A few days before the month of August of 2023 concluded, a list of micro cooperatives from the province of Bohol was indorsed by the CDA R7EO to be a beneficiary-cooperative for the program under Memorandum Circular 2020-02. An interested partner-cooperative was keen on extending an assistance to an “igsuon”, a brother.
Kapatid in Tagalog, in the Visayan dialect it goes more than its meaning. Taking the rootword, “suon”, the word translates into two different but meaningful and symbolic words in relatable experiences to the locality. The word “suon” firstly means to fill. A meaningful word for a local beneficiary-cooperative since someone is helping them fill a need that may be technical or financial. “Suon” also means to imitate which the program symbolically carries a needed power and influence to make a difference to a developing beneficiary-cooperative to be like their partner-cooperative emulating their best practices and achievements. Regional Director Cristina H. Villamil and representatives from DFAMPC and TPTODA during the signing of the Koop Kapatid Memorandum of Agreement at Roman Empire Resort, Tawala, Panglao, Bohol last August 27, 2023. Regional Director Villamil discussing the Koop Kapatid Program before the MOA signing.
Asec. Paradillo (middle) while delivering her inspirational message during the Koop Kapatid Program MOA Signing at the Roman Empire Resort together with the Chairperson
of DFA MPC (left) and Vice-Chairperson of TPTODA (right). Thru CDA R7 EO Koop Kapatid Program, a Memorandum of Agreement containing the responsibilities and obligations of the parties was forged between the Department of Foreign Affairs Multi-Purpose Cooperative (DFAMPC) and TPTODA Credit Cooperative to assist the latter in accelerating their development. Prior to the signing, the Koop Kapatid Program was expounded by Region 7 Extension Office, Regional Director Cristina H. Villamil as stated in MC2020-02 which aims to improve the management, governance and business operation of the cooperatives through the provision of technical, financial and other forms of assistance.
To honor one momentous occasion, CDA Board Member III and Acting Administrator Assistant Secretary Myrla B. Paradillo was also present during the event. She has been a beacon of this advocacy since the beginning and has seen its benefits to its fullness. She expressed that she witnessed how one cooperative have become a top cooperative in the country from where it has been years ago. They were also a recipient of an assistance from another cooperative. The Administrator then casted a challenged to TPTODA to make the most out of what they will be getting with the hope that this would just be the first of the best to come, and what is in store for them.
The inking of the Memorandum of Agreement for the program is also notable that it happened in the province where the also first “pacto de sange” happened. A brotherhood not just in paper indeed but also a blood pact.
