People’s Coop: A Champion of Environmental Protection

IPs’ Cooperatives Find Opportuni- ties in Applying Value Chain on Indigenous Crops Why the CDA was not used by the govern- By Marilyn D. Eso ment to uplift the condition of Filipino peo- With all smiles and gestures of ple? It’s because of oligarchs. gratefulness, the officers and rep- resentatives of the Tribu Migkum- —PACC Chairman Dante Jimenez. ba Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TMMPC) received the five (5) sets of “start-up kit” for Taro Roots (Lutya) chips making from USEC. ORLANDO R RAVANERA, Chair- man, Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the CDA Extension Office during their Annual General As- sembly on January 29, 2018 held at Purok-3, Brgy. Dansolihon in Cagayan de Oro. Continue to p. 9 PACC Fully Supports CDA’s Advocacy of Registering All Electric Cooperatives By Ronde D. Alicaya

Quezon City—In a rare occasion, The PACC presented their CDA under the leadership of Chair- country through the presentation the Cooperative Development Au- procedure in handling corruption man Ravanera, for its thrusts and of Chairman Ravanera, relating to thority (CDA) and the Presiden- complaints against government of- advocacies of uplifting the lives what he personally experienced tial Anti-Corruption Commission ficials. Before the dialogue, the two of the vulnerable sector, specially also in his hometown power distrib- (PACC) lead by Chairman Orlando top officials had a closed door one- the rights of the member-consum- utor in Bicol Region. R. Ravanera and Chairman Dante on-one meeting at Chairman Rava- er-owners (MCOs) of Electric Co- “This is clearly stated in the La. Jimenez have meet, along with nera’s Office. operatives (ECs). Constitution, that the people should its top officials, for a dialogue, at Chairman Jimenez who is Chairman Jimenez was have access to basic necessities, CDA Central Office in Cubao Que- known for his hard-hitting anti-cor- shocked when he learned the and that include; water and electric- zon City, February 12, 2019. ruption advocacy commended the real situation of MCOs around the ity,” Chairman Jimenez said. Continue to p. 9

Climate Change CDA Chairman Commission: Co- Ravanera Vows To Coops and operatives, Key to Continue Advocate IDPs Feel National Climate Action ECs Consumers’ Government’s Help By Ronde D. Alicaya Right Despite Ha- thru Cooperativism Carcar City, Cebu—The Cooperative Devel- rassments, Death opment Authority (CDA) through its CDA Cebu By Marilyn D. Eso Extension Office and the Climate Change Threats Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur - Challenged by the Commission (CCC) have organized a forum, “While the so-called Electric Cooperatives result of the study of the United Nation’s Devel- dubbed; “Climate Change Mitigation and Ad- (ECs) provide light to their member-consum- opment Program (UNDP) citing that the Number ers, these ECs have shamelessly put them aptation thru Cooperativism” in Carcar City, in the dark with regards to pressing issues”— 1 Poorest Province in the is the Au- Cebu, February 5, 2019. Chairman Orlando R. Ravanera tonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) No less than the CDA Chairman, Chairman Orlando R. Ravanera vows including Marawi, the Cooperative Development Usec. Orlando R. Ravanera spearheaded the to continue his advocacy to fight for the right Authority (CDA) through CDA- Exten- of the 11 million member-consumer-owners event, being the number one advocate for the (MCOs) of the Electric Cooperatives (ECs) sion Office extended its initiative and programs protection of the environment in the CDA. It nationwide. This despite the threat of being to help the people of Marawi be liberated from was attended by more than 200 participants arrested because of barrage of Ombudsman poverty and nothingness by strengthening Coop- from various cooperatives in the province. In- cases by just doing his ministerial job as a erativism. vited guests were the local government offi- Chairman of the Cooperative Development According to the UNDP, out of the 25 poor- Authority which is mandated by the Constitu- cials of Carcar and the province of Cebu, and tion, to develop cooperatives as instrument of est provinces in the Philippines, 15 are in Mind- Sec. Emmanuel M. De Guzman of the CCC, social justice, equity and economic develop- anao. It is very sad to note that amidst the oozing as keynote speaker. ment. God-given bounties and ecological wealth, peo- In his speech, Sec. De Guzman rec- Chairman Ravanera is facing a num- ple in Mindanao are suffering from hunger and ognized the important role of cooperatives in ber of Ombudsman cases for just signing the Certificate of Compliance of the Davao Del Continue to p. 8 Climate Action and cited five aspects on how Continue to p. 10 Continue to p. 6 CDA @phcoops PH Cooperatives From the Editor CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION THRU COOPERATIVISM by yearly horrifying typhoons i.e. ern times. Even if scientists can’t Commission under Secretary Em- Typhoon Bopha (known in the Phil- determine whether the storm’s re- manuel de Guzman has become ippines as Typhoon Pablo) and the markable ferocity was due in part imperative for climate change ad- worst of all was Typhoon Haiyan to human induced climate change, aptation and mitigation. In effect, (Typhoon Yolanda) where more they can’t determine that human-in- the cooperatives will be true to than 10,000 people died in Taclo- duced climate change greatly am- the DNA of cooperativism which is ban. Yes, the Philippines is the plified the impact of the storm. As of members-owned, value-based and third hardest hit by Climate Change 2012, the ocean level off the East- sustainable. and deadly storms are becoming ern Seaboard of the United States Yes, the science of denial the new normal. was roughly one-third of a meter headed by no less than President Climate change is becom- higher than a century earlier, the Trump must be debunked as such ing a global phenomenon. Here are result of global warming causing is an unprecedented crime against some of undeniable facts: “Longer a rise in ocean levels around the humanity. The greed of global cor- droughts in the Middle East are world. This higher sea level greatly porations to perpetuate the use of causing extreme water shortag- exacerbated the flooding associat- coal and fossil fuel with their annual es. Growing desertification in Chi- ed with the superstorm. rakings of two trillion dollars from Orlan R. Ravanera na and Africa is creating a severe According to scientists, by the use of coal and some five tril- Kim’s Dream food-security challenge. The mon- the end of the century the ocean lion dollars from the use of fossil We are now on the 19th year of soon season is shrinking in India, level will increase by at least one fuel and natural gas must now be the 21st century but we are not perhaps upending a century-old meter, worse, two meters if the stopped. Yes, the nineteen fossil sure anymore if we can reach the water cycle. Amped-up heat waves business as usual paradigm will fuel corporations are earning ten 22nd century which is only 81 years in Australia are making part of the continue. By that time, the 7,100 million dollars per minute at the from now. The end of civilization is continent unlivable. More intense Philippines islands will just be re- expense of humanity and of Gaia at hand, not through nuclear war hurricanes could devastate entire duced to some 3,000. There will be (mother earth). but through Climate Change. “The cities in America. Water wars in the pestilence, famine and war as the Indeed, homo sapiens, the world itself will not end, of course. Horn of Africa are now the root of “four horsemen” of apocalypse as flawed species, have sacrificed Only ours will; our livelihoods, our armed conflict. Rebellions, refu- revealed by St. John are coming. mother earth to the altar of greed homes, our cultures. And we’re gees, and starving children across Unless we start addressing and profit. Denigration of collective squarely at the tipping point,” to the globe are becoming com- the cause climate change and stop action and veneration of the profit quote the conclusion of scientists mon-place.” These are not discon- simply navigating its effects, we will motive have infiltrated virtually ev- and environmentalists. nected events. These are pieces be facing a series of unstoppable ery government of the planet, major A little revisiting of of larger puzzle that environmental catastrophes by the time our pre- media organizations, every univer- the recent past on ecological di- expert Jeff Nesbit has put together. schoolers graduate from college. sity, every religious organization, sasters that have afflicted the Phil- As mentioned in the book, Yes, our world is in trouble – right our very souls. Yes, we are nothing ippines is worth noting. In 2011, “The Age of Sustainable Develop- now. Yes, now is the time to create but self-gratification machines. That Cagayan de Oro was hit by Ty- ment,” authored by Mr. Jeffrey D. a robust movement to address the is indeed RES IPSA LOQUITOR as phoon Sendong (Tropical Storm Sachs, “the crisis is felt by rich and climate crisis which Pope Francis our country and people will now be Washi) where in one night of flood- poor alike. In October 2012, police has called “a crime against God, entertained by self-gratification of ing in that fateful dawn of Decem- cars floated down the streets in against humanity.” Increasing the politicians whose agenda and dis- ber 17, 2011, some 3,000 people Manhattan during super storm San- awareness of 14 million coopera- courses will not include the horrible died and 11,000 families were ren- dy, one of the strongest storms to tive members nation-wide in coor- scenario we are now facing - the dered homeless. This was followed hit the Eastern Seaboard in mod- dination with the Climate Change climate crisis. CDA’s Position on Senate Bill No. 2102: Foreign Investment Act of 1991, Submitted to the Senate problems in ag- chlorothalonil resulted in kidney dam- in staple food, like rice. Worse, these ricultural fields. age and tumors in animal tests. corporations are using chemicals and It is difficult to In other parts of the world, pesticides that are already banned find somewhere transnational corporations who are as they are dumping 2,000 trucks of where pesticides using these kind of toxic chemicals toxin that ultimately find its way to the aren’t used which were sued. Dole Food Co., Fresh Del water table of poor . sometimes are Monte Produce Inc. and Dow Chem- Another instance of nega- done in enor- ical Co. were sued by 1,000 banana tive experience of cooperatives from mous amounts plantation workers from Costa Rica, foreign companies is the