by: MARIE CHRIS G. VALENCIA, CDS II
Camarines Sur – In a heartwarming celebration of Cooperative Month and Indigenous Peoples Month, the CDA Camarines Sur Contact Office partnered with Camarines Sur Provincial Cooperative Development Council brought joy and support to the Agta Tabagnon Indigenous People of Tigaon, Camarines Sur last October 11, 2024. The spirit of volunteerism and cooperativism shone brightly as they initiated the Kooptubre: Community Kitchen with IPs of Tigaon. The event gathered 100 children and 160 households from the Agta Tabangnon community for a day of gift-giving, feeding, and community bonding at Coyaoyao Covered Court.
This meaningful celebration was made possible through the collaborative efforts of cooperatives, barangay council, and volunteers who came together to embody the true essence of community service. The day’s activities highlighted the unwavering commitment of various cooperatives to the welfare of the communities, particularly in supporting marginalized groups like the Agta Tabangnon Indigenous People. Aside from the gift giving, the program incorporated the importance of Family Planning and Health Literacy on which representatives from Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines and Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) explained in dialect how this information-drive benefits their respective families and personal welfare.
Honoring Volunteerism and Cooperative Spirit
The success of the event would not have been possible without the generous efforts and volunteerism of the following cooperatives, whose support made the gift-giving and feeding program a reality:
- Buhi Municipal Cooperative Development Council
- Nabua Municipal Cooperative Development Council
- Bikol Kalikasan Multi-Purpose Cooperative
- Pamplona Officials & Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative
- NCIP V Employees Credit Cooperative
- Antipolo Multi-Purpose Cooperative
- BMC G110 Multi-Purpose Cooperative
- CASURECO II Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative
- Kooperatiba para sa Kaunlaran ng Lagonoy
- Baao Parish Multi-Purpose Cooperative
- San Isidro Development Cooperative
- Camarines Sur Teachers & Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative
- Timbang Multi-Purpose Cooperative
- Pasacao Van Transport Cooperative
- St. Louise Cooperative
- Bicol Cardiovascular Diagnostic Cooperative
- Pamplona Farmers Agriculture Cooperative
- Lupi Multi-Purpose Cooperative
- Naga Imaging Center Cooperative
- San Jose Nuevo Consumers Cooperative
- San Agustin-San Ramon Agrarian Reform Cooperative
- Federation of Agriculture Cooperatives in Camarines Sur
Through volunteer efforts, each cooperative demonstrated the power of collective action and the shared goal of uplifting communities in need. The day was a testament to the strength of cooperativism, not just only to provide material support but also shared their time, energy, and compassion to create lasting memories for the Agta Tabangnon family.
This celebration of Cooperative Month and Indigenous Peoples Month stands as a shining example of how collective efforts can transform lives and strengthen communities. The CDA, CSPCDC and participating cooperatives continue to inspire others to uphold the values of cooperativism and volunteerism, ensuring that no community is left behind in the pursuit of progress and development.
