June 14, 2022, Marco Polo Ortigas, Pasig – A tribute was held for outgoing Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon M. Lopez by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) dubbed as “Pagbubunyi Para Kay Sec. Mon”. During the tribute, CDA presented an audio-visual highlighting CDA’s accomplishments under the 6-year term of President Rodrigo R. Duterte. CDA is an attached agency of DTI for policy and program coordination for cooperatives.
Chairman Joseph B. Encabo, on behalf of the CDA, expressed his gratitude to Secretary Lopez for his support and commitment to CDA’s programs on uplifting and empowering cooperatives in the country.
In his message, the honoree thanked the hardworking and inspiring leader CDA Chairman, Usec. Joseph B. Encabo as well as the members of CDA Board of Directors (BOD) for the notable partnerships and undertakings that made people happy.
After watching the presentation on CDA’s accomplishments under the PRRD Administration, he pointed out that the tribute should be given to President Duterte and not for him, that it’s about CDA’s achievements contributing to the programs of President Duterte. He also recognized Senator Bong Go for his dedication to public service.
He added that with these leaders, the whole organization is inspired to work and honored to be part of Team Duterte and that includes all agencies under DTI, particularly the CDA’s accomplishments that benefit the cooperative sector and the country.
Sec. Lopez thanked CDA for being a partner of DTI in delivering services and implementing programs up to the barangay level through its partnership with barangays and the help of cooperatives because the support of agencies is significant to the success of DTI’s initiatives for the people.
He also mentioned that many say that COVID-19 started under PRRD and will end under his term, moving on to the next administration, he hopes that the pandemic cases in the Philippines will be totally reduced, and managed to keep up its rank in the pandemic response and that the country will have continuous growth in its gross domestic product (GDP) and economic recovery.
He further said that Chairperson Encabo and the CDA family manifested competency, integrity and energy. Three (3) characteristics must be present in an agency and possessed by its employees to ensure success in their undertakings.
He concluded his message by saying that as he and other public servants will retire or end their terms, it is how they served others that matters most. “You can be happy, strive to be happy but it’s a different thing if you make others happier through your work”.
The celebration was attended by participants composed of officials and personnel from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), its attached agencies, Department of Agriculture and CDA. – Ma. Clarissa L. Salonga