Agumil, a such as in fruit Ecuador and Panama in a new round Singaporean company who came to and vegetables of cases claiming injury from pesti- Palawan, converted the agricultural plantations. Sad- cide. land of cooperatives and Agrarian ly, this is very We also see it commonly Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs). They prevalent in ru- on the news - typhoons, landslides, promised the farmers to become mil- ral areas in our floods, etc. These are not natural ca- lionaires after three years. Now, the country, espe- lamities but caused by humans - al- poor farmers are buried in debt, be- Chairman Ravanera delivers CDAs stand on Senate Bill No. 2102, cially in Mindan- teration of the natural flow of the en- come susceptible to become insur- January 24, 2019 ao. Unknowingly, vironment. gents to have social justice in their Position re: Senate Bill No. 2102 harmful compo- The Cooperative Develop- own hands. Literally, these foreign in- nents of pesticides are already every- ment Authority is constantly edu- vestors came to the Philippines with The Cooperative Development Au- where - in the soil, the farm products, cating our cooperatives and farmer nothing and left with everything. thority advocates the creation, devel- the food we eat, the air we breathe, members of cooperatives on how to I believe we can avoid this opment and sustenance of coopera- and the water we drink. maintain their operations by practic- through the regulation of foreign in- tives. However, so much more than According to Bureau of Ag- ing sustainable alternatives. We are vestors who are bringing these haz- that is the advocacy of this agency to ricultural Statistics, the following are also looking at other ways on how to ardous chemicals in the country and help the basic components of the so- the commonly used pesticides in successfully help them in this mat- put measures against exploitative ciety engage into business and make the Philippines since 2010: Dithane, ter. The Foreign Investment Act “was contracts in using our precious ag- a living out of the small resources Mancozeb, Funguran, Cypermithrin, enacted to encourage investments ricultural land. I believe we need to they have. These basic components Decis, Malathion, Clear out and in the Philippines by non-Filipinos in look more on this aspect because of the society mostly came from rural Round-up. order to boost economic growth, to there are less toxic options that our areas where the main source of living Other chemiclas used in Phil- improve productivity through applica- farmers can use and more sustain- is agriculture. ippine agriculture; 1.) Endosulfan, an tion of advanced technology…” The able ways of utilizing the full potential It is greatly appreciated the off-patent organochlorine insecticide application of advance technology of agricultural lands to the benefit of continued negative listing of foreign and acaricide that is being phased oftentimes causes harmful effects the farmers and to the next genera- ownership in cooperatives in consid- out globally. It can negatively impact to the environment. Full government tions to come. A safer alternative for eration to the provisions of the Co- on beneficial insects; 2.) Profenofos, support to the marginalized sector our farmers who are often less edu- operative Code. There is no greater an organophosphate insecticide. Its should not only focus on the provision cated and whose decision-making respect to the Filipino people than environmental effects, according to of advanced technology but also on capacity can easily be swayed by the giving to them their resources to the United States Environmental Pro- the long term goal of preserving the rich transnational corporations. exclusion of foreigners. tection Agency report, it is toxic to environment. Cooperatives are now in the However, least we know birds, small mammals, bees, fish and In Mindanao, transnational spotlight and can potentially be main about is the indirect intervention of aquatic invertebrates; 3.) Chloroth- corporation, like Del Monte and Dole players in agri-food supply and value transnational corporations in the alonil, an organic compound mainly are operating thousands of prime ag- chains. Undeniably, however, these preservation by our farmers of their used as a broad spectrum, nonsys- ricultural lands, planting pineapples vulnerable sector need thorough sup- lands through the use of hazardous temic fungicide with other uses as a and bananas to satisfy the consum- port by the government. chemicals in farming such as pesti- wood protectant, pesticide, acaricide, erist need of the people in the North. cides. It is very common nowadays and to control mold, mildew, bacteria It is ironic that in the Philippines, we the use of pesticides to manage pest and algae. Long term exposure to cannot even achieve our sufficiency Page 2 CDA @phcoops PH Cooperatives From the Editor CDA CHAIRMAN RAVANERA RESPONDS TO SEN. ZUBIRI ON ALLEGATIONS FROM ‘JUAN DELA CRUZ’ In the spirit of transparency and account- believed in his untarnished reputation. The in nearby provinces and municipalities conditional donation. If the project will not ability, the Cooperative Development undersigned has manifested a clear grasp were terrible. The situation in the evacu- commence within 2018, the donation will Authority (CDA) and the Philippine Coop- of the Cooperatives’ role not only in poverty ation centers was so painfully depressing be forfeited in favor of the donor. erative News (PCN) publishes this letter alleviation but more positively of the Coop- as anyone can ever imagine. Because All these proactive support of the response of its Editor and CDA Chairman eratives’ role in developing/advancing agri- of the lack of food, the IDPs were eating cooperative sector and the CDA, as led by Orlando R. Ravanera, to Sen. Juan Miguel culture as a key to inclusive growth. He has their “malong” and the “cartons” they used the undersigned, gained the attention and Zubiri on a letter sent by a certain “Mr. Juan the innate qualities of knowing and feeling as sleeping mattress to fill their stomach appreciation of Bangon Marawi and this Dela Cruz” from No. 356 Burgos Street, what policies should be in place to provide and ease out hunger. This sight made the led to CDA being made an integral part of City, Cebu. a healthy condition for real and genuine undersigned determined to bring to the Task Force Bangon Marawi. The Chairman is also giving no- Cooperativism by reaching out to more of fore the very essence of cooperativism. As to the supposed funding of tice to all cooperatives nationwide: if you the marginalized and mainstreaming them Because of that, the cooperative sector the above mentioned projects, please be have an iota of proof of wrongdoings of especially in the development processes. acted quickly by providing relief goods informed that ever since, not a single cen- the CDA Chairman, or anybody who is Because of his pro-people ini- and medicine. The early reactors were tavo has been turned over to the office of using his name to destroy his reputa- tiatives, he had been voted in many ca- cooperatives to include: MSU-IIT NMPC, the Chairman or to the Authority. Please tion and the institution he represents, pacities, such as: Regional Chairman of MASS-SPECC, CLIMBS Life and Gen- take note of the following: please come forward. Bansang Nagkakaisa sa Diwa at Layunin eral Insurance Cooperative, Maranding The involvement of the Nation- (Bandila); Member, BANDILA Nation- Women Cooperative, First Community al Cooperative Development Council al Council; National Secretary-General Cooperative, ACDI MPC, Oro Integrated (NCDC) and the League of Cooperative 12 February 2019 of Lakas ng Magsasakang Pilipino Na- Cooperative, Bukidnon Pharmaceutical Development Officers of the Philippines tion-wide (LMP), the Peasant Arm of Cooperative, King Cooperative, PFCCO (LCDOP) during meetings in Balo-i is for Bandila); President, Regional Association Mindanao League, Northern Mindanao them to handle the flow of donations from HON. JUAN MIGUEL “MIGZ” F. ZUBIRI of Government Communicators (1982 – Federation of Dairy Cooperatives, and the cooperative sector because in the first Senator 1987); Chairman – Regional Science In- other cooperatives who silently helped the place, this project is for the advancement Republic of the Philippines formation Network; President – Golden IDPs through the Regional Cooperative of Cooperativism and the cooperative Village Neighborhood Association, among Development Council -10, and the Coop- movement. Dear Sen. Zubiri: others. erative Development Council of Cagayan Since the start of the initiative of Prior to his stint with the gov- de Oro. establishing a Cooperative Sustainable Vil- Warm cooperative greetings! ernment service, he worked for 10 years ii. After a few weeks the CDA Cen- lage, a lot of pledges from federations and as the Chief Executive Officer of the tral Office and the CDA Cagayan de Oro primary cooperatives have been going on. This is in response to the letter Center for Alternative Rural Technology, Extension Office have initiated also a se- The Cebu CFI, for instance, have pledged from the Office of the Honorable Senator Inc. (CART), the NGO organized by well- ries of meetings with the coop sector in to donate 10 units of houses. However, from Bukidnon, which was received at CDA known social democrat personalities, to be and Cagayan de Oro Cities to as- NCDC was not able to open an account Chairman’s Office in 22 January 2019, di- a countervailing force against rural poverty sess the needs of the evacuees and to and applied for a printing of receipts in- recting the undersigned to answer the and social injustice during the Martial Law determine what kind of assistance to be tended for Balo-i project until recently. malicious letter sent by a fictitious person Regime. given. During those meetings, former CDA Based on what I heard, LCDOP named ‘Juan Dela Cruz’. In behalf of the Task Force Ma- Administrator Pendatun Disimban and and some Regional Cooperative Devel- The letter, which was also sent cajalar as founding Chairman, he received CDA-ARMM Administrator Dimnatang Ra- opment Council have collected donations to our CDA Cebu Extension Office through the Public Service Award from Xavier Uni- dia, Administrator Paisal Cali and Admin- already and funds are ready for utilization. Dir. Nora Patron, was sent with an intent versity in 1993 for “stopping the flow of istrator Abdulsalam Guinomla were pres- However, according to NCDC Chairman to malign and destroy the reputation of the logs and for improving the quality of life of ent. During the meetings, the participants Sam Billanes, “Administrator Benjie Oliva undersigned, the CDA personnel, and the the poor.” He also received the 50th