Jose Rizal University | May 6, 2025 — In a time of growing economic inequality and social division, cooperatives offer a strong example of people working together to overcome challenges. This sentiment was powerfully echoed at the recent seminar, ‘Strength in Unity: The Role of Cooperatives in Community Development,’ hosted by the Junior Financial Executives (JFINEX) in collaboration with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) at Jose Rizal University. The event illuminated the transformative potential of cooperatives and served as a beacon of hope, inspiring future leaders to engage in sustainable economic and social development.
The seminar commenced with an opening ceremony that highlighted the significance of cooperative movements in fostering inclusive economic systems. Dr. Allan Galvez, Dean of the College of Business Administration and Accountancy, shared valuable insights about cooperatives and how they help people and the economy. He expressed his hope that students would understand how cooperatives contribute to community development and sustainability.
Mr. Gerald Catambacan, Cooperative Development Specialist II from the CDA’s Registration Division, led the seminar’s main session. He guided the audience through the agency’s legal mandate, mission, vision, and values, emphasizing the CDA’s role in advancing the national development agenda. Mr. Catambacan’s presentation was theoretical and practical, offering valuable insights into the diverse types of cooperatives, their benefits, and their underlying principles.
His discussion highlighted the introduction of E-CoopRIS, the CDA’s online platform designed to streamline cooperative registration and management. “Technology helps reduce bureaucratic barriers and creates opportunities for cooperative startups,” remarked Mr. Catambacan. This shift toward digital governance ensures that cooperatives remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The seminar’s open forum, moderated by Ms. Nympha D. Olegario, Acting Supervising Cooperative Development Specialist, was a lively exchange that exemplified the dynamic interplay between theory and practice. Students posed incisive questions, probing topics such as small-scale cooperatives’ sustainability, youth leadership’s role, and strategies for combating financial illiteracy. Ms. Olegario’s responses, enriched by her extensive experience, reinforced the notion that cooperatives thrive when rooted in community-specific needs and participatory governance.
Dr. Johnn Teope, JFINEX adviser, concluded the event, whose remarks encapsulated the essence of the occasion. With profound conviction, he reaffirmed a timeless ideal: that the youth remain the nation’s greatest hope. Emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement, he encouraged students to transcend the role of mere spectators and instead embrace their potential as catalysts for community transformation. Furthermore, Dr. Teope conveyed his optimism for a sustained partnership between JFINEX and the CDA, envisioning an annual collaboration dedicated to fostering civic responsibility and economic empowerment.
The ‘Strength in Unity’ seminar was a powerful testament to the enduring relevance of cooperatives in addressing contemporary socio-economic challenges. It demonstrated that the potential for impact is boundless when institutions converge around a shared vision, reassuring us of the continued importance of cooperative efforts.
As the CDA continues to innovate and JFINEX cultivates the next wave of financial leaders, one truth remains evident: the cooperative movement is not merely a relic but a blueprint for a more equitable and resilient future.
“Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” — Mattie Stepanek.
