon for championing the Training of Trainers (TOT) program for cooperative officers.
The program honored outstanding individuals, cooperatives, and institutions with plaques and certificates for their invaluable contributions:
- LGUs supporting the CDA Accreditation Program for the Cooperative Development Officers (CDOs).
- Partner Agencies and NGOs for their collaboration.
- Gawad Parangal Nominees in various categories, including primary and secondary cooperatives, Koop Kapatid, and local government executives.
- Cooperatives that achieved new asset-based categories were also celebrated.
Inspiring Stories and Videos
Another highlight of the activity are the featured videos showcasing the vibrant cooperative activities conducted across CALABARZON in celebration of the cooperative month.
Ms. Ivyrene Rose Panaglima, the head of Cooperative Research, Information, and Training Section of CDA R4A concluded the program by expressing gratitude to the attendees and organizers, particularly the support from the Calamba City Cooperatives and Livelihood Development (CCCLD). She urged everyone to continue supporting cooperative initiatives that drive development and community growth.
The CALABARZON Culminating Activity was a testament of cooperatives working together to achieve a common goal. And as cooperative leaders and stakeholders continue to join together, the vision of a thriving and empowered Region 4A remains within reach. Mabuhay ang mga kooperatiba ng CALABARZON!
