A meaningful gathering was held by PHCCI–MPC Tacloban through its Kiddy and Y.E.S. Laboratory Cooperative with the theme “EleV8: Rising Together as Empowered Youth and Building the Leaders of Tomorrow,” conducted on February 15, 2026, at the Leyte Academic Center in Palo, Leyte. The activity aimed to strengthen financial awareness, leadership, and cooperative values among the youth as the future stewards of the cooperative movement. Serving as guest speaker was Regional Director Venus M. Jornales of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region VIII, accompanied by CDS II Veryan Artates, who joined cooperative officers, parents, laboratory cooperative coordinators, and the PHCCI management team led by General Manager Elizabeth L. Pretencio in inspiring the young participants.

In her message, Director Jornales likened a simple coin to a seed of the future—when saved and nurtured within a cooperative, it grows into a tree that provides hope, support, and opportunity for many. She emphasized that saving is not merely about money but about building a lasting legacy for the next generation.

She also recognized the vital role of the Board of Directors, PHCCI management, and parents as “guardians of the legacy” who guide and mentor the youth toward responsible leadership and a secure future. According to her, the young members are not only being taught how to save but are being prepared to become the next leaders of the cooperative.

Director Jornales further highlighted the difference between simple saving and financial literacy, stressing that true empowerment comes from understanding the difference between needs and wants. She explained that even small savings contributed by the youth become working capital that helps the community, such as supporting students’ education or assisting farmers—showing that young savers already play a role in community development.

She also connected the activity to the upcoming Global Money Week 2026, themed “Protect your money, secure your future,” and reaffirmed the CDA’s continued support for Laboratory Cooperatives as training grounds for future cooperative leaders in accordance with RA 9520.

In closing, Director Jornales encouraged the youth not only to save for a rainy day but to save for a legacy, and not just to count their money but to make their money count. Quoting Franklin D. Roosevelt, she reminded everyone: “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”

With a spirited call to action—Are we ready to Save? Are we ready to Lead? Are we ready to EleV8?—the gathering ended with renewed enthusiasm and commitment to cooperative values,     declaring together: Mabuhay ang Kooperatiba!