Catastrophic—this tragically defines how September ended for the people in Central Visayas, especially the residents of Northern Cebu, after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake had shaken the region. 

A disastrous moment welcomed the month of October, leaving behind a grotesque image:  families grieving the loss of loved ones, residents weeping over devastated houses built from sweat and hard work, and the casualty count rising rapidly.

October commemorates the Cooperative Month celebration; however, for several cooperatives caught in the earthquake’s wrath, month-long preparation festivities were abruptly replaced by injuries and casualties.

These crises ignited the cooperative spirit, shining through life’s uncertainties and stepping up as pillars of support. With the collective efforts of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) – Region VII Extension Office, Regional Cooperative Development Council (RCDC) – 7, Cities of Lapu-lapu, Mandaue, and Cebu, “PESOforCEBU – Tabang Gikan saKooperatiba” was initiated to answer the call of cooperativism and bring the cooperative community together in purpose and in action for the brethren.

“PESOforCEBU – Tabang Gikan sa Kooperatiba” gathered Php17,625.25, onsite cash donations from the participating cooperatives, with onsite pledges from the Cebu CFI Community Cooperative amounting to Php100,000 and from Fairchild Cebu Community Multipurpose Cooperative amounting to Php20,000 during the first tri-city cooperative month celebration held at Lapu-lapu City on October 4, 2025. This modest way of help reinforced the CDA Head Office’s Call to Action for Relief and Assistance to Earthquake Affected Families and Communities, highly encouraging the cooperatives to share monetary, non-monetary, and volunteer professional and skills provision.

The cooperative, as an organization that operates on the principle of mutual support and concern for the community, has played its role and has lived its call; where cooperativism shines, thousands of pesos are shared, an act of benevolence in these challenging times.  // CRITS R7