Ms. Rosalie Valencia is a dedicated leader, a working wife, and a mother of three who has made remarkable contributions to the cooperative sector. As the General Manager of VALDECO, a billion-peso multi-purpose cooperative in Valenzuela City, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation.
One of her most notable achievements is leading VALDECO to billionaire status, a testament to her strategic vision and management skills. Under her leadership, she developed a range of financial products designed to instill a habit of saving among members, ensuring their financial preparedness for the future. These products include the Emergency Fund Deposit, Future Savings, Power Savings, Retirement Savings, and Family Savings Deposit.
During the pandemic, Ms. Rosalie showed courage and initiative by spearheading critical programs that supported both VALDECO members and the community. Through a partnership with the local government, she implemented the Market on Wheels program, bringing market vendors and their products to different barangays, especially those under lockdown. She also introduced Oplan Isda in collaboration with BFAR, delivering one ton of Bangus and Tilapia twice a week for over a year—providing livelihood opportunities for members whose businesses were affected by the crisis.
Her leadership extends beyond financial programs. In 2016, she facilitated the purchase of an old wet and dry market and successfully transformed it into a two-story, 1,760-square-meter facility. Today, this building houses VALDECO’s main office while still maintaining a market on the ground floor, serving the needs of the community. Additionally, she positioned VALDECO as a pioneer in financial technology by making it the first cooperative in Valenzuela to own an ATM and the first to utilize a cloud-based core banking system.
Beyond VALDECO, Rosalie plays a significant role in cooperative federations. She currently serves as a Board Member of NATCCO and NAMVESCCO, the Chairperson of the Valenzuela Cooperative Development Council, and the BOT Treasurer of the National Pharmaceutical Foundation. She is also an active member of the Trinity Neighborhood Church.
Ms. Rosalie Valencia’s leadership is deeply rooted in her commitment to balancing family, work, and worship—an inspiring testament to her unwavering dedication to service, innovation, and community development
Women leaders have made significant contributions to society and are increasingly visible in a variety of fields, including politics and business. The rise of women to leadership positions challenges assumptions about gender and offers a range of perspectives that can enhance decision-making and foster innovation. One of the distinguished female leaders is Ms. Yolanda C. Del Castillo who has demonstrated vision, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to community development, making her an exceptional leader in the cooperative movement. Her notable contributions had a significant impact on the cooperative business environment in the City of Marikina and all other areas of the country.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Accounting from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in 1979 provided her with the essential skills for her future roles. She was prepared for her subsequent leadership positions by her early involvement with Concepcion Vendors Development Cooperative as part of the Audit Committee, from 1986-1987. She then became one of the Board of Directors & Education Committee from 1988 -1995. Her duties and responsibilities with CVDC along with her active participation with other Cooperatives in the country have shaped her leadership skills to be serving the Cooperative as a General Manager from 2013 up to the present. Having a thorough comprehension of cooperative principles, managerial skills, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of the members are her advantages for this leadership role.
In addition to CVDC, Del Castillo has made significant contributions to national cooperative organizations. Her position as Chairperson of the National Cooperative Marketing Federation’s (NCMF) Audit Committee demonstrates her commitment to upholding financial integrity in the broader cooperative sector. Her duties as a member of the Board of Directors to the National Market Vendors Confederation Of Cooperative (NAMVESCCO), Philac Service Cooperative, and Cooperative Union of Marikina City (CUMC), and an authorized representative to several organizations, such as the Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives (NSCC), One Cooperative Bank (OCB), and the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO), demonstrate her influence across multiple cooperative networks. These positions illustrate a commitment to collaboration and networking within the cooperative movement.
By being a member of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – New Marikina, she displays an appreciation of the larger economy and the significance of collaboration between cooperatives and other business entities. From 2021 to 2023, she led consultations on the various issues affecting cooperatives in the cities of Marikina, Quezon City, Pasig, Mandaluyong, and San Juan as the East Sector’s representative to the Regional Clustered Organization-Finance Cluster.
As the former auditor of Marikina City Cooperative Development Council (MCCDC), she was tasked to assist in the transition of Marikina City Credit Surety Fund to Marikina Credit Surety Fund Cooperative by helping in the auditing of financial records and seeking assistance from the Local Government to donate the P3 million fund for the reorganized Marikina City Credit Surety Fund Cooperative.
Because of her extensive experience and commitment, leaders like Yolanda del Castillo play an important role in helping cooperatives deal with changes like globalization, technological advancements, and growing competition. She believes that the most beneficial contribution one can make to the cooperative sector is to share one’s time, skills, and treasures with others. This can be done by actively participating in union, federation, and local government activities, and especially with CDA’s programs. Collaboration and active participation demonstrate that the willingness to assist others, not the cooperative’s size, is what matters. She also acknowledges the efforts and contributions of her fellow leaders and the members of CVDC for reaching 44 years of service and operations. Her legacy is one of dedicated service, fostering the values of cooperation and furthering the growth and prosperity of the Philippine cooperative sector. Her work serves as an example of the huge effect that one individual can have on a community and a nation, inspiring women, and future generations of cooperative leaders.
