Victorias City hosted the 44th Provincial Cooperative Day emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and strengthening cooperative efforts across the province at the Victorias City Coliseum, Satutday, October 19.
The event brought together 3,349 participants, including cooperative leaders and stakeholders from 243 cooperatives across various towns and cities in Negros Occidental, to celebrate their collective achievements and pave the way for a brighter future.
Themed “Abante Negrosanon, Kooperatiba Aton Pasanyugon Para sa Masanag nga Palaabuton,” the gathering underscored the pivotal role of cooperatives in driving local development and empowering communities, a press release from Victorias City said.
Negros Occidental Provincial Cooperative Development Council (NOPCDC) Chairman Raymund Gepitulan opened the event by leading the cooperative pledge.
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez delivered the welcome address, highlighting the essential contributions of cooperatives in promoting inclusivity and fostering socio-economic growth across the province.
Negros Occidental Board Member and Chairperson of the Committee on Cooperatives and Livelihood, Jeffrey Tubola, along with Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, expressed their support, highlighting the critical role of cooperatives in advancing livelihood opportunities.
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, PhD, further inspired the audience through a video message, acknowledging the cooperatives’ dedication to community upliftment and skill development.
Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Administrator ASEC Santiago Lim emphasized the need for continued resilience and innovation within the cooperative sector.
He encouraged attendees to embrace collaboration and explore new opportunities to ensure the long-term growth of their cooperatives.
One of the key highlights was the awarding of Php 500,000 in financial assistance to the City of Kabankalan Consolidated Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (COKCFAC), which was received by Chairperson Marvin Mabuyog.
The event also featured a ceremonial turnover and a video presentation from Himamaylan City, represented by SPM Aly Tongson Jr., who will host the next Provincial Cooperative Day.
A message of thanks was delivered on behalf of Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III by SP Committee Chair on Cooperatives and Livelihood Dino Jose Maria Acuña.
Performances from the Tingog Sang Kadalag-an Singers, CPSU Balangaw Dance Art Group, and contemporary, art, and hip-hop dancers added a cultural flair to the occasion.
Moreover, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez each contributed Php 100,000 in cash for the door prizes. Mayor Javi also added cellphones and Smart TVs to the prizes. Governor Lacson, Board Member Jeffrey Tubola, former Board Member Juvy Pepello, and COOP-NATTCO also donated rice for the event, while Councilor Jose Maria Dino Acuña contributed Php 2,000 in cash prizes. Barangay XX Kagawad Jappy Cuaycong provided additional rice, and Smart Communications donated a cellphone for the door prizes.
In the afternoon, a Chairman’s Forum was held at the Victorias City Command and Evacuation Center, where cooperative leaders engaged in discussions with representatives from various government agencies to address their concerns and queries.
The NOPCDC awarded a Plaque of Commendation to Victorias City, recognizing the efforts of the City Cooperative Office, co-hosts, and member retirees in making the celebration a success.*PR