In a night filled with pride, gratitude, and renewed commitment to cooperative development, the Province of Cavite through the Office of the Provincial Cooperatives Development Officer (OPCDO) and the Provincial Cooperative Development Council (PCDC) – successfully held the much-anticipated Gabi ng Koop Parangal, a prestigious celebration recognizing the invaluable contributions of Cavite’s cooperative sector on November 25, at The Bayleaf Hotel in the City of Gen. Trias.
Held to honor outstanding cooperatives, local government units, cooperative councils, and partner institutions, this year’s gathering shone a spotlight on organizations and individuals whose dedication continues to strengthen Cavite’s cooperative movement and uplift communities across the province.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan Chair of the Committee on Cooperatives, Board Member Lloyd Emman D. Jaro, set the tone for the evening with an inspiring message centered on solidarity, collaboration, and the vital role of cooperatives in driving local development. He lauded Cavite’s cooperatives for their unwavering commitment to empower members, create livelihood opportunities, and champion inclusive progress.
One of the night’s most empowering highlights was the keynote address delivered by CDA Chairperson Alexander Raquepo, emphasizing the importance of GRIT as a guiding framework for strengthening and sustaining cooperatives, especially in a constantly evolving environment.
He underscored that Good Governance lays the foundation for transparency and trust within organizations, while Records Keeping anchored in integrity ensures accuracy and accountability in all transactions. Strengthening Internal Control system helps protect the cooperative’s assets and maintains operational efficiency. Finally, he emphasized the need to embrace Technology to modernize processes, enhance services, and keep cooperatives competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Together, these four pillars of GRIT serve as a roadmap for building stronger, future-ready cooperatives.
Raquepo urged cooperative leaders and members to embrace these principles to ensure transparency, efficiency, and resilience, reinforcing the vision of a more progressive and future-ready cooperative movement in Cavite.
The evening also carried deep emotion with a heartfelt posthumous tribute to the late Mr. Rodrigo “Ka Rodring” M. Camia, a beloved champion of cooperatives whose life’s work left a profound impact on countless coop members. His dedication, leadership, and passion for service were celebrated through a special award, warmly received by his granddaughters. The entire hall rose in a moving standing ovation – a testament to the respect and love he earned throughout his years of service.
KooParangal once again reaffirmed the province’s commitment to nurturing strong, value-driven cooperatives that serve as catalysts for sustainable development. As the night concluded, awardees, partners, and guests carried forward a renewed sense of unity and purpose, ready to continue building a cooperative sector that empowers people and transforms communities. — OPIO
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