Guided by his firm leadership and known for his charm, charisma, and positive influence, the Honorable Mayor of Mandaue City, Hon. Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” M. Ouano was the inspirational and honorary speaker during the celebration of the 5th Annual General Assembly of Mandaue City CSF Cooperative conducted at the Mandaue City Hall Annex Building on February 18, 2026. Mayor Jonkie Ouano exudes the brand of leadership of being hardworking and having uncompromised principles, work ethics and values. He, as the newly elected mayor of Mandaue City, made the tag line “One Mandaue” popular.
On that particular occasion, he finally gave a resounding yes to give his full support and commitment to the Mandauehanons, particularly the members, by committing to provide the needed additional contributions to the Mandaue City CSF Cooperative.
With this positive pronouncement, the members of the said CSF Cooperative in attendance, together with the invited guests from Landbank of the Philippines, VP Eulalio Lagapa, Jr. Manager of North Lending Center, Ms. Faith Lavandero, LBP representative for Financial Inclusion, and Ms. Gina F. Repunte, Sr. CDS for CSF, CDA Regional Office were appreciative and extended profound gratitude to the Mayor for the latest initiative made, his unwavering support for the Mandaue City CSF Cooperative. The CSFC is headed by Dr. Emedio Bustillo, the Chairperson of the CSF Cooperative, and along with the officers and members were truly delighted and grateful by the generosity and commitments made by the Mayor. As a matter of fact, he stated that as a former manager of the family business he once focused on, he shared that, work ethics, values, and steadfast leadership are vital and significant principles needed to achieve the goals and objectives of an organization. Comparing it to a cooperative, that is of diverse personalities, and with different operational structures, is more than complicated. He stated that he understands the plight of all cooperatives that are operating within the city. That is the reason why he wants to connect and make a difference by motivating and inspiring cooperatives to do their best so as to uplift their socio-economic conditions.
There is indeed power in cooperatives, he stressed, where unity has been manifested through their shared purpose and goals. While it is his responsibility to address economic challenges and poverty within his jurisdiction, it is now a shared responsibility for all, as the CSF cooperative and the officers take their tasks in uplifting the social and economic condition of their members. He believes in people empowerment being present in cooperativism as partners of the government, as manifested by the holding of the general assembly every year and reporting the financial results thereof. Providing full support and additional financial contributions to the CSFC is just one step towards the fulfillment of the objectives of the CSFC. What is more significant and vital then is that full cooperation, good governance, accountability, and transparent leadership must be observed and followed so as to achieve inclusive growth, financial resiliency, and sustainability of cooperatives.
Then, the ultimate objective of improving the lives of the members—MSMEs—can be achieved, and that gives meaning, love, and life to achieving its tag line “One Mandaue.” (GFR)
