Parañaque City, July 4, 2025 — In a significant move to advance cooperative education in the country, the Parañaque City College (PCC) and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) formalized their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) held at the BOT Conference Room of PCC. The event was graced by key academic leaders, government officials, and cooperative sector advocates.
The MOU aims to foster academic cooperation, educational exchange, and collaborative research between the two institutions. Central to this agreement is the enhancement of the Bachelor of Science in Cooperatives program under PUP’s Department of Cooperative and Social Development (DCSD)—a unique initiative designed to produce future leaders in the cooperative movement.
Among the prominent personalities present was Assistant Secretary Abdulsalam A. Guinomla, Head of the Education, Advocacy and Union of Cooperatives Cluster at the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). ASec. Guinomla delivered an inspiring message underscoring the importance of synergy between academic institutions and the cooperative sector in building a sustainable, inclusive economy.
“This partnership between PCC and PUP exemplifies how institutions can collaborate for the future of our youth and our cooperatives,” ASec. Guinomla stated. “It is through education and real-world immersion that we build the next generation of cooperative leaders.”
The MOU outlines collaboration in the following key areas:
Student On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Internship Programs – Providing students with practical exposure to cooperative enterprises.
Research Collaboration – Fostering joint studies and publications addressing current challenges and innovations in cooperativism.
Training and Professional Development – Offering capacity-building activities for faculty, staff, and students.
Formation of Coordinating Committees – Ensuring efficient implementation and continuous communication between both parties.
The event also featured messages from the representatives of Hon. Edwin L. Olivarez, Mayor of Parañaque City and Eric Olivarez, Congressmen; Dr. Hilda F. San Gabriel, Chairperson
of the Department of Cooperative & Social Development of Polytechnic University of the Philippines; and Dennis C. Camatog, Vice President for Academic Affairs of PCC.
College Administrator Dr. Alejandro D. Magnaye, who played a key role in this partnership, expressed his optimism: “This is just the beginning. Our students, our faculty, and our community will greatly benefit from this shared vision of cooperative excellence.”
The ceremony concluded with the official signing of the MOU and the singing of the PCC and PUP hymns—a symbolic gesture of unity, shared purpose, and commitment to academic and social transformation.