Unit- agreed that there is a need for the estab- advised LCDOP Chairperson Celia Atien- very institution they represent. In the first ed Nations Award for the Center for Alter- lishment of sustainable and decent shelter za to stop the release of funds because place, it must not have been given atten- native Rural Technology (CART) from the for the IDPs. That was when we went to the CDA Chairman Orlando Ravanera will be tion because it is not supported with evi- friends of the United Nations in Ottawa, office of iii. Iligan City Mayor Celso replaced by the month of April 2018”. dence, hence, undermining the intellect of Canada in 1995. Regencia for a courtesy visit and to know if As to the P2 million fund from the members of Senate and other govern- He is presently the Chairman of the city can provide a parcel of land for the NCMF, the NCMF was not able to secure ment institutions. Sulog, One Sendong is Enough, Inc., a project. Mayor Regencia who also accept- the amount from their 2017 budget. Last But be that as it may, the under- multi sectoral coalition advocating for eco- ed thousands of refugees, understood the February, the OCS-OSA called for a meet- signed would like to express his heartfelt logical integrity, that successfully stopped need to provide the IDPs not just emergen- ing with CDA and NCMF to discuss about gratitude to the Honorable Senator for giv- illegal mining and illegal logging operations cy relief but building a sustainable future the signed MOA and the funding. That’s ing the undersigned a chance to respond in Cagayan de Oro City. He is a co-sig- for the evacuees. Although the city does when we learned the P2 million fund is not and defend the credibility of the institution natory of a Memorandum of Agreement of not have available lot for a cooperative available. The NCMF, however, expressed mandated by the Constitution, “to develop a CDA -10 led initiative of a 10-member sustainable village, the Mayor facilitated eagerness to continue the partnership and cooperatives as instruments for social jus- agencies of government by Order of the the CDA and the coop sector’s request by will look for fund. No update as of this writ- tice, equity and economic development,” Court of Appeals to stop illegal mining and calling up the Municipal Mayor of Balo-i ing. as enshrined in Article XII of the 1987 Con- logging in Cagayan de Oro City. He is the in Lanao Del Norte who is his friend. The Now, as what has been stipulated stitution. Presiding Officer of the Order that is instru- Mayor of Balo-i said they have available in the MOA with the Balo-i LGU, the dona- mental in establishing of Task Force Kinai- property to be provided to the evacuees. tion has been forfeited. Allegations yahan. Balo-i then sheltered at least 45 thousand Why he is doing all these too IDPs. CDA Marawi Rehabilitation through Co- 1. “A solicitation to cooperatives much sacrifices? It is because of his pas- iv. During the meeting with Balo-i operativism Project was made by a “Cooperative Develop- sion to help people, especially the op- officials, the kind-hearted mayor, Mayor The Balo-i project, although ment Specialist by order of the “Offi- pressed and the vulnerable, and the en- Madid Elias Ali, offered to donate to CDA a did not push through, has subsequently cer-in-Charge”. vironment. He clearly portrays what he 4-hectare land for the Cooperative Sustain- brought projects to cooperatives in Mara- 2. “Millions were solicited already always said: “I love my honor more than able Village and their existing two buildings wi City. Because of relief operations done and remitted to the Chairman”. my life”. that needs improvement, as training cen- in Balo-i and nearby areas by CDA and Secondly, the undersigned would ters for livelihood programs and projects the cooperative sector, the Task Force Response like to underscore the fact that he has been for the IDPs. Bangon Marawi (TFBM) included CDA as To make all things clear, the un- maligned since day one in office as the v. In August 2017, the said building member, under the business and livelihood dersigned would like to put things in proper Chairman of the CDA through the barrage was used to welcome the party of the relief sub-committee. context. of lies and black propaganda which the operation, and for the short program with This time, the funds that will be First of all, the Chairman of the Coopera- only intention is to kick him out from office. the cooperatives from Marawi, before the used for the CDA Marawi Rehabilitation tive Development Authority (CDA), loves Since day one, an administrator who want- distribution of goods to IDPs in the iden- through Cooperativism Project amounting his dignity more than his life, as evident in ed to get the position as Chairman of this tified evacuation centers in Balo-i and ad- to P276 million will be coming from the na- all the citations and recognitions accorded office connived with a Regional director jacent Saguiaran town. During that time, tional budget and subject to the COA audit- to him throughout the years. His passion to spread lies by planting “poison letters’ NCDC Chairman Sam Billanes was also ing rules and regulations. to help other people and to protect the en- in the organization. Their only intention: present as well as CDA Administrators To further shed light on the alle- vironment earned him a label of being a destroy Ravanera through whatever way Paisal Cali, Abdulsalam Guinomla and gations, please see attached letter of the “man for others”. In his mind he believes possible! Abad Santos. PCDC . that champions are made because of their So, since day one, the under- vi. In the relief operations that were The Board of Administrators of dreams and their passion with the brave signed has been relentlessly attacked made, goods, rice, water and medicine CDA, during their January 25, 2019 regu- heart to single-mindedly put those dreams in and outside the organization, be that were distributed to the evacuees by the co- lar board meeting, have also passed a res- into reality despite threats, attempts to life through baseless accusations or through operative officers and leaders themselves olution, with Resolution No. 048, S-2019, and extra-ordinary sacrifices. series of Ombudsman cases (from one and making use of the Cooperative Devel- approving that the funds solicited from For passionately working on re- source) by doing only the ministerial work opment Fund of their cooperatives exem- cooperatives by Regional Cooperative De- gaining back the lost ecological integrity, of a Chairman of this Authority. plifying to the highest degree their concern velopment Councils (RCDCs) all over the on empowering the people, on pursuing Receiving all these, should the for the community and cooperation among country to help rebuild Marawi be coursed peace in Mindanao through Cooperativ- undersigned be angry? Perhaps he should cooperatives. No cash were distributed by thru the National Cooperative Develop- ism and his advocacy for transformative be, for he loves his honor more than his the cooperatives as the immediate need ment Council. cooperatives for People, Planet, Prosperity life. Then, when he received another mali- was for sustenance. The undersigned is also open and Peace, he was adjudged as the Com- cious accusation through the Office of Sen- vii. A series of coordination meetings and even encouraging the office of the munity Champion in a national search by ator Zubiri, with all the allegations and poi- was conducted with Baloi LGU, and the good Senator for a full investigation on the Philippine Health Insurance Corpora- son letters and all the ‘fishing expedition’ to Provincial government of Lanao del Sur the matter, to seek out for the truth that no tion (PhilHealth), aptly describing him as a find fault on everything he does, then the through Vice Gov. Adiong. During those pecuniary interests to enrich himself has Hero. undersigned can only surmise, that this is meetings, NCDC Chairman Billanes and been in the mind and actions of the un- Be it in the government or just another poison letter from the same Ms. Celia Atienza of the League of Coop- dersigned but only of compassion for the cause-oriented groups the passion to circle of people who want the personality erative Development Officers of the Philip- needy, as has been and always his guiding serve the least of his brethren: the peas- of the CDA Chairman destroyed. pines (LCDOP) were also present. force in loving his dignity more than his life. ants, fisherfolks, indigenous peoples, stu- viii. In December 9, 2017, NCMF I hope I was able to answer ev- dents, factory workers and rank-and-file Chronology of events gave CDA a 2 million peso symbolic cheque erything you want and need to know, and government employees is never lost in To provide the good Senator a full back- during the launching of the Biyaya ng Pag- that should also enlighten ‘Juan Dela Orlando R. Ravanera or simply ORLAND– ground of Marawi project of CDA, please babago at the Freedom Park, , Cruz’. the cooperative man, journalist and envi- allow me to present the following chrono- in the presence of Sec. Leoncio Evasco Again, my profound gratitude for ronmental activist. logical timelines. Jr., Cong. Pantaleon Alvarez, and the rep- affording me the chance to clear myma- As Regional Director of CDA The CDA was supposed to have resentatives from the 12 agencies of gov- ligned name. May the good Lord continue Cagayan de Oro from 2003 up to his ap- a project in Balo-i, Lanao Del Norte, not ernment. The amount was intended for the to bless the Hon. Senator Migz as you con- pointment as CDA Chairman, he virtual- Marawi City, as “Juan Dela Cruz” have improvement of the two buildings in Balo-i tinue to make life better for your people, I ly opened more avenues to reach out to mentioned in his letter. But be that as it that would benefit the Maranao IDPs and remain the less privileged, the oppressed and may, the bottom line here is that, this per- residents of Balo-i, Lanao Del Norte. The the downtrodden in whose name and for son is an outright liar. He did not even base pledged fund was the result of the initiative whose cause he is in government for. He his allegations on the correct setting in his and suggestions by Dir. Cerio Pastolero Very respectfully, has personified the Jesuit tradition of being distorted plot of the script when he said and Ron Mateo of the OCS-OSA. man for others, giving more of himself for that the project is for Marawi. But to clear ix. Subsequently, CDA and NCMF worthwhile causes, that is to love, to give things out, the following is the timeline of signed a Memorandum of Agreement in and to serve especially for the last, the lost the story. Malacañang to formalize the developmen- ORLANDO R. RAVANERA, CSEE, CEO VI and the least. i. The Marawi siege in May 23, tal partnership between the two agencies. Chairman Formerly the Regional Director 2017 have rendered thousands of resi- It was followed in 2 March 2018 with the of CDA in Region 10, he was able to rose dents homeless, including the more than signing of MOA between CDA and Balo-i from the rank as Chairman of CDA, with- 8,000 members of cooperatives in Marawi LGU, for the donation of the 4-hectare out any back-up from political affiliation but City. The conditions of the Internally Dis- land for the Sustainable Cooperative Vil- through the endorsement from IP organi- placed Persons (IDPs) who fled and seek lage and the donation of the two buildings zations and cause oriented groups who refuge in evacuation centers and relatives Cooperative Training Centers. This is a CDA @phcoops PH Cooperatives Page 3 Feature

