Victorias hosts 44th Provincial Collaboration Day, highlighting inclusivity and collaboration

Victorias City hosted the 44th Provincial Collaboration Day on Saturday, October 19, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and strengthening collaborative efforts across the province.

The event brought together 3,349 participants, including cooperative leaders and stakeholders from 243 cooperatives from different cities in Negros Occidental to celebrate their collective achievements and pave the way for a brighter future.

The meeting, themed “Abante Negrosanon, Kooperatiba Aton Pasanyugon Para sa Masanag nga Palaabuton,” highlighted the key role of cooperatives in driving local development and empowering communities, the City of Victorias said in a press release.

Negros Occidental Provincial Cooperative Development Council (NOPCDC) Chairman Raymund Gepitulan opened the event by leading the pledge of cooperation.

Victorias Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez delivered a welcoming speech, highlighting the significant contribution of cooperatives in promoting inclusivity and contributing to socio-economic growth throughout the province.

Negros Occidental board member and Cooperatives and Livelihood Committee Chairman Jeffrey Tubola, along with Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, expressed their support, emphasizing the critical role of cooperatives in enhancing livelihood opportunities.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, Ph.D., further inspired the audience through a video message, reiterating the cooperatives’ commitment to community upliftment and skill development.

ASEC Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Administrator Santiago Lim emphasized the need for continued sustainability and innovation in the cooperative sector.

He encouraged participants to collaborate and explore new opportunities to ensure long-term growth of their cooperatives.

One of the key developments was the PHP 500,000 financial assistance to the Kabankalan City United Farmers’ Agricultural Cooperative (COKCFAC) received by Chairman Marvin Mabuyog.

The event also featured a handover ceremony and video presentation of Himamaylan City, which was presented by SPM Ali Tongson Jr., who will host the next provincial Cooperation Day.

The letter of gratitude on behalf of Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III was presented by the Chairman of the SP Committee on Cooperatives and Livelihoods, Dino Jose Maria Acuña.

Performances by Tingog Sang Kadalag-an singers, CPSU Balangau dance group, and contemporary and hip-hop dancers added cultural flavor to the event.

In addition, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez contributed PHP 100,000 each as prizes. Mayor Hawi also added mobile phones and smart TVs to the prizes. Governor Lacson, Board Member Jeffrey Tubola, former Board Member Juvy Pepello and COOP-NATTCO also donated rice for the event, while Council Member Jose Maria Dino Acuña contributed Php 2,000 cash prizes. Barangay XX Kagawad Jappy Kuaykong provided extra rice and Smart Communications donated a mobile phone as prizes.

A Chairman’s Forum was held at the Victorias Evacuation Command Center in the afternoon where cooperative leaders held discussions with representatives from various government agencies to discuss their concerns and issues.

NOPCDC awarded the Town of Victories a Certificate of Merit in recognition of the efforts of the town’s cooperative management, co-organizers and retired members in making the celebration a success.*PR