Tagum Cooperative (TC) proudly participated in the 2024 CLIMBS Global Cooperative Climate Summit held on November 28–30, 2024, at the Ambassador Hotel, Soi Sukhumvit, in Bangkok, Thailand. Representing TC were Board Director Jose Alvic P. Suaybaguio and Member Benefits and Assistance (MBA) Manager Lourence Caga-anan. They joined 350 delegates from 57 cooperatives worldwide.
As a strong partner of CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative, Tagum Cooperative actively supports initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The summit’s theme, “Sustainable Future: Cooperatives Leading Climate Action and Education,” featured the role of cooperatives in addressing climate challenges.
The summit was officially opened by CLIMBS CEO and President Mr. Noel D. Raboy and Association of Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU) CEO Ms. Elenita V. San Roque, whose inspiring messages set the tone for the transformative event. Ms. Donna C. Dizon, CEO and Principal of Cooperative College and CLIMBS Vice President, joined Ms. San Roque in raising a sense of purpose and vision for the summit.
The event featured insightful keynote speeches from renowned climate experts, engaging panel discussions where advocates shared sustainable solutions, and valuable networking opportunities that allowed delegates to connect with global leaders and like-minded professionals.
The keynote session, led by Mr. Ludwig O. Federigan, Founding Executive Director of the Young Environmental Forum, provided a rationale for urgent climate action. Additional insights came from Ms. Anna Liza Solis, Chief of Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section, PAGASA and Mr. James Elwyn Leyte, Senior Research Specialist, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. The open forum, moderated by Mr. Ranjith Hettiarachchi, Chief of ACCU’s Technical Team, highlighted innovative strategies for combating climate change.
Notable contributions also came from Asec. Romell Antonio Cuenca, Deputy Executive Director of the Philippines Climate Change Commission, with video messages from Mr. Fredy Gauyacan of the International Labour Organization and Atty. Reynaldo A. Regalado of the Insurance Commission.
Several plenary sessions provided in-depth discussions on cooperative approaches to climate action. One session featured Ms. Ma. Carmel Neri-Dytingco, Strategic Communications Officer/GAD Focal Person of MASS-SPECC, and Mr. Edwin Bustollos, Executive Director of Coop Chamber Philippines, discussing cooperative-driven solutions to climate challenges. Ms. San Roque moderated this exchange of ideas.
Another plenary session on “Empowering Marginalized Communities for Climate Action” featured Mr. Benedikt Signer, Executive Director of SEADRIF Insurance, and Ms. Jenny Aspilan, Chief of the Policy and Planning Division at ACPC-DA. They discussed how inclusive financial solutions, risk management tools, and public-private agricultural policies can help vulnerable groups adapt to and mitigate climate-related disasters. This session was moderated by Ms. Rowena Abella, Vice President of CLIMBS.
Further discussions on “Technology and Innovation for Climate Resilience in Coops” explored data-driven tools and sustainable solutions for strengthening and adapting cooperatives in the face of climate challenges. Insights were shared by Mr. Mangalath Kurup Balachandran, Head of Growth at IBISA Network; Mr. Piriya Ugaiwong, Climate Adaptation and Climate Expert at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); and Mr. Dhruv Vijra, Assistant Manager at KPMG India. The session was moderated by Mr. Renand Diaz, Vice President of CLIMBS.
Tagum Cooperative received a Plaque of Recognition for its steadfast commitment to sustainable practices through its Climate Action Solutions Program. Director Suaybaguio and Manager Caga-anan accepted the award, reaffirming TC’s dedication to addressing climate issues.
The summit served as a resounding call for unity among cooperatives, emphasizing the need for collective action to address climate challenges. As highlighted during the event, “Together, cooperatives can lead the charge for a sustainable future. Leslie S. Canuto