Victoria, Oriental Mindoro – December 5, 2023
In a momentous event that underscored the significance of Cooperation Among Cooperatives, the Cooperative Development Authority MIMAROPA Extension Office led the historic Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing for the Koop Kapatid Program at the Municipal Conference Hall in Victoria, Oriental Mindoro. The ceremony aimed at fortifying cooperative development principles witnessed the collaboration of key players in the region’s cooperative landscape.
Acting Regional Director Alberto A. Sabarias, at the forefront of this initiative, joined forces with Mr. Jefhtee R. Panganiban, Senior CDS for Cooperative Project and Development Assistance Section (CPDAS), Ms. Hazel Rozette S. Quiray, CDS II, and Mr. Cristian B. De Ade, CDS II for Oriental Mindoro. Municipal Cooperative Development Officers Ms. Monaliza W. Gannad of Victoria and Mr. Dexter R. Gonzales of Bulalacao also played pivotal roles in orchestrating the event.
The Koop Kapatid Program, designed to enhance cooperative management, governance, and business operations, is set to provide micro and small cooperatives with both technical and financial assistance. The initiative represents a critical stride towards uplifting local cooperatives, fostering collaboration, and promoting sustainable growth in the community.
The Cooperative Development Authority, known for its commitment to empowering cooperatives, facilitated the collaborative effort between ‘Big Brother’ cooperatives and their ‘Small Brother’ counterparts. Among the notable pairings were Bongabong Coconut Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BOCOFAMCO) with PCAG-San Isidro Agriculture Cooperative (PCAG-SIAC), Mina De Oro Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAREBEMCO) with Bongabong Fish Vendors Agriculture Cooperative (BOFIVECO), and Mansalay Agriculture and Fisheries Development Cooperative (MAFDECO) with Bulalacao Market Vendors Credit Cooperative (BMVCC) and Bulalacao Development Cooperative (BUDECO) with Hanunuo Mangyan Livelihood and Consumers Cooperative (HAMALICON COOP).
Moreover, 2018 Sulong Victoria Credit Cooperative (SuViCCo) found allies in Loyal Agriculture Cooperative (LAGRICO), Kasagpi Producers Cooperative, and Alcate Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (ALCOFARCO).
The event marks a new chapter in cooperative development in Oriental Mindoro, with the Koop Kapatid Program poised to drive positive change, sustainability, and economic progress. The MOA signing serves as a testament to the region’s commitment to fostering a cooperative environment that thrives on mutual support and shared success.
