A Lifelong Advocate for Cooperative Development and Public Service

Dr. Josephine P. Osea, a licensed Optometrist, has dedicated much of her professional life to advancing the cooperative movement and empowering communities in Valenzuela City. Her journey in the cooperative sector began in the 1990s as an election officer and newsletter editor for the San Isidro Labrador Parish Multi-Purpose Cooperative, eventually leading to serve as the cooperative’s Board of Directors. At the same time, she actively served in her parish as a youth leader, where she deepened her understanding of cooperative principles and their transformative impact on communities. 

Ophie as she is fondly known, chose to focus her career on public service and cooperative development.  In 2004, she entered government service at the Valenzuela Cooperative Development Office (VCDO), starting from the lowest clerical position. Through dedication, hard work, and a deep commitment to the cooperative sector, in 2016, she was appointed Head of the VCDO and concurrently handled the Local Economic and Investment Promotions Office (LEIPO) and later, in 2018, also led the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of the city. Through these leadership roles, she played a key part in aligning economic development programs with cooperative initiatives.  

She ensured the institutionalization and sustainability of the office’s best practices while introducing innovations to better serve the cooperative sector and strategically integrating cooperative programs with initiatives from PESO and previously LEIPO, she expanded opportunities for cooperatives to participate in local economic development and community-building efforts. 

Today, Ophie continues to champion cooperative growth and community empowerment in Valenzuela City.