The nationwide celebration of cooperatives in the Philippines unified across the Province of Davao del Norte as the kick-off activity commenced on October 02, 2022 at the Multi-Purpose Tourism Cultural and Sports Center with the local dialect theme, “Kooperatiba: Kabahin sa Kabag-ohan, Para sa Katawhan, Kinaiyahan ug Kalinaw”.
The Coop Month celebration is an annual opportunity for cooperatives with its stakeholders to raise awareness and solidify the essence of cooperativism, and purposely boost the trust and confidence of cooperatives in elevating business operations. These key indicators of performance are identified as a roadmap for navigating or uplifting the lives of members and the community as a whole.
Legislatively, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) is the governing body of cooperatives in the country, leading the call of celebration, bannering the national theme of the year, “KoopPinas: Nagkakaisang Lakas Para sa Makabuluhan at Sama-samang Pagunlad”.
The Cooperative Development Authority in strong collaboration with cooperative development councils, local and national cooperative federations, and other government agencies exhibited various fun-filled activities and learning programs to augment cooperative values and principles and amplify cooperative movement.
Meaningfully, the Coop Month celebration set motion with a kick-off activity with the spearheading of the Provincial Development Cooperative Council (PCDC) and the City Cooperative Development Council (CCDC). Tagum Cooperative took the lead and initiative to manifest support and actively contribute to cooperative-building projects, activities, and programs.
In attendance, the chief executive officer of Tagum Cooperative Juris D. Perez forefronted the kick-off activity together with members of the board, committees, and management. Several cooperative members dignified the event. The ceremonial opening and motorcade activity were the highlights of the kick-off program.
Indeed, Cooperative Month is an opportunity to highlight the role of cooperatives in promoting solidarity, economic empowerment, and social inclusion. This serves as a vehicle for building a more equitable and sustainable local economy that brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including government, business, civil society, academia, and cooperative sectors. Truly, Cooperatives play a vital role in economic and social progress.