and immeasurable. High death tolls and and total care. property damage leave civilians devastat- A few years ago, a group of sci- Know Climate Change; Make a Move… ed. The scope of these events inevitably entists noted that what humanity is doing, By Marilyn D. Eso causes political, social, and economic tur- including producing carbon emissions We often hear the word “Climate quakes that demolish whole cities, wild- moil, amplifying the tragedy and creating but also much more, is disrupting not just Change” but to what extent do people un- fires that burn thousands of acres, and a vulnerable climate. the climate but several of Earth’s natural derstand it and its effect to humanity? Do cyclones that cause mass flooding and All these events were huge systems. These include the depletion of people really care to know it? property damage. In the wake of these setbacks for both the local and global freshwater sources (such as underground Climate change is a global phe- disasters, people grieve the losses of economy however deadly storms, floods, aquifers); the pollution from heavy use of nomenon and yet people do not care be- loved ones and destroyed property while quakes and other disasters are becoming chemical fertilizers (applied in order to cause they are not completely aware of anticipating the long road back to person- the new normal. We should take these all improve crop productivity); the change in what it is all about. Having this kind of al and communal recovery. T h e as wake-up calls from Gaia, our mother ocean chemistry, mainly the increasing understanding, how can people protect impact of natural disasters are merciless earth who has been crying for attention acidity of the ocean resulting from atmo- themselves against the rage of na- spheric CO2 dissolving ture? into ocean water; the This prompted the Co- clearing of forests to operative Development Authority create a new pasture- (CDA) under Hon. Orlando R. Ra- land and farmland; and vanera, Chairman, CDA to call the particulate pollution attention of all cooperatives and caused by many indus- encourage them to spearhead in trial processes, espe- mitigating climate change. Indeed, cially those involving a robust and immediate actions the combustion of coal. should be done to save our dying These all pose deep earth. threats to the Earth and It is imperative to under- the wellbeing of human- stand climate change so that in our ity. These scientists ar- own little way, we can help save gued that the extent of mother earth and humanity, we can the damage is so large make pre-emptive moves to count- that humanity is leaving er the loss of ecological integrity as the “safe operating con- well as to ensure food security. ditions” for the planet The world is now experiencing the (Rockström et al. 2009). effect of climate change through The scientists argued ecological disasters that excuse no that it is urgent to iden- one, whether rich or poor. The crisis tify the safe operating is even felt not just in the develop- limits for the planet or, ing countries but in well-developed put another way, to countries too. define the “planetary Writer, Lauren Slocum, in boundaries” beyond her blog posted that natural disas- which humanity should ters around the world are occur- not venture. For exam- ring at an alarming rate. Every few ple, pushing CO2 to 400 weeks, we are witnessing earth- ppm might be danger- Continue to p. 7 The Moves... Cooperatives Action on Climate Change Mitigation A Cooperative in a Secluded Cooperatives Serve as Ves- A Cooperative Put ENVIronment , Teaches the World sels of Positive Influence and on their ENVIsioning on Cooperation, Resiliency Leaders on Environmental By: Leann R. Fontanilla and Jurela V. Cruz and Environmental Protection Conservation in CALABARZON By Ronde D. Alicaya By: Jerah Bravo Valdez LAMAC, , Cebu—Most of the The cooperatives play a major roles and added time when people heard about cooperative what significant spark and flavour in many local fes- comes to mind is, a sari-sari store, or a communi- tivities and celebrations in the CALABARZON ty lending institution or “utangan”. But what some Region. Being one of the sectors which strongly people don’t realize is that, cooperatives are far advocate for the conservation, restoration, and deeper than that: it transcends economic, reli- proper management of the natural resources, gion, political and geographical boundaries. This activities related to such are always part of the is how Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative from cooperatives’ plans and programs. Whenever an Lamac, Pinamungajan in the province of Cebu opportunity arises to showcase the Cooperative have showcased not just in the Philippines but Movement’s advocacies, such as local events; internationally. the cooperatives, bursting with joy and love for Last February 4, 2019, the Philippine their purpose, tirelessly participate and even Information Agency (PIA) Region 7 organized a more spread awareness. Government programs in our country are not pa- “Media Caravan and Press Conference” at the The City celebrates the Lingo/ pers merely approved to accomplish an agency’s Hidden Valley Resort in Brgy. Lamac, to learn Araw ng Lucena annually to commemorate its targets. It is the responsibility of the government more about the cooperative who also carry the conversion as a city more than 50 years ago. to provide social programs to its citizens to help name of its host barangay, who garnered so Sometime in the month of August, various activi- them uplift their lives and conserve the country’s many accolade and even hosting an international ties are set to showcase the beauty not just of the natural resources. event. Present during the press conference are City but also of its people. The National Greening Program (NGP) Mrs. Ellen Limocon, General Manager with her In close coordination with the Local of the Department of Environment and Natural members of the Board. Also present are the invit- Government of Lucena – City Cooperative Divi- Resources (DENR) paved the way to the orga- ed guests, Assistant Secretary Rommel Cuenca sion, the Lucena City Cooperative Development nization of Holy Trinity Agroforestry Multipurpose of the Climate Change Commission and Dr. Nora Council (LCCDC) made sure to embark on its Cooperative. Patron, Regional Director of CDA Cebu Exten- own notable activity for the City called The Tree It was in 2013 when 45 founding mem- sion Office. This writer also represented the CDA Planting Plus. bers grouped together and raised an initial capi- Chairman, Usec. Orlando R. Ravanera. The Tree Planting Plus did not end up tal of 32,000 in the hope of organizing a cooper- Members of Media and Asec. Cuenca as a common tree planting activity. The chosen ative. With patience, willingness and dedication, was amazed by how Lamac MPC were able to location, Sanitary Landfill, Kanlurang Mayao, Lu- the cooperative was registered with the Cooper- grow in terms of asset, membership, business cena City, is one of the remote areas of Luce- ative Development Authority Exten- and services and advocacy. From its humble be- na with community members in need of various sion Office on January 16, 2014 as Holy Trinity ginning as being a Lamac Samahang Nayon Inc. help. Having the basal information and careful Agro Forestry Producers Cooperative (HTAF- by a group of 70 tillers led by Narcisa De Gracia, selection, the council teamed up with govern- PC). HTAFPC is an agri-based cooperative that and with capitalization from the group members’ ment and non-government organizations to pro- engages in seedling production, located at Rang- contribution of P3,500, now, the cooperative’s vide essential assistances and services, such as ayan, City of , Isabela. assets had reached P1.7 billion. From 70 original Free Dental Clinic, Gift Giving, Feeding Program, Through the leadership of the then Chair- members, they are now 100 thousand, including and Grooming Psycho-Social Development Pro- man, Mr. Richard Agcaoili and Manager, Mr. Ru- the 18 thousand youth who are groomed to be gram to the community. ben Dela Cruz, they were able to coordinate next in line. And from a consumer store they set Through the cooperation of the Rota- with the Community Environment and Natural up with their initial P3,500 capital, now Lamac ry Club of Lucena South, Club 1925, Philippine Resources Office (CENRO) in Naguilian regard- MPC has branches and business ventures all Tong Ho Institute, Quezon Province Dental As- ing the NGP Program. The program adopted the over . Lamac seems unstoppable in di- sociation, Rotaraact Club of Lucena South, The social mobilization strategy wherein the society Continue to p. 6 Continue to p. 6 Continue to p. 6 Page 4 CDA @phcoops PH Cooperatives Feature KEEP OUR EARTH CLEAN AND GREEN IN A COOPERATIVE WAY By : ELYNOR M. TOLOSA, Sr. CDS Office of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay coastline from tsunami and prevent of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. “Like music and art, love of nature headed by its Municipal Coopera- coastal erosion since the roots of This action is in harmony with Pres. is a common language that can tive Officer, Bernadette V. Ventura mangroves hold the soil together.” Rodrigo Duterte’s sustainable de- transcend political or social bound- and was implemented through the The program came into fru- velopment goals. In his third State aries”. – Jimmy Carter Municipal Cooperative Develop- ition when in October 2014, 200 of the Nation Address, President One of the activities lined ment Council (MCDC). The idea mangrove seedlings were planted Rodrigo Duterte declared the pro- up for the Cooperative Month Cele- cropped up when Ms. Ventura in Sanito, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay tection of the environment as one bration, aside from planting of trees came across a statement in one and 67 members from eight