THE 1st La Trinidad Gawad Parangal awarding for cooperatives last week has turned out to be a major get-together among the top co-ops in the locality.
I am very thankful to all the participants who looked dazzling and impressive in their formal attires that added magnificence to the celebration of the outstanding performances of cooperatives. The support that you have shown challenged me to level-up my capacities as a public servant.
The criteria for the Most Outstanding Cooperative were centered on Organization, Leadership and Management; Financial Management and Business Operation; Social Relevance and; Awards and Recognition. Sixteen cooperatives submitted their entries for the said award.
Benguet State University and Community Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC) topped the large category, Baguio-Tomay Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association MPC came in second while La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post placed third. BSUC MPC was also given a special award for its Excellence in Membership Growth and Expansion Program. Another special citation was awarded to LTVTP MPC for its Outstanding Community Involvement and Development Program.
In the medium category, Universal MPC landed first followed by BSU Orchidarium and Ornamental Plant Growers MPC and Tomay Credit Cooperative occupying second and third places respectively. UMPC has also garnered the Excellence in Providing Financial Products and Services to the Community. The finalists in the category were Bahong MPC, La Trinidad Municipal Employees MPC and EPIMELEOMAI MPC.
Barangay Alapang MPC led the entries for the small category, Benguet Rural People’s MPC grabbed silver while Balancio MPC settled for bronze, making Beckel Neighborhood MPC as a finalist. The champion acquired the special award for having a Remarkable Cooperative Solidarity and Partnership Program.
Finally, Tebteb Balili MPC lorded the micro group, it was followed by Guitley Lubas Pipingew Consumers Co-op and Cordillera Brotherhood Service Cooperative placing second and third respectively.
Barangay Lubas reaped the special award as Best Performing Barangay Cooperative Development Council. The Barangay has its Co-op Work and Financial Plan; created a Co-op Dev’t Council and; a budget allocation for co-op development programs.
Meanwhile, Ms. Felina Mercoles, a co-op manager, bested other candidates for the Most Outstanding Co-op Leader award. Ms. Remedios Bisquera followed her in second place and Engr. James Gadgad, Sr. seized the third spot. The leaders were judged on their performance and contribution to co-op development; longevity of service to cooperatives and; awards and citations received.
In his message, Atty. Franco Bawang, Jr.—Coop Dev’t Authority-CAR Director reminded the coops to venture on tourism citing the practices of other successful co-ops outside the municipality. The local government unit also stressed the contribution of the sector to revenue generation and employment rate in the capital town. All awardees received a symbolic Igorot trophy, a cash prize and a collective admiration from the crowd.
The solid upkeep of all the stakeholders was instrumental in the successful conduct of the awarding ceremonies. Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to all awardees and those who worked for the implementation of the program.