By: OPHAR JUNE V. DY, PCDS Catanduanes
VIRAC, Catanduanes – Municipal Cooperative Development Council of Virac thru the leadership of its Chairperson, Hon. Hazel C. Isidoro, Municipal Councilor of Virac and Municipal Cooperatives Development Officer designate, Ms. Mary Grace Tabinas spearheads the first of its kind “Information and Service Caravan for Cooperatives” earlier today, October 17, 2023 here in Plaza Rizal, Virac, Catanduanes.
Present during the activity are Provincial Cooperative Development Council Chairperson Hon. Jan Ferdinand A. Alberto, Mr. Jose Taraya representing Mayor Samuel Laynes and SB Secretary Susan Isidoro and also, the different National Government Agencies invited and duly represented, among them were; Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) represented by its Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer, Dr. Nerisa B. Aldea, Department of Agriculture (DA) represented by its Provincial Head Mr. Rafael S. Magallanes, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) represented by Mr. Jayson Guerrero, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Catanduanes represented by Mr. Abril F. Malaca, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) represented by Mr. Joe Bermejo and Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) – Catanduanes represented by its Provincial CDS Mr. Ophar June V. Dy.
In attendance also are the diffferent cooperatives in the province especially the farmers and agriculture cooperatives.The purpose of this event is to know the latest information on cooperative programs, projects, partnership and services that can be availed by the cooperatives. In addition it can be an avenue for th e cooperatives to show case their products and services.
In the message of Hon. Mayor Samuel Laynes delivered by Mr. Jose Taraya, he points out the importance of existence of cooperatives as instrumental in responding to the challenges of climate change and food security. He believes that when cooperatives and its members combine their skills and talents they can achieve whatever they desire. He gives encouragement also to continue support the cooperative movement for the future of the next generation.
Meanwhile, Hon. Jan Ferdinand A. Alberto in his speech stresses out the importance of this activity that we should work hard and take advantage of the programs being offered by the different agencies for the sustainable development of our cooperatives. Afterwards, the different agencies are given their time slot to deliver their programs. The responses from the cooperatives to avail their possible grant and assistance are overwhelming.
Simultaneously, free hilot wellnes for all is being done as part of the program, it is facilitated by masseuses graduate from TESDA which served 50 clients. Likewise, annual blood donation drive which is now on its 6th year, initiated by CDA Catanduanes. The purpose of this advocacy is to ensure individuals and communities have access to safe and quality-assured blood in both normal and emergency situations. It also aims to inform, educate and encourage the public on the need for the voluntary blood donation and to instill the public consciousness of the principle that blood donation is a humanitarian act. It has a total of 20 bags extracted from blood donors despite of the heavy rains in the morning.
In her closing message, MCDO designate Ms. Mary Grace Tabinas expresses her heartfelt thanks to the participants and guest for their commitment and active participation.
Download Article here: Information and Service Caravan cum Blood Donation Drive and Hilot Wellness
