by: DARINE L. TUPAZ, CDS II
“Tuwang-tuwa po ako kasi sa tinagal tagal na pinangarap ay nagkaroon po ng katuparan at naging beneficiary po kami ng Koop Kapatid Program. Masayang masaya po kami at inaasam rin po namin ang pag-unlad ng aming kooperatiba” shared by Mrs. Vilma Salvino when asked about the inclusion of NACIATRASCO as Beneficiary-Cooperative of CamSur MPC in the Koop Kapatid Program.
NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur – Naga City Allied Transport Cooperative (NACIATRASCO) & Carolina-Panicuason Transport Cooperative (CAPATRANSCO), two (2) transport-based cooperatives in Naga City will be benefitting from Koop Kapatid Program as they signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with CamSur Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CamSur MPC) last Thursday, 05 October 2023 at CDA Region V Extension Office, Naga City. The MOA signing was facilitated by Cooperative Project Development and Assistance Section (CPDAS) of the said Office.
Koop Kapatid Program aims to transform and put into practice the “Cooperation among Cooperatives”, the 6th cooperative principle contained in the 1995 ICA Statement of Cooperative Identity, which was also stipulated in Article 4 (6) of R.A. No. 9520, An Act Ammending the Cooperative Code of the Philippines to be known as the “Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008”. The program also provides an array of technical, financial, management skills, and other essential forms of support to beneficiary micro and small cooperatives in need of mentorship from a Partner-Cooperative (medium and large cooperatives) that have the capacity and willingness to render the aforementioned provision of services.
Present during the MOA signing from the beneficiary cooperatives were Mrs. Vilma Salvino, Chairperson of NACIATRASCO, Mr. Josafat Danilo Cosa, Chairperson of CAPATRANSCO, Ms. Annielen Panerio, CamSur MPC General Manager and CamSur MPC Operation’s Manager, Mr. Jorge Fuenzalida, Jr.
Meanwhile, CDA Region 5 was duly represented by its OIC-Regional Director, Atty. Emilio D. Escueta III. Other CDA personnel who took part in the MOA Signing were Acting Supervising CDS, Engr. Zaldy G. Bermejo, Supervision and Examination Section Chief, Ms. Maricho Pobre, and Ms. May Celestine S. Nery.
In his message to the members of the transport cooperatives, Atty. Emil emphasized the culture of cooperation among cooperatives, as one of the success indicators that contribute to the success of cooperatives as viable vehicles of economic change and reform. Believing that strong membership support is the key to the success of cooperatives, Atty. Emil urged the cooperative members to maintain good relations and sustain strong membership support.
The provision of financial assistance granted by CamSur MPC to the two (2) transport cooperatives on the purchase of modernized public utility vehicles (PUVs) will indeed pave way for providing a safe, hazard-free, and convenient commuting experience for the public.
The forged partnership among CamSur MPC, NACIATRASCO and CAPATRANSCO stands as a promising step towards the strengthening of the transport sector in Naga City, which is seen to yield quality service for all commuters.
Recalling how CamSur MPC has thrived as a cooperative since its inception in December 2009, Ms. Annielen Panerio shared that the main driving force behind the forged partnership with the two (2) transport cooperatives was the desire to be of service to micro cooperatives in improving their management, governance, and operations and to position these micro cooperatives towards a shared vision of building a network of thriving and resilient cooperative enterprises.
Meanwhile, relevant discussion on prohibitions under Section 13 of Memorandum Circular 2023-02 or the Revised Guidelines on the Implementation of Koop Kapatid Program issued by Usec. Joseph B. Encabo on 13 January 2023, was explained by Engr Zaldy G. Bermejo to achieve a sound and successful implementation of the MOA. He clarified that a Partner-Cooperative is not eligible to invest in the capital structure of a Beneficiary-Cooperative. He further emphasized that those non-compliant cooperatives shall not be provided with Financial Assistance, and Cooperative Federation and Union cannot be a partner-cooperative to its members.
Finally, Engr. Bermejo urged the two (2) transport cooperatives to abide by the agreement stipulated in the Memorandum of Agreement to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the Program.
In response, both Chairpersons of NACIATRASCO and CAPATRANSCO expressed their appreciation and gratitude to CDA Region 5 for the functional guidance and direction extended to them by its OIC-Regional Director, Atty. Emilio D. Escueta III, in ensuring an inclusive and compendious partnership between the CDA and the cooperative sector as regards the successful implementation of Koop Kapatid Program in Bicol Region.
The signing of Memorandum of Agreement on Koop Kapatid Program marks an important accomplishment in the journey towards the actualization of cooperation among cooperatives and in inspiring change and promoting cooperative growth. By voluntary participation in the Program, these two (2) beneficiary cooperatives are poised to improve their operations and achieve meaningful success, and ultimately contribute to the growth of the cooperative sector in the Region.
Download Article here: Inspiring Change and Cooperative Growth – Camsur Multi-Purpose Cooperative signs Memorandum of Agreement on Koop Kapatid Program with Two (2) Transport Cooperatives In Naga City
