On February 6, 2025, the MIMAROPA Launching Celebration of the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives was held in Camilmil Multipurpose Hall in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. The event, which took place from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, was a remarkable gathering attended by over 500 cooperative members from across the MIMAROPA region. Initiated by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) MIMAROPA, this occasion celebrated the cooperative movement, its power to foster development, and the essential role it plays in empowering communities.
Program Flow and Highlights
The celebration kicked off with the Emcees for the event, Mr. Mark Manrique and Ms. Fatima A. Casaul, both Cooperative Development Specialists II (CDS II) from CDA MIMAROPA, setting a lively yet professional tone for the morning. Their seamless coordination ensured that the celebration unfolded smoothly, while keeping the audience engaged throughout the proceedings.
Invocation and Prayer:
The event began on a reflective note with a powerful invocation song performed by Mary Julie Ylana Macaguiwa, a member of the Laboratory Cooperative in Oriental Mindoro. This was followed by a heartfelt prayer led by Mr. Mark Manrique, CDS II, inviting the participants to unite in gratitude and hope for the success of the cooperative movement.
National Anthem and Cooperative Pledge:The atmosphere was further charged with national pride as the CALSEDECO MPC Choir performed the National Anthem. The Cooperative Pledge was then led by Ms. Faith Valenzuela from Calapan City CDO, symbolizing the collective commitment of everyone in the hall to the values and principles of cooperation. Following this, the CALSEDECO MPC performed the MIMAROPA Cooperative Hymn, inspiring unity and a sense of shared purpose among the attendees.
Welcome Remarks and Acknowledgment of Participants:
Atty. Richard E. Ilagan, the Acting Supervising CDS/Legal Officer of CDA MIMAROPA, took the stage to extend a warm welcome to everyone. He acknowledged the diverse participation from cooperatives across the region and expressed gratitude for their commitment to attending the celebration. His welcoming words set the stage for a day of collaboration and learning.
Special Messages:
The event was graced by Hon. Marilou Morillo, the City Mayor of Calapan, who delivered an inspiring message highlighting the importance of cooperatives in fostering community growth and sustainable development.
A celebration message was then shared by Asec. Myrla Paradillo, OIC Chairperson of CDA, who emphasized the global significance of the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives. She spoke about the positive impact cooperatives have on both local and international scales, aligning the region’s efforts with the global vision.
A video message from His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos, President of the Republic of the Philippines, was also shown to the attendees. The President expressed his unwavering support for cooperatives as crucial pillars of economic growth, emphasizing that cooperatives not only contribute to local economies but also empower Filipinos by providing opportunities for self-reliance and sustainability. His message reinforced the national government’s commitment to supporting cooperative initiatives across the country
Explanation of the Celebration:
Ms. Eva Loraine R. Cataje, Sr. Cooperatives Development Specialist and CRITS Section Chief of CDA MIMAROPA, provided a comprehensive explanation of the day’s celebration, reinforcing the importance of cooperatives in sustainable development. She expertly guided the participants through the event’s key themes, setting the tone for the learning and collaborations to follow.
Solidarity Messages and Presentations by Agency Representatives:
A series of solidarity messages and short presentations were given by several prominent agencies, further highlighting the strength of partnerships in the cooperative sector:
- Representing BFAR Regional Director Mr. Roberto Abrera, Ms. Hope Relayson, Training Superintendent II, shared insights into the agency’s support for the cooperative sector and spoke on the role of PCA in cooperative development.
- Representing PCA Regional Director Mr. Dennis Andres, Ms. Evangelyn Barcibal, valuable perspectives on how their agency supports cooperative initiatives, especially in the agricultural sector.
- Dr. Ma. Josefina P. Abilay, the Regional Director of DOST, sent a video message that resonated deeply with the audience. In her message, she shared the Department of Science and Technology’s ongoing initiatives to support cooperative development, particularly in the fields of innovation, technology, and research. Her message was a testament to the importance of partnerships between cooperatives and government agencies to drive progress.
- Pat Andrew B. Barrientos, the Center Director of ATI MIMAROPA, delivered a heartfelt solidarity message, highlighting the importance of cooperation between various agencies and cooperatives in achieving common goals.
Presentation of Republic Act 10744:
Ms. Marian Concepcion, Acting Sr. CDS of the CSF Section of CDA MIMAROPA, introduced Republic Act 10744, providing attendees with an understanding of the legal framework supporting cooperative development and sustainability.
The Koop Kapatid Project MOA Signing Ceremony:
One of the event’s key highlights was the MOA Signing for the Koop Kapatid Project, which formalized the partnership between two cooperatives:
- Lourdes MPC (the Big Brother)
- Mahalaga Credit Cooperative (Youth Cooperative – the Small Brother)
Before the signing, Mr. Jefhtee R. Panganiban, CPDAS Section Chief, introduced the project, explaining its goals and the roles of the two cooperatives involved. Mr. Reyzard D. Oliveros, CDS II, introduced both parties to the audience, underscoring the significance of their collaboration. The MOA Signing itself was a formal acknowledgment of the commitment between the two cooperatives, represented by the CDA and the cooperative representatives, as they pledged to support each other for mutual growth and success.
A Commitment to Building a Better World:
The event was also marked by the symbolic Signing of the Pledge of Commitment to Building a Better World, where various groups, including CDA MIMAROPA, Partner Agencies, Local Government Units (LGUs), and Cooperatives, all joined hands in a collective promise to continue promoting cooperative values.
The signing ceremony stood as a testament to the enduring strength of cooperation and the shared vision of a world built on mutual support, economic empowerment, and social responsibility. By committing to the ideals of cooperation, all parties involved expressed their determination to create lasting, positive change in their communities and beyond.
Through this event, the spirit of collaboration was not only celebrated but also further solidified, paving the way for even more cooperative-driven initiatives in the coming year.
Cooperative Unity Song:
The celebration ended on a high note with the singing of the “Cooperative Unity Song” (Tagumpay Nating Lahat), led once again by Mary Julie Ylana Macaguiwa. As the song resonated through the hall, everyone in attendance held hands, symbolizing their collective commitment to the cooperative ideals of unity, progress, and mutual support.
Ways Forward and Conclusion:
Ms. Eva Loraine Cataje delivered the concluding remarks, inspiring the participants to move forward with a renewed commitment to their cooperatives and the broader cooperative movement. She emphasized the importance of collaboration and continued growth, encouraging everyone to take the momentum of the event and apply it in their communities.
The celebration was a resounding success, marked by the active participation of different CDA MIMAROPA sections and committees, including the CRITS Section, CPDAS Section, CSF Section, and Legal and Supervising Sections. Each played an integral role in making the event informative, engaging, and reflective of the cooperative spirit. Their contributions ensured that every detail—from logistics to the signing ceremony—was flawlessly executed.
