Bataan Cooperative Month celebration, a success!

ABUCAY, Bataan – Bataan cooperatives joined together for the annual celebration of the Bataan Cooperative Month yesterday, November 12 at the Villa Amanda Resort and Restaurant in this town.

Hon. Dante Manalaysay, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee Chairman for Cooperatives in his message challenged the cooperatives to continue their diligence and perseverance in enhancing the capabilities of the sector to improve the livelihood of its members. He also presented the Sangguniang Bayan Resolution of Councilor Tito Catipon of Mariveles, opposing the repeal of tax exemptions for cooperatives.

Guest speaker, Mr. Benjie Oliva, Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Administrator congratulated the cooperatives for their outstanding performance and for radically contributing to the national economy. He likewise recognized CDA Gawad Parangal Regional winners and are now nominees for the National category including the Bataan Cooperative Development Council (BCDC) chaired by Erickson Reyes; Mr. Florentino Obana, Outstanding Cooperative Leader; Iwahori MPC, Best Cooperative (large category); Watchlife Workers MPC (medium category); and Cupang West MPC (small category).

Governor Albert Garcia in his message, congratulated and at the same time rallied the cooperatives to keep on bringing honor to the province by bagging such prestigious awards. He also acknowledged the significant contribution of cooperatives to the realization of the province’s vision; and how the sector has made an impact to the significant improvement in the quality of life of the Bataeños by generating jobs and empowering members to become entrepreneurs to name a few.

One of the highlights of the well attended event is the awarding of prizes to the winners in the 2015 Search for Cooperative Excellences and Best Practices sponsored by the Provincial Government of Bataan.  The winners are the following:

Best in membership growth:   1^st Prize – Abucay MPC

2^nd Prize – 11834 Brotherhood MPC

3^rd Prize – Limay Agri-Business MPC

Best in financial performance/capital build up:

1^st Prize – Iwahori MPC

2^nd prize – Capitol Employees of Bataan MPC

3^rd Prize – Maligaya Community MPC

Best in business volume:        1^st prize – Mariveles bagmakers MPC

2^nd prize – Dinalupihan MPC

3^rd Prize – Mariveles Women’s MPC

2015 Outstanding Cooperative (Best practice) – Watchlife Workers MPC

Entrechamp of the Year – Mr. Dioscoro Manansala, Orient Sports Gear proprietor

Best Agrarian Reform Cooperative (ARC) – SAMASAKA Bagac MPC (Membership category)

The Manila Water Foundation, thru its program Coordinator Ms. Janie Rose Ilustre awarded the Php 100,000.00 no interest bearing loan checks to 24 cooperative beneficiaries. Samsung cellular phones were likewise given to awardees.

Also present in the event were the various partners and stakeholders of the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (PCEDO), Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Mr. Erick San Luis (DAR); Ms, Nelin Cabahug, (DTI), Mrs. Amanda Battad, Bataan Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and MBDA Chairman Charlie Pizarro to name a few. These agencies sponsored the Search for Best ARC and Entrechamp of the Year respectively.

Towards the end of the celebration, Mrs. Azucena Sugatain, PCEDO Head thanked everyone for all the support and cooperation they extended to make the event a big success.