Ms. Ethel Soriano is a trailblazing leader and the third woman to serve as Chairperson of the PECCI
Multipurpose Cooperative. Her dedication, strategic vision, and passion for service have been
instrumental in the cooperative’s success over the past three years.
Her journey in PECCI began as Chairperson of the Mediation and Conciliation Committee.
Through hard work and commitment, she progressed to roles in the Education and Training
Committee, served as a Credit Committee Officer, Board Secretary, Board Member, Vice-
Chairperson, and ultimately, Chairperson of the Board of Directors.
Under her leadership, PECCI achieved unprecedented growth, recording consecutive all-time
highs in loan releases and net surpluses in 2023 and 2024. Her commitment to cooperative
values has significantly strengthened member engagement, with patronage increasing from
51% in 2022 to 68% in 2024—demonstrating the trust and confidence she inspires.
A strong advocate of servant leadership, Ethel fosters a culture of collaboration, respect, and
shared responsibility. She champions teamwork and encourages individuals to take initiative,
grow, and contribute meaningfully to both the organization and society. Since assuming the
role of Chairperson, her mantra, “Kayang-kaya basta sama-sama” (Together, we can achieve
anything), has united officers, management, and staff, instilling resilience and a positive
outlook.
Ms. Ethel Soriano is also a firm believer in the power of women as catalysts for change and progress.
Committed to gender inclusivity, she has actively promoted the appointment of women in
leadership roles within PECCI, resulting in 19 women now serving in various committees.
An awardee in the 2024 Asia’s Pinnacle Awards for “Asia’s Game Changer in Collaborative
Community Development”, Ethel’s leadership journey is a testament to perseverance, passion,
and the belief that meaningful change starts with people. She leads with integrity,
empowerment, and an unwavering dedication to service—an inspiring role model for women
and leaders alike.
Ms. ANNABELLE ESPINO, a passionate leader in the cooperative movement, currently serves as the Chairperson of the Quezon City Union of Cooperatives (QCUC). With a deep commitment to cooperative values and principles, she has devoted her career to empowering members and driving sustainable practices.
Her academic achievements include a Cum Laude distinction in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Accounting. Prior to her involvement in the cooperative sector, she gained valuable experience as a Certified Public Accountant, utilizing her financial expertise in the banking industry to benefit community-centric organizations.
Ms. Annabelle Espino became engaged in the cooperative movement due to her desire for social change and community empowerment, recognizing the potential of cooperatives to provide economic opportunities and enhance community resilience.
Ms. Annabelle Espino embarked on her cooperative journey in 2008, motivated by a vision for uplifting the members’ quality of life and inclusive community development. Throughout her leadership, she faced and overcame numerous challenges, particularly as a woman leader in a traditionally male-dominated environment. Her resilience and unwavering commitment to her principles have allowed her to navigate these challenges effectively.
Her journey is marked by significant accomplishments including the transformation of the Quezon City Union of Cooperatives (QCUC) into a leading union in the National Capital Region. Under her leadership, QCUC was able to acquire its first union-owned office building to house all its operations and activities. She has gained the trust of local primary cooperatives resulting in a remarkable increase in QCUC’s membership. A cornerstone of Ms. Annabelle Espino’s leadership philosophy is her unwavering dedication to training and education. Being a CDA Certified Accredited Trainer, she understands that knowledgeable members are the backbone of a successful cooperative. She has fostered a culture that emphasizes the importance of education while anchoring this culture on core cooperative values and principles. Her advocacy for training has led to the organization of various in and out of the country educational programs and workshops which enhance members’ skills and fostering a deeper understanding of cooperative operations.
Under her inspiring leadership, the Union has seen notable growth in both membership and financial stability. She spearheaded initiatives which focus on youth engagement, eco-friendly practices, digitalization efforts, and gender-equality programs ensuring that cooperatives thrive both economically and socially. Her commitment to nurturing a cooperative culture and developing human capital has profoundly impacted the lives of its members, empowering them to take active leadership roles and participate fully in decision-making processes.
