More than 600 District Representatives took part in the first ever Annual Representative Assembly Meeting of Tagum Cooperative (TC) last March 25, 2018 with the theme “Tagum Cooperative: Soaring Beyond the Bounds of Success Towards Unification and Global Integration”.
The Assembly was held in RDR Gym in Davao del Norte Sports Tourism Complex attended by the elected District Representatives who proudly wore the prescribed apple green t-shirt with Tagum Cooperative’s logo. The Assembly commenced at 11 o’clock in the morning with a Eucharistic Celebration presided by TC’s Spiritual Director Fr. Arnulfo Tiplaca, DCT. At 1 o’clock in the afternoon the program has officially started with an opening salvo delivered by the talented students and performers of Tagum City National High School Dance Theater Guild.
Chairperson of the Board of Directors Fe J. Adlawan gave her special message during the program. She acknowledged the colorful history of TC which paved way for its current successes and encouraged the cooperators to respond to the challenges being thrown their way. “Instead in our first year after 50, we must feel uncomfortable, pressured but thrilled to journey again, sail together towards our high hopes and dreams”, Chairperson Adlawan affirms.
Chief Executive Officer Juris D. Perez later expounded on the TC Operational Highlights for Cooperative Year 2017. The loud applause was caused by the whooping 22.44% increase in assets from P4.371B in 2016 to P5.525 Billion in 2017 as well as the astoundingly low delinquency rate of 5.01%. “The hard work, passion and commitment of our leaders, employees and members will surely help lay the foundation of the next 50 years of the coop,” CEO Perez states.
Awards and recognitions were also given to the outstanding member-patronizers who continuously enjoy and promote the products and services of the Cooperative.The Business Assembly proper ensued with extensive deliberation on the reports and proposed amendments on the cooperative by-laws and articles of Cooperation. The District Representatives favorably approved the proposed Joint Officials’ Recommendations, including the opening of additional branches and capitalization for General Santos City; Valencia City, Bukidnon; Koronadal, South Cotabato; Kidapawan City, North Cotabato; Malaybalay City, Bukidnon; Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur; and Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. FuneCare Branches will also be established in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur; Panabo City; and Davao City. Proposed amendments in the bylaws on election matters were also favored by the District Representatives.
Members were enthusiastic as CEO Perez announced that the Distribution of Patronage Refund and Interest on Share Capital (PRIS) will be on April 2, 2018 (Monday).
Republic Act 9520 otherwise known as the Cooperative Code of the Philippines 2008 provides for the implementation of the Representative Assembly to Cooperatives with numerous memberships such as Tagum Cooperative. Thus, it took significant years of careful study and consultation before Tagum Cooperative implemented the Representative Assembly to ensuring the welfare of its general membership.