Cooperatives have long stood as examples of collaboration, self-reliance, and doers on community development in the Philippines. In the spirit of mutual support, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Koop Kapatid Program has emerged as a powerful agent for change. Partnering with the Angono Credit and Development Cooperative (ACDECO), this program has extended a helping hand to two beneficiary cooperatives – the Person with Disability (PWD) Antipolo Consumers Cooperative (PWD Coop) and the Antipolo Caddies Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Antipolo Caddies MPC).
These deserving cooperatives received brand new Acer laptops with accessories, that would help them accomplish reports and compliances and on their day-to-day business operations, particularly on recording of transactions and crafting and collecting organizational data.
A Grateful Heart: Ms. Cynthia Valiente, Manager of ACDECO
Behind the success of the CDA Koop Kapatid Program lies a deep sense of gratitude and humility. Ms. Cynthia Valiente, the manager of ACDECO, expressed her heartfelt thanks to the CDA for the opportunity provided to them through this initiative. It is evident in her genuine remarks that even with the accomplishments ACDECO has achieved, they remain profoundly appreciative of the partnerships and enablers that continue to empower them to help others. It is a testament to the cooperative spirit – one that recognizes the importance of passing on the blessings they have received.
The MOA Signing Ceremony
The significance of this initiative was underscored during the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing Ceremony which was the first part of the CDA Caravan held on October 17, 2023, at the Ynares Multipurpose Hall, Capitol Compound, Antipolo City. The ceremony brought together key figures, including CDA Regional Director Salvador V. Valeroso, Mr. Eljoy Lagan, the Chairperson of PWD Coop, and Ms. Nancy B. Ruiz, the chairperson of the Antipolo Caddies MPC.
Also witnessing this monumental occasion were Mr. Dexter Perez, the Senior Cooperative Development Specialist of the Supervision and Examination Section (SES) of CDA 4A and Area Supervisor of Rizal, and Ms. Merlita Tapales, a dedicated staff member from the Antipolo City Cooperative and Livelihood Office, who also acted as the host of the event. Their presence underlines the collaborative effort and dedication that has gone into making this program a success.
The CDA Koop Kapatid Program signifies a heartwarming collaboration that outdoes boundaries, which enables cooperatives to uplift one another. It is a testament to the unwavering spirit of cooperation and unity that drives the cooperative movement in the Philippines, making dreams a reality, one cooperative at a time. This program demonstrates the age-old adage, “Cooperatives empower Communities,” and events like these truly bring this declaration to life.
