The fifty-two-year-old multi-billion Tagum Cooperative continues to soar as it upholds its international recognitions. Over the years, Tagum Coop has been reaping prestigious awards from various international institutions such as Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU) and World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) earning a reputation as one of the esteemed cooperatives in the country and in Asia.
Last September 13-16, Ms. Rachael Marie Reiling, Business Development Director of Spire Credit Union based in Minnesota, USA, visited the Philippines to promote equality for women. In addition to sharing and spreading her advocacy she also got a taste of the notable Filipino hospitality. Through Tagum Cooperative’s Sisters Society in coordination with the Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) and the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO), Reiling found her way into the homegrown cooperative. This led her to meet some of the beloved members, discovered inspiring stories of empowerment, shared her expertise in marketing and even visited one of the recipients of Hot Lunch Plus 2019, the annual feeding program sponsored by Tagum Cooperative in Gatong Elementary School, Talaingod, Davao del
Norte. The experience brought Reiling a vivid understanding of the current situation of the community and the plight of some Filipino wasted/severely wasted children. Reiling shared her journey and duties as part of her mission. She believes that in the society, women are taught to use their voice and the Sisters Society empowers women to make good financial decisions. “In a way, this is a community give-back task that is also professionally developing our women. I believe we are the balance that is needed in meetings and decision-
making,” Ms. Reiling remarks.
Ms. Reiling’s visit culminated with the Oath-taking of the new set of Officers for Sister’s Society C.Y. 2019 – 2020. She gave a heartfelt speech thanking Tagum Cooperative for the very warm welcome. She commended the leadership of the Board of Directors, and the management for steering Tagum Cooperative in great new heights year after year. She also shared about
creating consistencies around Filipino Sister’s Societies and working closely with NATCCO for last two days of her stay to create a strategic plan for all the sister societies. “We want to make sure that women are feeling empowered and we do this through professional development opportunities.” Reiling adds.
Tagum Cooperative Chairperson of the Board of Directors and newly elected President of the Sisters Society Rosalina S. Argent then emphasized on the beauty of international accolades which invites international volunteers such as Ms. Reiling. “Ms. Reiling’s visit is one good indicator that we have truly lived up to our tag line, we are the icon of trust and excellence. In turn, this will also encourage our fellow countrymen to patronize the products of local cooperatives such as Tagum Coop.”
Tagum Cooperative’s Sister Society started in 2015 with the global mission of providing credit union women the opportunity and resources to make a measurable difference in each other’s lives; in the lives of credit union members; and in their communities.