coop- of his top priority. He also urged the along the highway of Buluan and of the Pre-Membership Education eratives participated in the said local government units to be pro- at Capitol Hills, Ipil, the conduct of Seminar (PMES) references which activity. From then on, officers and active in enforcing the law and not Mangrove Tree Planting and Coast- states that “Cooperatives should be members of the MCDC, Ipil has in- wait for the national government to al Clean Up was done last October concern for the environment”. “As cluded the visitation and planting of do their work. 18, 2018 at Makilas, Ipil, Zamboan- we all know that mangroves provide mangrove trees as one of its activ- ga Sibugay. shelter for fishes, crabs, shrimps ities during the Cooperative Month. This program was the brain- etc. that also serve as food for hu- To date, 300 mangrove trees has child of the Municipal Cooperative man. Also mangroves protect our been planted in Sanito and Makilas RAVANERA FULFILLS SCHOLARSHIP PROMISE TO IPs THROUGH CDA-PAFCPIC PARTNERSHIP By Marilyn D. Eso Cooperative Development Authority ition fee, the CDA collaborated with of 83% without failing grade. Chairman, USEC. Orlando R Ra- PAFCPIC to extend their Scholar- Memorandum of Agree- vanera expressed his gratitude to ship Program to the IPs. ment is now being prepared for the Philippine Army Finance Center Without taking a single signing. Producers Integrated Cooperative thought, Bgen Francisco Paredes, Moreover, PAFCPIC is as- (PAFCPIC) for their full support to Chairman of PAFCPIC approved suring the sustainability of the pro- the CDA’s Scholarship Program to the proposal of the CDA – granting gram by pledging to have another the sons and daughters of Indige- full Scholarship Grant to seven (7) seven (7) scholars from different nous People in Cagayan de Oro. fortunate IP college students. provinces in every succeeding Ravanera emphasized that Selected scholars will re- years. education is very significant in ad- ceive Php20,000.00 thousand as vancing the principle of Cooperativ- tuition fee grant (for private col- ism. However, acknowledging the lege), 5,000.00 (for state universi- capabilities of the IP’s in sending ties) and Php3,000.00 monthly al- their sons and daughters to college lowance. Scholars are required to even if education is now at zero tu- have a maintaining average grade The Moves... Cooperatives Action on Climate Change Mitigation

Rising to the challenge: Bicol cooperatives take action on climate change By: OTHELLO D. PRIVALDOS Bicol’s cooperatives responded to re- mollusks, fishes are found within the marines Norte Provincial Cooperative together with Provincial Cooperative duce greenhouse gases in the atmo- mangrove forest. Other marine species Development Council adopted the Pro- Coordinator Lorna G. Bernal (Office of sphere. Their members, together with make the forest as the nursery for their gram into its regular work plan in 2013. the Provincial Agriculturist). To affirm several CDA personnel, planted trees offspring. Since then, the Council leads in this their commitment to the “Grow a Tree in different locations in Bicol Region. Additional benefits derived annual ritual every Cooperative Month Program”, all participants affixed their During the 2018 Cooperative from mangrove forest include: coastal Celebration in the province. Each year, signature on the “Wall of Commitment” Month Celebration, the tree plantings protection, tourism, timber and plant a new location is chosen. For the year amidst cheers from their colleagues were done. products. 2018, all participants converged along around them. In Barangay Magnesia Del At another Island Province, the roadside at Bahay Kalinga in Ba- Three hundred Narra seed- Sur, Virac, Catanduanes, 218 members cooperatives mobilized rangay San Jose, Talisay, Camarines lings (sourced from the National Green- from 20 cooperatives planted 500 man- 107 members ing Program) were provided by DENR grove propagules along the shoreline who collective- Camarines Norte. At least two seed- of the barangay. This barangay, along ly planted 250 lings were allocated to each of the 127 with adjacent barangays of Magne- Mahogany seed- coop members from the 18 coopera- sia Del Norte, Batag, Talisoy, and far lings along the tives that came all the way from Daet, poblacion barangay Rawis were de- roadside of Ba- Mercedes, Labor, Paracale, Jose Pan- clared fish sanctuaries thru Municipal rangay Batuhan, ganiban, San Lorenzo Ruiz. The host Ordinance No. 2011-09-A promulgat- Masbate City. Talisay town was well represented ed by the Sangguniang Bayan of Virac Early morning during the tree planting. Just before on September 2013. This mangrove of October 20, the actual planting, a simple program planting activity was done in October 6, 2018, Cooper- consisting of welcome message by 2018 and served as the kick-off of the ative Develop- the barangay officials and the vice month-long cooperative month celebra- ment Specialist mayor of Talisay where she expressed tion in the province of Catanduanes. Isidro D. Navea appreciation for the activity in Baran- Cooperative Development III was joined in gay San Jose. The next part was the Specialist Ophar June V. Dy led the by the excited orientation to delineate area for each pack of enthusiastic mangrove planters 15 males and 92 cooperator to plant. The heat from the as they motored from the Virac Cathe- females from 17 sun did not burn the eagerness of the dral to the planting site. As is the habit primary cooper- planters. of cooperators, they attend a special atives in carting The towns of Labo and Basud Mass before undertaking any kick-off the seedlings held their separate tree planting simul- activity during the Cooperative Month to the planting taneous with that at Talisay. celebration. area. In a short span of time, the activity Norte. The Council, thru the Talisayon One hundred sixty-six mem- At the area, DENR Forester III was completed. The provincial and City Multipurpose Cooperative partnered bers from five cooperatives planted Cyril C. Magdaraog (member of Maka- Cooperative Development Councils of with the barangay officials and it led 75 Mahogany and an equal number kalikasan Credit Cooperative of DENR Masbate and Masbate City joined with to the smooth flow of the activity. Such of Rubber plant seedlings at the Na- Catanduanes employees) oriented the LGU Masbate City ensured the suc- efficiency and effectiveness of joint paod Park, Barangay Napaod, Labo, everyone on how to properly plant the cessful undertaking during the Cooper- undertaking with the barangay council Camarines Norte. The Labo Municipal “bacawan” propagules. Bacawan is the ative Month Celebration. and the PCDC was the result of clear- Cooperative Development Council co- local name of mangrove specie provid- Mahogany is commercially ly delineated responsibilities that were ordinated the activity. ed by DENR Catanduanes for the activ- valuable because of its beauty, durabil- enumerated and agreed upon by and At Basud, Camarines Norte, ity. Forester Magdaraog also explained ity, and color. It is a raw material in the between the partners thru a Memoran- the Basud Municipal Cooperative De- the ecological importance and eco- manufacture of furniture, boats, musi- dum of Agreement (MOA). The baran- velopment Council led 26 coop mem- nomic benefits of mangrove ecosys- cal instruments. gay council was tasked to prepare the bers from the town’s seven cooper- tem. Among these are: providing food, “Grow a Tree Program” was ini- planting site and nurture the seedling atives in planting 500 assorted tree shelter & protection to many organisms tiated in 2008 by the Camarines Norte until fully grown. The PCDC was tasked species. They chose the Bicol National and maintaining connectivity with oth- Federation of Cooperatives to raise to plant the seedlings in the identified Park at Barangay Tuaca, Basud, Ca- er coastal ecosystems. Humans also awareness in the community about the area and monitor the project. Cooper- marines Norte for their ecologically benefit from the mangrove ecosys- important role of trees in our life—eco- ative Development Specialist Erlinda worthwhile endeavor. tem. A large variety of crabs, shrimps, logically and economically. The Ca- N. Valera signed the MOA as witness CDA @phcoops PH Cooperatives Page 5 The Moves... Cooperatives Action on Climate Change Mitigation A Cooperative Put... From P.4 participates in various tree planting the cooperative and being portrayed vices. In 2016, they ventured into Agri-based Cooperative and Best activities both in lowland and upland in their logo. In 2015, the coop- lending, savings and feeds trading in Membership Award. Best Per- planting sites that is being managed erative was once again granted and changed their name into Holy forming Cooperative Leaders were by Peoples Organizations under 100-hectare forest land to plant with. Trinity Agroforestry Multipurpose also given to Chairperson Ruben the supervision of DENR. Fortunate While in the year 2016, 300 hect- Cooperative (HTAFMPC). A year af- Dela Cruz (2nd place) and Manag- enough, on the same year, CENRO ares’ land were added in the area ter the introduction of new business er Richard M. Agcaoili (3rd place). Naguilian and HTAFPC entered into to be planted by the cooperative line, the coop ventured into soda These awards were given by the a Memorandum of Agreement grant- and its members. Seeing that the trading, bakery and stalls for rent. Provincial Government of Isabela ing the cooperative 50 hectares of HTAFMPC is able to manage very HTAFMPC conducts medical and dubbed as Gov. FNDy Sr. Awards. land to be planted and maintained. well the project, they received the dental mission, gift giving, liveli- This year, the coop main- Not only that, HTAFPC taps 2016 Best NGP Implementer award hood trainings and even gives free tains its place and even advanced the services of its members and the at the National Level. Another 870 seedlings to other organizations like to higher level. Best Performing community from the students up to and 200 hectares were contracted in LGUs, Schools, Cooperatives that Cooperative – Small Agribased Cat- senior citizens, to do the preparation the year 2017 and 2018, respective- conduct tree planting activities. egory (1st Place), Best Performing of seedling bags, planting and wa- ly. The first 50-hectare is managed Now, the cooperative is Cooperative Leaders – Chairman tering the seedlings. by the cooperative while the rest is standing strong having an asset and Manager Category (1st Place) Through this, the coopera- being supervised by the members. size of 8,823,000, with 564 dedicat- were the awards given to the coop- tive is generating jobs on a part time Some location of the land requires ed members, 