by Rechel Capili, CDS II
A new chapter of leadership has begun for the Regional Clustered Organization (RCO) on Credit and Financial Services Cooperative Cluster as cooperative leaders from across Eastern Visayas gathered virtually on July 30, 2026 for the Virtual General Assembly and Election of Officers, facilitated by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Regional Office VIII. More than an election, the gathering served as a testament to the enduring spirit of cooperation, shared leadership, and collective commitment among credit and financial services cooperatives in the region. Representatives from the provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Tacloban City convened to chart the direction of the cluster for the next two years while reaffirming their commitment to advancing the cooperative movement. Adding significance to the occasion was the inspirational message of CDA Assistant Secretary and Finance Cluster Head Luz H. Yringco, who once served as the first President of the RCO VIII Finance Cooperative Cluster before becoming a CDA Board Member. Reflecting on the organization’s beginnings, Asec. Yringco encouraged the newly elected leaders to continue fostering unity, collaboration, and strong cooperative governance. She likewise reaffirmed her steadfast support for the Regional Clustered Organization and its continuing initiatives to strengthen the cooperative movement. Following the election proceedings, the General Assembly elected the following officers to lead the RCO VIII Finance Cooperative Cluster for CY 2026–2028:
Executive Officers
● President: Mr. Jacinto Tilbe – Northern Samar Multipurpose Cooperative (NSDWCC)
● Vice President: Atty. Vernon I. Jolbitado – Perpetual Help Multipurpose Cooperative (PHCCI-MPC Tacloban)
● Secretary: Ms. Becha Joy Y. Mendoza – Abuyog St. Francis Xavier Credit Cooperative (AFCCO)
● Treasurer: Ms. Maria Teresa A. Geniston – Fatima Multipurpose Cooperative (FATIMA MPC) Provincial Representatives
● Leyte: Ms. Hidelesa S. Tabale ● Southern Leyte: Mr. Angelito S. Gula ● Biliran: Ms. Anita S. Corto
● Eastern Samar: Dr. Lorena A. Azura ● Northern Samar: Mrs. Rosenia Caparroso
● Tacloban City Representative: Ms. Roshiel C. Padrique
The newly elected officers then took their Oath of Office, administered by CDA Region VIII Regional Director Venus M. Jornales. In her message, Regional Director Jornales congratulated the officers and underscored the importance of servant leadership, good governance, and collective action in advancing the interests of credit and financial services cooperatives across Eastern Visayas. The activity concluded with a Brief Orientation on the CDA’s Conduct of Risk-Based Supervision and Examination (RBSE) for cooperatives engaged in lending and the Acceptance Message of the newly elected President, Mr. Jacinto Tilbe, who expressed his gratitude for the trust reposed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening collaboration among member cooperatives and advancing the goals of the Regional Clustered Organization. As a renewed team takes the helm, the RCO VIII Finance Cooperative Cluster moves forward with a shared commitment to stronger leadership, deeper collaboration, and a more resilient cooperative sector in Eastern Visayas.
