Tagum Cooperative emerged as one of the champions in mainstreaming Gender and Development (GAD) within the Philippine Cooperative Movement. This accolade was bestowed upon them during the 5th National Summit on Gender and Development in Cooperatives, held at the prestigious Vigan Convention Center in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, from March 4 to 6, 2024, under the theme “Accelerating Gender Equality for Real and Lasting Change in Philippines Co-ops.”
Among the notable recipients of the Plaque of Recognition were Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative from Cebu, St. Martin of Tours Credit and Development Cooperative from Bulacan, Sta. Cruz Savings and Development Cooperative from Ilocos Sur, and MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center from Cagayan De Oro City.
This landmark event was organized by the Gender Equality Resource Center (GERC) Inc. in partnership with the Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives (NSCC) with the aim to share information on how co-ops are mainstreaming Gender and Development in people, policies, programs/ projects/ activities, and enabling mechanism, identify how to sustain and expand GAD mainstreaming in co-ops to strengthen further actions in addressing socioeconomic, climate change, and digital technology challenges, and issue a call for action to help accelerate immediately gender equality (GE) and GAD efforts for real and lasting change in Philippine cooperatives and to contribute to attain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Key participants from Tagum Cooperative included members of the Board of Directors, such as Dir. Nenita R. Malbas, Dir. Hermarie T. Esmael, Dir. Monica L. Salido, Dir. Janet T. Matuguinas, Dir. Noel O. Quidilla, Dir. Gertrudes L. Yap, Dir. Jose Alvic P. Suaybaguio, and Dir. Vicente P. Binag. Additionally, the Election Committee Chairperson, Dr. Michelle B. Claridad, and from the management personnel, including Ms. Juris D. Perez (CEO) and Ms. Al Gee Omega C. Bula of the Communications and Education Department were also present.
The summit featured engaging discussions on various GAD-related topics presented by resource speakers from diverse offices and institutions. These discussions aimed to enlighten attendees on Gender and Development in various cooperative advocacies, including Climate Change, Digital Technology, Enterprise Development, and Accelerating GAD Mainstreaming Gains and Initiatives in Co-ops throughout the years
One of the highlights of the event was the Governor’s Night, a festive gathering sponsored by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur and hosted by NSCC. This night of celebration, attended by more than 400 delegates from different cooperatives across the Philippines, come together to enjoy performances by talented artists. Government officials and agencies from provincial and local levels also graced the summit, delivering impactful messages.
As the summit concluded, delegates/ GAD advocates departed with enriched learnings and experiences, poised to strengthen their commitment to mainstreaming GAD for socioeconomic success and pledged to accelerate Gender and Development and Gender Equality efforts within their respective cooperatives, signifying these commitments by signing the Commitment to Summit Call for Action wall.The 5th National Summit on Gender and Development not only recognized outstanding contributions but also catalyzed a collective commitment towards fostering real and lasting change in Philippine cooperatives, aligning with global sustainability goals and promoting inclusive development. Al Gee Omega C. Bula