10 full time and 3-part erative. Special citation as Best in basis. Each individual is being paid one day of hiking before reaching time employees, diversified busi- Community Involvement and Most by the coop per bag for 50 centa- it, but the far distance doesn’t stop ness activities and a heart that is Numbered Blood Donors during the vos. Through the efforts of the the members in their will to help in committed to environmental protec- Bloodletting Activity were also pre- coop and those who participate in the protection of the environment. tion, community development and sented to the cooperative. In addi- this activity, HTAFPC i s From 2015 to 2018, a total of 68 uplifting the lives of its members. tion, the coop also ranked 2nd in the producing an average of half a mil- members were able to become Let- Being an instrument of equity, social 2018 CDA Regional Gawad Paran- lion bags of seedlings per year. ter of Agreement (LOA) holders for justice and sustainable economic gal Search for the Most Outstanding In 2014, the cooperative the NGP. These LOA holders are in development, the cooperative was Cooperative in Small Scale Catego- produced and planted 21 differ- charge of planting trees (bamboo, also recognized for its exempla- ry. ent kinds of fruit bearing trees in timber, and fruit bearing trees) and ry performance in the cooperative the 50-hectare land granted by the maintenance of the land. movement. In 2017, HTAFMPC was DENR. These 21 types of trees Through these efforts, awarded as 1st Place Best Per- symbolize the beautiful start of HTAFPC was able to expand its ser- forming Cooperative under Small

Lamac... from P. 4 versifying their ventures. It includes: of Fame award in the 2018 CDA mac also had a zero-waste coco tives in the country, it will be a tre- laundry and soap making, the Hid- Search for Gawad Parangal, billion- hub enterprise, transforming the mendous impact”, Cuenca added. den Valley Resort, Bugsay Beach aire category. husk into coir, a raw material for When asked what are their Resort, the Lamac Farm School, an Impressed by what he saw, ropes, the hard shell into charcoal, secret to success, GM Limocon’s organic farm and many others. They Asec. Cuenca had declared, “The and the coconut water into vinegar. reply was: also provide training for members, Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative They even had a partnership with a “When somebody ask me including the youth, to learn the is a model for sustainable develop- university in Cebu and came up with how did we do it? I will also ask God; complete steps of sewing, starting ment” a research where they use the co- how did You do it? she said. from the cutting of fabric. The cooperative is also conut water for rinsing fish for their “We are just ordinary peo- According to GM Limocon, championing the protection of the member fisherfolks, to avoid flies. ple, mostly farmers. But I think what Lamac is now employing 500 work- environment. They have a 48-hect- “Imagine if they could share made us successful is our passion ers directly and 3,000 contractual are reforestation area where the their vision and their efforts for sus- to serve and cooperation and above workers. members had planted 25,000 seed- tainable development for adaptation all, our trust in God”, she added. It has received the Hall lings of rare species like narra. La- to 14 million members of coopera-

Cooperatives serve... From P.4 A Cooperative Leader... from P.5 One and Only Bonafide Ugat ng Cooperatives are business that sur- volatility due to extreme weather are struggling to adapt to climate Lucena, City Health Office and the vive or fail based on their ability to and other environmental changes. change and strenghten their resil- City Library Office, the event took provide goods and services to the Cooperatives represent something lience against its impact. off successfully and landed with fly- members. They are entrepreneurial special for the climate change chal- During the culmination of ing colors. Target beneficiaries were and must compete with other form lenge. It is a combination of expe- Cooperative Day Celebration held given necessary interventions and of business. At the most basic lev- rience and proven track record, last October 20, 2018, Mr. William the tree planting was executed and el, cooperatives serve the needs resillience, unrelenting dedication Ablong, Chairman of DCCCO Mul- participated by all. The said activity of their members, whatever those to universal values, the ability to tipurpose Cooperative, delivered a gathered 16 cooperatives in the city, needs might be, rather than deliv- achieve multiple outcomes at once, message to more than 500 Coop represented by 111 individuals who ering profit to investors. This means and flexibility and versability. leaders and members of the Pro- all willingly faced the heat of the sun that the Cooperative model is highly Cooperatives have long vincial Cooperative Development and undertook the tasks at hand. flexible and appropraite for myriad fostered inclusive and sustainable Council around Negros Oriental the The initiative granted the economic activities. approaches to economic and so- importance of solid waste man- needs of many and at the same Cooperatives are resillient cial development at the local level. agement. Thus the PCDC forged a time became a passage of hope to in finding ways to survive when It is in keeping with this focus that memorandum and a call for action greener and cleaner surroundings other business would simply close. cooperatives are expanding their to all Cooperatives to address Cli- of the next generation. Trees plant- As a result they are more stable development efforts creatively, mate Change. ed totalled to 670 pieces of vari- business communities. This type into areas such as environmental ous species, namely Indian Tree, of reslliency will be critical in the sustainability and carbon neutrality, Ilang-ilang, Guyabano, Calamansi, face of a changing and increasing as communities around the world Neem Tree and assorted ornamen- tals. So the public may know, the follow- Truly, the Movement can ing are the declaration of the MCOs ricultural products. Its hinterlands are who through all these years have of Mindanao and the comparison why still carpeted with the remaining natu- formed powerful cabal of vested inter- prove that it is a force to rely on in ral forest, very rich in biodiversity. The est, are stubbornly insisting that these many aspects of a community. With power consumers must be recog- nized as real owners of power distri- God-given bounties do not end at the ECs are cooperatives despite the strong hearted councils such as the bution utilities. surface and shorelines. Beneath are fact that they do not adhere to time Lucena City Cooperative Develop- The Mindanao Cooperative’ minerals and ore deposits, described honored and universally-accepted ment Council, the Cooperativism Declaration during the 4th Mindan- as the richest of the world. Its bays, cooperative principles and practices ao Cooperative Summit: lakes and seas are teeming with fish and notwithstanding the fact that Su- will continue to prosper, influence, of every shape and hue. preme Court has ruled resoundingly and create significant changes “We, the Mindanao coopera- tors representing some 9,000 active “We are well aware that the on the EC’s non tax exemption for not throughout the nation today, and in cooperatives composed of some 5 cause of economic deprivation is root- being genuine cooperatives. the many years to come. million members with allied groups ed in the powerlessness of the peo- However, instead of registering with from government, civil society, busi- ple to have access and control over CDA, what the ECs did was to “un- ness and the academe have come their resources and over their utilities leash formidable arsenal of lies, together, with a firm collective intent which are fast slipping through their deceit, fear-mongering and cash- to advance what we believe is our in- fingers. The vast majority comprising backed lobbying to ensure the con- herent right as concerned citizens of mainly of the lumads, small farmers, tinued proliferation and hold of private CDA Chairman Ravane- this nation and of the community of women, urban poor and subsistence interest over electric cooperatives. ra Vows... From P.1 the Earth. fisherfolk are increasingly marginal- Member-consumers were enticed “We have witnessed hunger ized. with bags of grocery items and other Norte Electric Cooperative (DANE- and poverty in an island oozing with “Even the millions of consum- goodies to sway their mindset. Lies CO) and for attending their General ecological wealth as the land is blest ers of electricity are being deprived to and deceits were employed to cast Assembly. He believes that these are with rich natural resources. Its hills exercise their rights as owners be- doubt on the economic viability of all harassments, with the purpose of and plains are fertile and verdant cause those running the affairs of the electric cooperative if it would be reg- silencing him and for those who are which continuously yield diverse ag- so called electric cooperatives (ECs), istered with CDA.” behind it to continue their rakings. Page 6 CDA @phcoops PH Cooperatives The Moves... Cooperatives Action on Climate Change Mitigation