As an ardent advocate for gender-equality and women empowerment, Ms. Annabelle Espino actively promotes initiatives that enhance the role of women within the cooperative sector and the broader community. Her engagement extends to several significant organizations, where she holds the following positions:
- Chairperson, QC Cooperative Development Council
- Vice President – Human Services Cluster, RCO-NCR
- Vice President – Education, Advocacy, and Union Cluster (EAU), NCR-RCO
- Vice Chairperson, Union of Metro Manila Cooperatives (UMMC)
- Chairperson, Training, Education, Research, and Development Committee (TERD), UMMC
- Vice Chairperson, QC Credit Surety Fund Cooperative
- Vice Chairperson, Aimstaff MPC Board of Directors
- Chairperson, Education Committee – Aimstaff MPC
Through these roles, she has cultivated partnerships with various organizations, government agencies, and community groups to champion efforts toward sustainable development and social responsibility.
Looking ahead, Ms. Annabelle Espino envisions a Union that not only retains its leadership position in the region but also serves as a beacon for other organizations in promoting sustainability, inclusion, and social equity. She emphasizes the importance of continuous education and empowerment for all members, believing that developing knowledge and skills is essential for fostering a thriving cooperative community anchored on cooperative principles.
Her advice to aspiring women leaders and cooperative members is compelling: “Embrace your unique strengths, seek opportunities for growth, and never underestimate the impact of collaboration. Together, we can build a more equitable and resilient future for all.”
Through her dedicated efforts and visionary leadership, Ms. Annabelle Espino continues to inspire and pave the way for the next generation in the cooperative movement.
Women Empowerment: A Pillar of Exceptional Leadership
For over 15 years Ms. Lilian Castelo has exemplified what it meant to be a true leader. As the General Manager of the San Isidro Labrador Parish Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SILPMPC), she has steered the organization with unwavering dedication, strategic decision-making, and a heart that nurtures both her colleagues and members—just like a mother guiding her family toward success. Her leadership is not just about managing operations; it is about inspiring transformation, fostering resilience, and creating a culture of excellence.
Ms. Lilian Castelo has been a dedicated leader in faith-based and Cooperative organizations for nearly three decades. Since 1995, she has served as Director and member of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) and contributed to Pamparokyang Sentro ng Katekesis (PASKA), the Knights of Columbus (KC), and the San Isidro Labrador Parish Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SILPMPC.)
Starting as a member of the Audit Committee, she rose to become the General Manager of SILPMPC. Beyond the cooperative, she has held key positions including Board Member of the Union of Catholic Church-Based Cooperatives (UCC), Audit Committee member of the National Cooperative Marketing Federation (NCMF), and Treasurer and Auditor for the Valenzuela Cooperative Development Council (VCDC). She also served as Board of Director and is currently a Board Trustee for the Valenzuela Cooperative Manager’s Club (VCMC).
Her leadership reflects a strong commitment to governance, financial stewardship and community development, reinforcing her impact on the cooperative sector.
Empowering women is about more than just granting opportunities—it is about instilling the confidence to lead, the strength to be self-reliant, and the wisdom to make impactful decisions. When women are empowered, they drive progress, innovation, and sustainable success. Ms. Castelo embodies this principle, cultivating a work environment where productivity thrives, teamwork flourishes, and the cooperative serves as a beacon of hope for its members and the community. The remarkable achievements of SILPMPC under her leadership are a testament to her vision and determination. She has ensured full compliance with all regulatory requirements, leading the cooperative to prestigious recognition. One of the most significant milestones during her tenure was achieving a flawless record with the Cooperative Development Authority—an accomplishment that speak volumes about her commitment to integrity and excellence. Additionally, under her guidance, SILPMPC attained the highest net worth growth in fiscal years 2016 and 2017, reinforcing its financial strength and sustainability.
True leadership is tested in times of crisis, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Castelo proved that SILPMPC was not just an organization, but a lifeline for the community. In recognition of its unwavering commitment to service, the cooperative was honored as the “Community Service Champion during the Pandemic.” Despite the global turmoil, SILPMPC remained fully operational, extending crucial support through financial aid to the City Government of Valenzuela for COVID-19 relief efforts, distributing essential supplies such as rice and medicines to members, assisting bereaved families, and contributing personal protective equipment for healthcare workers. This unwavering dedication showcased the spirit of cooperativism at its finest.
Beyond the accolades and achievements, Ms. Lilian Castelo’s true legacy lies in her ability to build strong, lasting relationships with stakeholders. By working hand in hand with the Board of Directors, committees, and management staff, she has fostered a culture of collaboration, resilience, and shared success. She understands that true leadership is not about individual power but about empowering others. Her advocacy for financial literacy has transformed the lives of many, guiding members to save wisely, invest in their future, and secure their financial well-being through insurance. Ms. Lilian Castelo’s journey is a powerful testament to the impact of women in leadership. She is not just a manager—she is a trailblazer, a mentor, and a force of change. Her story is one that inspires, her leadership is one that empowers, and her legacy is one that will shape the cooperative and the community for generations to come.
