The National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) held its biennial General Assembly on May 05-07, 2023, bringing together cooperative leaders and members from all over the Philippines. The theme of this year’s assembly was “Seizing New Frontiers in an Integrated Network Towards Resiliency and Sustainability”, reflecting the challenges and opportunities facing cooperatives in a rapidly evolving social, economic, and political landscape.
The three-day event featured various activities, including the election of officers, exhibitions, plenary sessions, and networking opportunities. One of the highlights was the keynote address delivered by Engr. Sylvia O. Paraguya, chief executive officer of NATCCO and cooperative advocate, who spoke about the role of cooperatives in promoting an integrated network and sustainable growth, empowering small and micro cooperatives to strive to become large cooperatives in the long run. She emphasized the importance of databases through collaboration in navigating the changing dynamics of the global economy and ensuring that cooperatives remain relevant and responsive to the needs of members.
Another notable feature of the assembly was the presentation of the NATCCO Awards, which recognized outstanding cooperatives and individuals who made significant contributions to the cooperative movement. Among the awardees was the Tagum Cooperative, which won the 2022 Depositors Based on the Year-End Balance award for its participatory and transparent decision-making processes, as well as the gold branding validation for A-1 Competitive Choice for Excellence in Service and Soundness (ACCESS),
Throughout the assembly, participants engaged in lively discussions and debates on a range of topics, such as agriculture, climate action, environmental protection and sustainability, mental wellness, and social entrepreneurship. They also had the opportunity to share knowledge and best practices, forging new partnerships and collaborations that will help strengthen the cooperative sector as a whole.
As the General Assembly drew to a close, Association of Asian Confederation of Credit Unions Chief Executive Officer Elenita V. San Roque expressed her gratitude to all the cooperative members for their active engagement and commitment to cooperative development. She noted that the challenges and opportunities facing cooperatives might be daunting but that with the collective efforts of all stakeholders, the cooperative movement in the Philippines can continue to prosper and make a positive impact on the lives of millions of Filipinos.Overall, the NATCCO General Assembly was triumphant, demonstrating the vitality, diversity, and resilience of the cooperative movement in the Philippines. It provided a platform for cooperative leaders and members to exchange ideas, share practices, and chart a course for the future. As cooperatives continue to evolve and adapt to changing circumstances, events like the NATCCO General Assembly will play a crucial step in ensuring that cooperative sector remains true to its values and principles and continue to serve as a force for social and economic development in the Philippines and beyond.