Know Climate... From P.4 Wounded Soldiers... ous, but pushing CO2 to 450 ppm (parts of different environment management From P .8 per million), through continued heavy use systems as well as the utilization of var- the root cause of insurgency and Approach for Sustainable Agricul- of fossil fuels, could be reckless. Deplet- ious renewable energy products that will conflict – poverty and hunger. ture and Agrarian Reform that will ing some groundwater could be inconve- improve the environmental and financial USEC. ORLANDO R. RA- adapt the paradigm shifts from con- nient. Depleting major aquifers could be performance of communities in the Philip- VANERA, Chairman, Cooperative ventional to sustainable agriculture devastating. Raising the ocean’s acidity pines particularly the farmers. Development Authority believes for People, Planet, Prosperity and slightly could be bad for shellfish. Rais- Ravanera developed a model that the mission of wounded sol- Peace. ing the ocean’s acidity dramatically could entitled: CDA’s Value Chain Approach for diers does not end when they have The CDA’s Value Chain kill off a massive amount of marine life, Sustainable and Agrarian Reform. This is lost their sight, legs, and arms Approach for Sustainable Agricul- including the species of fish and shellfish in line with the CDA’s continuous advoca- during the war, instead God is lead- ture and Agrarian Reform adheres that humanity consumes as a vital part of cy to promote sustainable agriculture and ing them to another direction and to help the agriculture cooperative our food supply. agrarian reform, and with the increasing that is to fight the root cause of con- from capability building, production, According to Ravanera another demand for sustainable agriculture ser- contributing factor on Climate Change is vices and agrarian reform assistance (fi- flict and insurgency - poverty and harvesting, post-harvest facility, up the heavy use of chemicals which is an- nancial & non-financial). The chain starts hunger. to marketing. It will engage stake- chored on conventional agriculture. Look from Capability Building, Production, Har- Fulfilling the pledge to fully holders like the Local Government at Mindanao, some 300,000 hectares of vesting, Post-harvest facility, up to Mar- support the objectives and advoca- Units – for policy support, Academe the choicest of lands are controlled by keting and involves stakeholders like the cy of the WASC, Team-CDA closely – for technology support, Civil So- Transnational Corporations which were Local Government Units – for policy sup- coordinates them to further boost ciety organizations – for possible transformed into vast plantations (i.e. port, Academe – for technology support, their enthusiasm, vigor, and the guaranty mechanism, Cooperatives pineapple, banana, palm oil) to satisfy the Civil Society organizations – for possible spirit of Cooperativism. Last Janu- – for post-harvest and marketing to consumerist lifestyle of the people in the guaranty mechanism, Cooperatives – for ary 17, 2019, USEC. Ravanera and ensure the success of the innova- North while the Philippines cannot even post-harvest and marketing to ensure the the team visited the WSAC at Sitio tive value chain project. be sufficient in providing the people with success of the innovative value chain Palico in Nasugbo, Batangas to Having such, Ravanera basic staple such as rice. In our compu- project. The CDA aims to implement give them updates with the current commits to bring the technology tation, all of the TNCs are using heavily the model in at least ten (10) cooperative development and programs of the of taro roots processing, dairy pro- 14 chemicals used as fertilizers and pes- demo farms all over the Philippines. The CDA for them. cessing and other best practices ticides that as if we are pouring to the implementation will be closely monitored The CDA is steadfast on in agricultural cooperatives from watersheds some 2,000 dump-trucks and documented to be showcased and its commitment to empower the Mindanao to the WSAC. He further of toxic chemicals everyday. Of the 14 disseminated to different cooperatives wounded soldiers and their depen- assures to help the WSAC in mar- chemicals, 8 are already banned. Why nationwide for replication. dents by providing with training cen- keting of their available products have we allowed them to do this? In fact, Ravanera ensures that the CDA, many of our babies born in Mindanao are following the model of Value Chain Ap- ter, necessary equipment, livestock, through intensified Cooperativism, deformed. proach, will be taking into consideration root crops, seedlings and many oth- following the very core and advo- In the face of these massive all aspects in the chain. More so, the CDA ers as well as engaging them to dif- cacy of the CDA’s Value Chain Ap- environmental destructions, the Philip- vows to deliver strong commitment to give ferent livelihood training programs. proach for Sustainable Agriculture pine’s agricultural lands and watersheds voice to the cooperative sector, especially Also, Ravanera is assuring and Agrarian Reform. are subjected to the continuous attacks the ordinary workers and the community, them to make their five (5) hectares Ravanera is confident that of chemical fertilizers and toxic wastes. whether they be in private sector or in the area to be developed as Agri-Tour- through Cooperativism, people can This is because its agriculture is domi- government, by providing a model of ser- ism and at the same time be used never be defeated, even by poverty. nantly anchored on conventional agricul- vices and social enterprise that adhere to as model of the CDA’s Value Chain ture, amoral in its nature, extractive, con- the universally accepted principles of Co- sumerist in its form and oppressive in its operativism. approaches. This kind of agriculture has Ravanera is confident that the people sad and angry at the same to be in a wheelchair, some got se- only been successful in further impover- CDA’s Value Chain Approach for Sustain- time, whether they are those watch- vere eye injuries, some were still in ishing the Filipino people, particularly the able and Agrarian Reform will address the farmers, exposing them to health haz- problems on environmental degradation, ing from afar, or those directly con- shock. But in spite of harsh experi- ards. food security, continuous increase of farm fronting the conflict. The soldiers ence, plenty of smiles flooded the Knowing all these is fearsome inputs (especially chemical fertilizer), who valiantly fought for our free- seminar, they saw great hope. but the most the obliging thing to do is to minimal income of farmers and health dom, and get wounded, sometimes The Pre-Registration Sem- make a move and do our own share to hazards, while strengthening the Agrarian left alone, broken hearted but not in inar was just a part of a holistic mitigate in one way or another the dread- Reform Cooperatives (ARCs) will address spirit, don’t know how to go forward. assistances that were given to the ful effect of climate change. the problems of powerlessness, minimal In 2018, several soldiers wounded soldiers. In fact, a five (5) The CDA is spearheading the income of farmers and marginalization. turned out victims of war from hectare land was provided for the move to widespread the adaptation of Further, the success of this program con- Marawi, Maguindanao, and Orien- heroes by the Department of Na- a paradigm shifts from conventional to sequently equates to peace, abundance tal Mindoro were in V. Luna Medical tional Defense and Armed Forces sustainable agriculture through transfor- and prosperity – making our people to Center in for treatment of the Philippines with a multiplier mative cooperatives for People, Planet, bleed no more. of their post war injuries. Mr. Abet farm project from the Department Prosperity and Peace. The CDA is con- Sabarias, the former Cooperative of Agriculture Region IV-A which fident that debunking conventional agri- Project Development and Assis- included eleven (11) native pigs, culture and replacing it with a sustainable tance Section Head of CDA Calam- twelve (12) high breed goats with one will definitely promote the integration ba Extension Office, now the Assis- housing and two hundred twenty tant Regional Director of the CDA (220) native chickens in Brgy. Bilar- MIMAROPA, conducted a Pre-Reg- an, Nasugbu, Batangas. istration Seminar to the proposed The said land was imme- COOPERATIVISM, RESPECT, AND LOVE cooperative named, “Wounded diately visited by CDA Chairman Soldiers Agriculture Cooperative Orlando Ravenera, CDA Calamba (WSAC)” on October 16 as an im- Extension Office Regional Director HEAL OUR WOUNDED SOLDIERS mediate response to their request Salvador Valeroso, and 1Lt Jerome for government assistance. Some Jacuba, the founder/organizer of the cooperative and who is also one of the wounded soldiers. Jacuba, in spite of being totally blinded due to war, is now seeing a bright future ahead. The said land allocation for the cooperative was planned to be an Agro-Tourism Industry, render- ing products from farm to table. Meanwhile, support facilities for PWD workers will be installed in the farm to further enable the members of the cooperative on doing their as- signed tasks in spite of their war-in- flicted injuries. To date, the WSAC is al- ready a registered cooperative with the CDA and gearing up for the un- dertakings ahead. These soldiers helped a lot to maintain the peace and order in our country. May our hearts be filled of love and respect for them. Mabuhay Wounded Sol- diers Agriculture Cooperative! We salute and uplift you all throughout your cooperative journey! In every war, people get injured or are slain or injured in a battle or killed. Soldiers and civilians alike without fighting at all. A war makes of these wounded soldiers are not able to walk, and had no choice but CDA @phcoops PH Cooperatives Page 7 News Wounded Soldiers’ Fight Continues: From Battle Ground to Breaking Ground for Economic Freedom By Marilyn D. Eso Palico, Nasugbo, Batangas- From battle ground to breaking ground for economic freedom through livelihood programs - this is now the status of the wounded heroes particularly the members of the Wounded Soldiers Agriculture Co- operative (WSAC), who became physically impaired after defend- ing our country against violent ex- tremism. What could be a greater love than a soldier who is willing to die for a country? Soldiers are country’s living heroes. They may have lost their sight but not their vi- sion; they may become physically impaired but their gallantry to fight against the enemies of the state remain the same. Now, their bat- tle continues but not against the armed men anymore but against Continue to p. 7

