November 11, 2024, marked a significant event for the cooperative sector and future leaders of CALABARZON. As part of the region’s culminating activity for its Cooperative Month celebration, students from across the region gathered for an intense competition at the CDA CALABARZON Regional Quiz Bee. The event, sponsored and hosted by the Calamba City Cooperatives and Livelihood Development Department (CCCLDD) in partnership with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Regional Office, Liga ng mga Cooperative Development Officers ng Pilipinas CALABARZON Region Chapter, and the Southern Tagalog Regional Cooperative Development Council (STaRCDC), celebrated the theme “Cooperatives: Stronger Together Today for a Brighter Tomorrow.”
The gathering brought together bright young minds from various schools, showcasing their dedication and talent. From city and municipal to provincial levels, these students represented the cream of the crop from each province.
Ms. Phoebe R. Cervantes, the Supervising Cooperative Development Specialist (CDS) of CCCLDD, opened the program by warmly welcoming everyone. She expressed gratitude for the CDA’s collaboration and recognized the youth as the foundation of the nation’s future. “Ang kabataan ay pag-asa ng bayan,” she said, quoting Dr. Jose Rizal, our National Hero, for whom Calamba is known as his birthplace and home. She emphasized that achievements and growth within the cooperative sector will create brighter opportunities for this generation and beyond. Ms. Phoebe congratulated each student, acknowledging their presence alone was a testament to their victory, perseverance, and hard work.
Mr. Rheymart Romero, one of the CDSs II of CDA Rizal Field Office introduced the participants, each of whom had triumphed through municipal and provincial eliminations, earning their place as provincial representatives. With three representatives per province from the CALABARZON region, the stage was set for an exciting competition, highlighting the participants’ achievements and the pride of their supporters.
The event featured motivating messages from respected cooperative leaders, inspiring students to see their role in building strong and successful cooperatives.
In his virtual message, Deputy Administrator of CDA’s Institutional Development Service (IDS) Ray R. Elevazo, highlighted that cooperatives are unique economic enterprises, providing pathways for sustainable livelihood and community growth. He urged students to embrace cooperative values, emphasizing that understanding these values early on could significantly impact their lives and communities. He congratulated the participants, encouraging them to give their best, as reaching this stage was already a remarkable honor.
ASec. Abdulsalam A. Guinomla, Head of Education, Advocacy, and Union Cooperative Cluster, reflected on the month’s theme of strengthening cooperatives in his virtual message. He encouraged students to see this event as a foundational experience in cooperative involvement, combining learning with enjoyment and friendship. His message resonated with the students, creating an encouraging atmosphere for the competition.
Quiz Bee Proper
Mr. Romero outlined the quiz bee mechanics, explaining the points system across three levels of questions—easy, average, and difficult—with a maximum possible score of 150 points. The board of Judges, composed of representatives from CDA and the Institute of Cooperatives and Bio-Enterprise Development (ICOPED) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), ensured a fair evaluation of participants. Notably, Ms. Maria Teresa Castro, Assistant Professor at UPLB’s ICOPED, and Ms. Ivyrene Rose Panaglima, Senior CDS, represented Cooperative Research, Training and Information Section of CDA R4A.
The competition saw intense rivalry, with students giving their best in each round. The Quiz Bee master, Prof. Danica R. Millario, the Director of City College of Calamba Socio Cultural Development Office, occasionally asked the students how they feel to break the ice and to lighten their mood. Scores were updated regularly, providing students and their coaches a sense of their standing throughout the event. After a challenging series of questions, three students stood out:
- Arien V. Mangundayao of Kalayaan Christian School (Batangas): 106 points
- Kim Leah Cordero of Southville Integrated National High School (Laguna): 106 points
- John Michael Cajayon of Rizal Science National High School (Rizal): 90 points
Following a nail-biting tie-breaker involving nine clinchers, Southville Integrated National High School’s Kim Leah Cordero emerged as the champion with 107 points.
Awarding of Prizes and Recognition of Achievements
The CDA Regional Office IV-A Director Salvador V. Valeroso, along with Ms. Cervantes of CCCLDD, led the awarding ceremony. The top three participants received cash prizes and gift certificates, with the grand champion taking home an additional laptop. The awards were as follows:
- Grand Winner: PhP15,000, a laptop from Angono Credit and Development Cooperative, and PhP1,000 gift certificate from CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative.
- 1st Runner-Up: PhP12,000 and PhP1,000 gift certificate from CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative.
- 2nd Runner-Up: PhP10,000 and PhP1,000 gift certificate from CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative.
As a consolation to all the outstanding participants, each was awarded PhP4,000, which earned a round of celebratory applause from the coaches and audience. Truly, the City of Calamba generously supported the participants as the event’s sponsor.
Closing Remarks by Dir. Salvador V. Valeroso
In closing, Dir. Salvador V. Valeroso expressed his gratitude to all the participants, coaches, judges, and organizers. He extended special thanks to ICOPED, CCCLDD, and STaRCDC, acknowledging their crucial role in the event’s success. He congratulated the winners and reassured other participants that they were all champions in the eyes of the cooperative community. Dir. Valeroso expressed his hopes for national representation, inviting everyone to meet again next year with the same enthusiasm and teamwork. He invoked blessings for everyone’s safety and success in their journeys.
This year’s CDA CALABARZON Regional Quiz Bee was a resounding success, leaving an indelible mark on the students who participated. The event not only tested their knowledge but also instilled cooperative values and strengthened friendships. As the youth look toward the future, they carry with them the spirit of unity and service, a legacy that will uplift their communities and contribute to a stronger cooperative sector in the Philippines.
