Celebrating the Legacy of Ms. Josephine N. Salomon: A Life of Service, A Heart for Cooperatives
By the Parañaque Cooperative Development Office
As the nation observes National Women’s Month, we take pride in honoring one of Parañaque City’s most dedicated public servants—a woman whose life exemplifies the ideals of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to community development. Ms. Josephine N. Salomon, Head of the Parañaque Cooperative Development Office (PCDO), stands as a testament to the transformative power of women’s leadership in local governance and the cooperative movement.
Humble Beginnings
Ms. Salomon was born on December 2, 1966, in the municipality of Urbiztondo, Pangasinan, as the second child in a family of modest means. Her roots in this quiet agricultural town instilled in her the values of hard work, perseverance, and community solidarity—values that would later define her distinguished career in public service.
Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the Philippine Normal College, which she completed in 1988. This foundation in understanding human behavior and motivation would prove invaluable in her future roles as a leader and mentor.
A Commitment to Lifelong Learning Recognizing that effective leadership requires continuous growth, Ms. Salomon pursued several graduate studies throughout her career:
Year Institution Program
1997–1999 Technological University of the Philippines Master in Management
2000–2001 Perpetual Help College of Rizal, Las Piñas City Supplemental Education Course
2014–2016 St. Francis of Assisi College Master in Business Management
This dedication to academic excellence reflects her philosophy that a public servant must never cease learning, for only through knowledge can one truly serve the people.
Nearly Four Decades of Public Service
With more than 38 years in government service, Ms. Salomon has built a legacy of integrity, competence, and compassion. She currently holds the position of City Government Department Head II, leading the Parañaque Cooperative Development Office with distinction.
Under her stewardship, the PCDO has become a model of efficiency and innovation, guiding countless community groups through the process of cooperative organization, registration, and sustainable management. Her vision has transformed the office into a true partner of the people—empowering entrepreneurs, formalizing informal associations, and strengthening the cooperative sector from the ground up.
Leadership in the Cooperative Movement
Beyond her official duties, Ms. Salomon has been an active and influential figure in various organizations that support and advance the cooperative movement. Her leadership roles include:
Treasurer, Association of Metro Manila Cooperative Development Officers (MEMACDO)
Elected Secretary, Parañaque Cooperative Development Council
Board of Director, Parañaque City Credit Surety Fund Cooperative (PqCCSFC)
Chairperson, Gender and Development (GAD) Committee, Parañaque City Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative
These positions reflect the trust and respect she has earned from her peers in both government and the cooperative sector.
Champion of Secondary Cooperatives
One of Ms. Salomon’s most significant contributions has been her advocacy for the creation and organization of secondary cooperatives in Parañaque City. These umbrella organizations serve as vital support structures for primary cooperatives, enabling them to pool resources, access larger markets, and achieve greater collective impact.
Among the institutions she helped establish are:
Parañaque City Credit Surety Fund Cooperative
Unified Marketing Services of Parañaque Fisherman’s Wharf
Parañaque Federation of Cooperatives
Parañaque City Union of Cooperatives
These organizations stand today as enduring testaments to her vision of a connected, resilient, and self-sufficient cooperative ecosystem.
A Champion of Gender and Development
As Chairperson of the GAD Committee for the Parañaque City Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Ms. Salomon has ensured that gender equality remains a central priority in cooperative development. She has consistently championed programs that empower women, promote equal opportunities, and create safe, inclusive spaces for all members.
Her own journey—from a young girl in Pangasinan to a respected department head—serves as a powerful inspiration to women across the city who aspire to lead and make a difference in their communities.
A Heart That Continues to Serve
At an age when many would consider retirement, Ms. Salomon remains as energetic and passionate as ever. In her own words, she is “continuously happy to serve in the public service” —a sentiment that speaks to her genuine love for her work and her deep sense of responsibility to the people of Parañaque.
Colleagues describe her as a leader who leads by example, a mentor who nurtures the potential of others, and a public servant who treats every task—no matter how small—as a sacred duty. Her door is always open, her advice always thoughtful, and her commitment always unwavering.
A Legacy for Future Generations
This Women’s Month, we celebrate Ms. Josephine N. Salomon not only for her accomplishments but for the values she embodies: resilience, integrity, compassion, and a steadfast belief in the power of collective action.
Her story reminds us that women’s leadership is not defined by titles alone but by the lives touched, the communities strengthened, and the futures shaped through dedicated service. As she continues her work with the same vigor and joy that have marked her 38 years in government, she leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations of women to come.
“Service is not merely a duty—it is a privilege. And as long as I am able, I will continue to serve with all my heart.”
— Ms. Josephine N. Salomon
