The Albuera Municipal Cooperative Development Council (MCDC) held its 1st Cooperative Month Celebration with great success, marking a significant milestone for the cooperative movement in the municipality. Even though there are only a few cooperatives in the municipality, the event radiated the true spirit of bayanihan, unity, and cooperation among its participants. The celebration began early in the morning with a motorcade around the municipality, followed by a Holy Mass that served offered in thanksgiving for the continuous blessings and achievements of the cooperatives. During the program proper, MCDC Chairperson Pamela M. Boholst formally welcomed all
participants and expressed her heartfelt appreciation for their active involvement and support. The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Municipal Mayor Hon. Rolan Espinosa, represented by Municipal Administrator Mr. Darryl Meneses; SB Chairman on Cooperatives Hon. Romeo Junco; and CDA Regional Director Venus Jornales, represented by Sr. CDS Rowan Delos Santos and Gerlen L. Lagrosa, CDS II. Their inspiring messages emphasized the importance of unity, shared purpose, and continuous collaboration in promoting sustainable community development through cooperativism. Representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) also
joined the celebration, further strengthening the spirit of partnership and inter-agency support for the cooperative movement in Albuera.

A highlight of the event was the Awarding of the Certificate of Recognition to the Albuera Municipal Cooperative Development Council pursuant to CDA MC 2022-03, led by Mr. Rowan Delos Santos. Certificates of Appreciation were also presented to local cooperatives in recognition of their invaluable support and cooperation. After the awarding ceremonies, participants enjoyed a photo opportunity and a fellowship lunch, further strengthening camaraderie among attendees. The afternoon activities brought a lively and joyful atmosphere with a Zumba session led by the Albuera Zumba Jammers, a video showing of a cooperative success story (UALOTRANSCO), and a series of fun parlor games that encouraged teamwork and friendship. The celebration concluded with a heartfelt closing message from Ms. Glicelyn P. Sarsonas, Cooperative Development Officer, who encouraged everyone to continue nurturing cooperation and solidarity for the sustained growth of cooperatives in Albuera. Overall, the 1st Cooperative Month Celebration of the Albuera MCDC was both meaningful and successful. It truly demonstrated that with cooperation, unity, and the bayanihan spirit, even a few cooperatives can make a big difference in the community.