Cavite cooperative month celebration capped with a gathering of cooperative movement forerunners in the province during the 10th Cooperative Leaders’ Conference bannering the theme, “Cavite Cooperatives: Pioneering the Path to Recovery Amidst Modern Challenges of Climate Change and Food Security” held at Carmona Community Center on October 24, 2023.
The program was spearheaded by the Office of the Provincial Cooperatives Development Officer led by its officer in charge, Atty. Khervy Reyes.
During the conference, Mr. Alvin S. Mojica, Provincial Administrator for Community Affairs, warmly welcomed the honorable guests, resource speakers, and attendees, extending his gratitude for the continuous support, assistance, and patronage to Cavite cooperatives, which have played a significant role in its recognition, development, and progress. PA Mojica also highlighted the recent achievements of the Provincial Government of Cavite, including the Digital Governance Award of Cavite Provincial Jail; finalist in the search for the most business-friendly LGU of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and, in the Galing Pook Awards.
Afterwards, Fr. Arturo Joseph Balagat, Provincial Cooperative Development Council Chairperson, emphasized the importance of cooperative leaders, and how echoing their knowledge and learnings from the conference to their respective cooperatives will inspire improvements. Subsequently, Hon. Dahlia Loyola, City Mayor of Carmona, reiterated the significance of encouraging others to form and be part of cooperatives. She assured every one of the City’s full support for cooperative movement, concluding her speech with the statement, “pag may kooperatiba, cooperation, pagkakaisa, walang katalo-talo”.
Meanwhile, Congressman Roy Loyola also showed his support to the event, sharing that the cooperative is a big help to Cavite and the Philippines. “There is no reason why cooperatives will fail. Definitely, cooperatives will push the needed development and progress for the province, and for the entire nation”, he stated.
Following was Hon. Francisco Gabriel Remulla, 7th District Board Member, who stressed the need for sustained efforts to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change and ensure food security. He then praised the cooperatives, on behalf of the PGC, for their initiatives and efforts in addressing the said issues.
As the keynote speaker, Senator Francis Tolentino commended the efforts of the cooperative movements in Cavite for actively working toward solutions for climate change and food security. The senator underlined how cooperatives foster collective action, enabling individuals and organizations to share resources and collaborate in achieving their goals.
The conference then delved into various topics concerning the roles of cooperatives and the services offered by different agencies in combating climate change and achieving food security were discussed.
The celebration continued with the KOOParangal 2023, which recognized and awarded exemplary and outstanding cooperatives in the province.
The event was concluded by Atty. Khervy Reyes, acknowledging the challenges that cooperatives have faced and the unity they have demonstrated in overcoming them. He added that the success of the cooperatives is because of the heart poured by the members as well as the cooperative leaders. He then urged the cooperative leaders to step up and rise to the challenges ahead. (OPIO)