As the world celebrates the grit, tenacity, and greatness of the matriarchal society, an exemplary cooperative in the southwestern seaboard of Cebu island — Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative shines as a symbol of a nurturing and indomitable spirit of motherhood as they celebrated the 14th Annual Representative Assembly of the Lamac Youth Planet Laboratory Cooperative. Like a seed nurtured by the tenacious synergy of a mother’s love, 350 young cooperative leaders— embodying the cooperative’s commitment to a future, the new generation, the vivacious and enthusiastic sons and daughters, children of members of Lamac MPC gathered at the Lamac MPC Convention Center, Pinamungajan, Cebu Province on April 26, 2025.
The Lamac MPC serves not just as a guardian cooperative but as a significant ally like a mother to her child— preparing the young for the challenges of today and equipping them for the upcoming battles of tomorrow.
The Lamac Youth Planet Laboratory Cooperative was launched by Lamac MPC in 2004 and became a recognized laboratory cooperative with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) on January 14, 2016 paving the way for its numerous awards and distinctions in both local and international arenas.
Lamac MPC Bets for Best as Mother Knows Best
Over two decades, Lamac MPC has been the guiding force behind youth empowerment in the isolated mountainous barangay of Lamac, Pinamungajan, Cebu led by one of the pillars in the cooperative movement, Ma. Elena “Ellen” Canda Limocon who first came to Pinamungajan as community midwife on November 17, 1982. More than just a health professional, Ellen went beyond her duty in assisting mothers during childbirth; exposed to the harsh reality of community poverty— and was inspired by the perseverance of the local farmers and the youth. Thus, she extended the essence of motherhood by helping give birth to something beneficial in the community: a powerful call of unity amongst the people in Pinamungajan through living life in a cooperative way. True to its tagline, “Soar High, Lamac MPC!”
“Cooperativism is one of the vehicles that could help alleviate poverty… it strongly responds [the
needs] of the vulnerable sector including the youth.” Ellen expressed.
Like a mother who nurtures her child to become someone to look up to, Lamac MPC, formerly known as the Lamac Samahang Nayon— mainly composed of small farmers emerged as one of the multi-awarded and heavily diversified cooperatives in the Philippines since its inception in the Year 1992; akin to a child spreading its wings and expanding horizons to reach the pinnacle of success with a mother who supports behind, the wind beneath their wings.
“I thank the parents— the mothers and fathers. We are so happy because the strength of our youth is naabot na sa (has arrived to) 22,583 youth with Lamac MPC having 76 branches in Visayas and Mindanao with a total deposit of 40 Million Pesos.” Ellen proudly added.
Leadership in the arena of the YOUng
“Success without succession is a failure.” — a powerful message conveyed by Justin Lyn Limocon, a registered nurse who chose to embrace the cooperative as a way of life from the early age of seven, when she first joined the Lamac Youth Planet Laboratory Cooperative. Influenced by the examples set by her own mother, Ellen, Justin devoted her life to the cooperative movement and put aside her career in the health profession. Justin’s perspective is a testament that the youth can make a meaningful life through involvements in the cooperative.
It takes YOUth to make things happen — The advocacy of Lamac MPC to prepare the youth for the global arena is a commendable step towards leadership succession. Undeniably, leadership succession is a common problem of cooperatives as leaders reach their golden years in operation. It is inevitable, and posted questions naturally arise: “Who are the next in line?”, “Are they equipped and ready?”, “Who are the leaders to succeed in the billionaire and millionaire cooperatives?”, “What about the small and micro cooperatives who are in struggle for their operations, more so in the leadership concerns?”— and a lot more apprehensions and fears.
Republic Act 9520, the Cooperative Code of the Philippines, stipulates the adoption of the laboratory cooperative by a Guardian Cooperative. To date, there are 18 cooperatives in Region VII-Central Visayas, who have pursued the creation of a Laboratory Cooperative. This is an opportunity to prepare the field of cooperativism amongst the 7 to 17 years old. Lamac MPC saw this opportunity in involving the young. Volunteerism, financial literacy and Filipino values are emphasized and inculcated by and in the teachings done to them, and the exposure of these young ones plays so significant in leadership and succession.
The success of endeavors happens when everyone does their part. For 14 years, the Youth Planet Cooperative existed, no more than a thousand youth took part in the contribution of capital, time and effort. To the young minds then, this is a playground where one meets new friends and learns new things.
Without their knowing, it is more than a playground, the young are taught to be responsible for themselves and each one is significant to the other. The “You” has a role to play in the cooperative. The ideals of unity and self-help are inculcated to the young as understood by them.
CDA Assistant Secretary Abdulsalam “Sam” A. Guinomla, Board Member III / Head, Education Advocacy and Union Cluster was present to witness this gathering of young people. Equipped with the fullness of energy and promise, the physical gathering of the 350 participants were joined by the rest of the membership via Zoom platform. According to Asec. Guinomla, witnessing a large assembly of young cooperative members and leaders for the first time left a lasting impression — an affirmation that a brighter future awaits for the cooperative sector through active involvement of the youth. Asec. Guinomla also led the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected officers of the Lamac Youth Planet Laboratory Cooperative.
“Be brave, be visionary, and be cooperative.” Asec. Sam conveyed.
Lamac MPC has taken one of the noble duties – teaching and preparing the next generation for their own good. Like a mother’s unconditional love, deep concern and tireless effort for her child, Lamac MPC provides the youth constant guidance, laying the path before them to understand the journey of cooperatives and that someday, they will holistically embrace the spirituality of cooperativism, take the challenge of leadership, champion the cooperative movement and change lives – a gift of synergy, of a mother’s love. // CRITS R7
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