By Marciano Paroy Jr.
The Regional Cooperative Development Council (RCDC) held its Regional Cooperative Month celebration here in the province on October 26-27. The two-day affair culminated with the recognition of outstanding cooperatives and individuals who contributed significantly in the pursuit of cooperative principles.
It was an enlightening affair. Once again, we were reminded of the important roles that cooperatives play. In her message before the delegates from the different Cordilleran provinces, Governor Floydelia Diasen stressed that cooperatives are our partners in development. No one can refute the advancements that they contribute.
That is why the Governor did not balk at the monetary remuneration that the Provincial Cooperative Development Office allocated for the best three micro-cooperatives in Kalinga.
In her rejoinder, Mrs. Emerita Fuerte, President of National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms (NASECORE)-CAR Chapter, lauded the Provincial Government for apportioning prize money to the awardees. The money is but secondary to the recognition, of course, because what really matters is the fact that the winning cooperatives are pushing for meaningful developments in the communities where they are based – that, in itself, is much heavier than all financial rewards put together.
Again, congratulations to the micro-cooperatives that won in the provincial level: Dupligan Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (1st Place), Kajchilan MPC (2nd Place), and Western Balbalan Credit Cooperative (3rd Place). May you all continue to grow – and hopefully become as remarkable as the bigger coops in Tabuk.
At the regional level, TAMPCO landed as Second Most Outstanding Cooperative in CAR – next to the formidable Baguio-Benguet Community Credit Cooperative.
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In the realm of public administration, stronger support is always elicited when leaders are surrounded by efficient individuals. While it is true that it is but their duty to perform the tasks attached to the jobs they hold, their competence can serve as model so that it may replicated in the other offices.
For the cooperative program, Gov. Diasen was given all-out support by the Provincial Cooperative Development Officer, Mr. Robert Salabao, the Kalinga Provincial Cooperative Union (chaired by Mrs. Florita Cosmiano), the Cooperative Development Authority of the province (with Mr. Abel Dawey) and of the region (with Mr. Martin Manudon).