CamSur MPC Signs Koop Kapatid Memorandum of Agreement with Seven (7) Beneficiary Cooperatives in Bicol

by: DARINE L. TUPAZ, CDS II

Naga City, Camarines Sur — In an event aimed at catalyzing cooperative synergy, Camsur Multi-Purpose Cooperative had signed a Koop Kapatid Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with seven (7) beneficiary cooperatives on April 8, 2024 at CDA Region V Extension Office. Rooted in the fundamental cooperative principle of cooperation among cooperatives, the initiative serves as a beacon of cooperative solidarity and seeks to empower cooperatives through the provision of technical assistance and relevant support services for micro and small beneficiary cooperatives.

Under the MOA, Camsur MPC pledge marketing assistance to beneficiary cooperatives as store outlet of farm inputs such fertilizers and agriculture products and the provision of assistance on palay procurement by procuring harvested palay of the Sampaloc MPC, Buhi Agriculture Farmers Cooperative, Pamplona Ezperanza Riverside Agriculture Cooperative, Cabangal Palsong Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative, and Sta. Elena Bula Agrarian Reform Cooperative. These partnerships signify a shared commitment to strengthen the agricultural and rural communities with the common hope of mitigating hunger and poverty in the region.

Camsur MPC’s dedication extends beyond conventional boundaries for its collaboration and Koop Kapatid Agreement with Verdant Agriculture Cooperative through the provision of marketing assistance for its tsokolate and cacao products to expand its potential market reach. It has also extended its support to the transport sector through a forged partnership with JODOTATIRO Transport Service Cooperative, for the provision of educational training for cooperative officers and technical assistance on cooperative operations.

Acting Regional Director Atty. Emilio D. Escueta III, in his welcome message emphasized the crucial role of cooperativism in alleviating hunger & poverty and fostering socio-economic development in the region.

“We should make it a point that the government is keen for identifying cooperatives as one of the key institutions to end hunger and poverty, that our cooperative members no longer need to take up arms and wield guns and bullets, but rather money, food and hope.” Atty. Escueta stated.

Meanwhile, Camsur MPC’s General Manager, Ms. Annielen L. Panerio, CPA expressed her commitment to provide the support services stated in the MOA. “Ang pagtatrabaho sa kooperatiba, mapagalon po talaga, mapagalon sa hawak pero magayunon sa pagmati, dahil bako lamang ini para sa satong sadiring kooperatiba, sa satong pamilya, sa satong komunidad, kundi [para ini] sa satong bansang Pilipinas.” shared by Ms. Panerio.

“Working with cooperatives can indeed be tedious and tiring at times due to the various responsibilities involved. However, there is sense of accomplishment derived knowing that your efforts benefit not only individual families but also the broader community and the entire country which is truly rewarding.”

Within a backdrop of resounding support and solidarity, representatives from beneficiary cooperatives expressed their gratitude to Camsur MPC for the forged agreement.

“We sincerely appreciate Camsur MPC’s marketing assistance to our cacao products and we envisioned to be a Partner-Cooperative someday, paying it forward to other micro and small cooperatives the kindness extended to us by Camsur MPC.” Verdant Agriculture Cooperative’s General Manager, Ms. Vivian S. Hina said.

“Salamat po sa Camsur MPC [sa pagtulong] sa amin kaya patuloy kaming nakikibaka para sa kaunlaran ng aming kooperatiba.” uttered by Mr. Arthur Buendia of JODOTATIRO Transport Service Cooperative.Following a heartfelt message of support, the seven (7) beneficiary cooperatives and its members posed for a group picture, expressing cooperative solidarity to the cause of championing the socio-economic development in the region through cooperativism.