Marawi From.. P1 ple through Cooperativism; to bring timistic on Cooperativism as they all is indeed a roadmap to peace, one- those in the margins into the main- want to overcome poverty by em- ness, social justice, prosperity, and poverty, where 70% of the population stream of development process- powering each other regardless of equity. are below poverty line. The analysis es; to liberate the people from the religion and beliefs. Professor Noni Lao, Pres- of the experts emphasized that the quagmire of poverty; and to promote In six (6) months project ident of Survivor Marketing Coop- root cause of poverty is not because social transformation based on the implementation based on the Mem- erative and former Dean of College of the lack of resources but because principle of social justice. orandum of Agreement, 103 benefi- of Public Affairs, MSU, expressed people are powerless to access and The CDA put Marawi on its ciary cooperatives with some 4,347 her gratitude to the CDA. With great control over their resources. It is a top priority because aside from be- cooperative members composed of faith in Cooperativism, she said that form of social injustice which is a ing included in the number 1 Poorest farmers, fisherfolks, vendors, wom- only in CDA that she saw sinceri- breeding ground for violent extrem- Province in the country, it suffered en, IDPs have benefited the program ty and genuine commitment to help ism waiting to explode. It exploded extreme economic, social, and phys- and now establishing their respec- address the existing and emerging indeed in a form of Marawi siege and iological downfall during the “Marawi tive ventures based on the principle issues and problem brought about the continuous conflict in Mindanao, Siege” where people’s enthusiasm of Cooperativism. by poverty, hunger and even violent the second longest war in the world. and drive were weakened by losses On January 29, 2019, the extremism. Further, she raised some With this, the CDA launched and fears. team from CDA Central Office in col- suggestions that will further strength- the program dubbed as “Marawi Re- Usec. Ravanera believes laboration with the Project Manage- en the Cooperativism in Marawi and habilitation thru Cooperativism Proj- that “where there is crisis, there is ment Committee, Project Manage- nearby province. ect,” a 76-Million-peso project of the opportunity.” He is confident that ment Team and CDA-Kiwapawan But wait, there’s more… the CDA under the Task Force Bangon intensifying Cooperativism will liber- Extension Office conducted a Con- team randomly visited the benefi- Marawi initiatives of the national gov- ate the Maranaos from poverty and sultation and Updates Conference ciary cooperatives to assessed the ernment on July 7, 2018. This is line hunger; will help the Internally Dis- on the above mentioned project. status of their respective coopera- with the mandate of the CDA to pro- placed Persons (IDPs) to have their Thousands of cooperative members tives and the livelihood of its mem- mote the viability and growth of co- feet back on the ground and will help from different cooperatives have bers. Consequently, the result was operatives as instruments of social them get back whatever their losses attended the conference, gave up- impressive. Cooperativism is leading justice, equity and economic devel- may be; and will subdue the possible dates and raised their concerns. the way… making the lives of the opment. recruitment or growth of extremism However, the most over- Maranos and IPDs productive and The CDA under the leader- in the area. whelming thing during the confer- progressive. Cooperative members ship of USEC. ORLANDO R. RAVA- Subsequently, the Ma- ence was the attendees have all ex- and the people in communities are NERA strengthens its countervailing ranaos, being known as merchants pressed their gratitude and support looking forward to a renewed and measures – to empower the peo- Muslims are very receptive and op- to the CDA. To them, Cooperativism more invigorated Marawi. NOMFEDTRANSCO Vows to Partake Climate Change Mitigation By Ronde D. Alicaya / Marilyn D. Eso Cagayan de Oro City - Northern recognized by the Climate Change ciency of vehicles. tives all over region 10. Mr. Eugene Mindanao Federation of Transport Commission (CCC) that reduces The forum was attended Pabualan, Executive Director, Of- Cooperatives (NOMFEDTRANS- the harmful exhaust emissions yet by at least 150 participants repre- fice of Transport Cooperatives also CO) commits to the Cooperative increases the performance and effi- senting various transport coopera- graced the occasion. Development Authority (CDA) to Mr. Richard do their share on climate change Young, Consul- mitigation during the Transport Co- tant of CCC also operative Forum with the theme: brought foreign “Climate Change Mitigation and guests from Austra- Adaptation through Cooperativism” lia who presented held at Barangay Kauswagon in their Environmental Cagayan de Oro City on February Fuel Technology, in 16, 2019. the person of Mr. NOMFEDTRANSCO with Timmy Johnston more than 3,000 public utility vehi- and Mr. Daniel cles actively operating in Northern Takashi Hisshion, Mindanao admitted that vehicles Founding Chair- are the main contributors of air pol- man and Chief Ex- lution. Being aware of that, they ac- ecutive Officer re- knowledged their responsibility to spectively of EFT preserve the cleanliness of the air Pollution Solutions. particularly in Northern Mindanao. After the program, They also expressed full a purging demon- support to the advocacy of USEC. stration was con- Orlando R Ravanera, CDA Chairn- ducted using the man on climate change action and old which mitigation. yielded a very con- One good thing that they currently vincing result. consider is using the Environmen- tal Fuel Technologies, a technology Page 8 CDA @phcoops PH Cooperatives News

PACC From P. 1

By Marilyn D. Eso On his part, Chairman Ra- fight of their Chairman because it is vanera said: “I have been fighting a basic right for the Filipino people. for a long time the rights of the 11 Present during the dialogue million MCOs, for their ownership on the CDA: Administrators Paisal to be recognized. But have I got? Cali and Benjie Oliva, Executive I have been maligned even by my Director Ray Elevazo and other Ex- colleagues, barraged with Ombuds- ecom members. On the PACC side: man cases, and death threats. For Chairman Dante Jimenez, Com- what? For just doing my job!”. missioner Gregorio Luis Contac- Chairman Jimenez encour- to III, Executive Director Eduardo aged the CDA Chairman to contin- Bringas, Atty. Fortunato Guerrero, ue on his advocacy and promised Atty. Faith Paquiz, Mr. John Paul his support. He also asked other Rana and Ms. Sharlene Flores. officials of the CDA to support the

IPs’ Coop...from P1 the spirit Cooperativism, enhance IPs. In the same manner, invited ports the advocacy of Usec. Rava- Start-up kit includes slicer, burner, capacity building and provide live- guests from the Wounded Soldier nera and the CDA specially in help- frying fan, strainer, and sealer. To lihood training particularly on taro Agricultural Cooperative lead by 1Lt ing the Indigenous People. Hence, others, these maybe small things root chips making amongst the in- Jerome Jacoba, Chairman of the the support from our cooperative is but to the indigenous people (mem- digenous cooperative members in newly formed Wounded Soldiers already approved in principle. What bers of TMMPC), it means so much Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon and La- Agriculture Cooperative (WSAC) we only need now is the concrete as they all have great faith in taro nao Del Norte. were amazed on the innovation proposal from our IP cooperatives.” roots chips and Cooperativism as In no waste of time, effort and would like to adapt/replicate it Ravanera stressed that in Cooper- their keys to unleash them from be- and money, the IPs gained knowl- in their five (5) hectares area in Na- ativism, no one shall be left behind. ing tied with chain of poverty and edge and skills on taro chips mak- sugbo, Batangas. He further commit that the CDA will hunger. ing. Subsequently, they appreciated Meanwhile,through help promote the products by utiliz- Aside from its economic ad- the potentials of the taro root chips “Koop-Kapatid” Program of the ing quad media. vantage, a delicious and crunchy to be their redeeming tool from the CDA, the 1 Cooperative Insurance “We, in the cooperative taro chips, from taro roots other- quagmire of poverty and hunger. System of the Philippines Life and movement are serving notice to one wise known as “lutya”, “gabi-pang- Following the training, the IPs have General Insurance (1CSIP) under and all: if you buy the products of sigang”, or “karlang” contains started producing their taro root the leadership of Mr. Roy Miclat, the cooperatives, you are buying wealth of organic compounds, min- chips products and have marketed President, pledged to provide the what are locally produced, what are erals and vitamins that can bene- in neighborhood stores and school TMMPC with state of the art equip- healthy, what are organically grown fit the overall health in number of canteens. However, due to manual ment for taro chips making. He also and what are essentials. In doing ways. It has very significant amount processing and production, quality vowed to help them to market the so, you promote the local economy of dietary fiber, carbohydrates, vi- and quantity of the products were products. and help generate jobs for the Filipi- tamin A, E, B6, folate, magnesium, likely affected. Hence, they were Miclat said, “1CISP fully sup- nos,” he said. iron, zinc, phosphorous, potassium, very grateful on manganese and copper. It is also the provision of known to be an amazing medicinal the above-men- crop that can improve digestion, tioned start-up lower blood sugar levels, prevent kits. cancer, enhance vision, protect the Usec. skin, increase circulation, decrease Ravanera and blood pressure, aid the immune sys- the officers of tem, prevent heart attack and many the CDA-Region more. 10, on the other Acknowledging the po- hand were over- tentials and benefits of taro roots, whelmed with Usec. Ravanera ensured to make the acceptance, this innovation be of help to the in- enthusiasm, de- digenous people. It can be remem- termination and bered that in 2018, Usec. Ravanera vision on the utilizes the 2017 savings of the CDA taro chips mak- worth five hundred thousand pe- ing among the sos (Php500,000.00) to invigorate CDA Chairman Conducts Dialogue with Agriculture Coops in Marinduque By Ronde D. Alicaya / Marilyn D. Eso Sta. Cruz, Marinduque (January at 18-meter depth and become op- Production and Marketing. 19, 2019)—No less than the Un- erational in 1994. Most of the cooperatives prod- After the meeting, Chairman dersecretary Orlando R. Ravanera, Twenty-five years later and ucts in the province are agricultur- Ravanera, Brgy. Chairman Piñaflor- Chairman of the Cooperative De- dozens of typhoons and heavy al. Their processed products, like ida and some cooperative leaders velopment Authority (CDA), have rains have poured without any peanut brittle are of superb quality. conducted an ocular inspection to traveled to the province of Marin- maintenance made, the dam be- Their raw agricultural produce is the dam and the agricultural fields duque, “the heart of the country”, to come silted. Over the years, borax, also abundant, like coconut prod- to assess the situation. Chairman personally connect with the cooper- eroded soil and other pollutants are ucts and root crops. However, the Ravanera had seen enough and ative leaders in the province. The deposited into the dam and led the cooperatives have no proper mar- promised to do something about meeting was held at the function dam to siltation making it only about keting channel. As a result, they are the situation. hall of Brgy. Napu in the municipali- 11-meter depth during rainy sea- most of the time deprived and taken Right after returning back to ty of Sta. Cruz, with the indulgence sons and about only 6-meter depth , Chairman Ravanera have of Hon. Emilliana A. Piñaflorida, during dry season. As a result, wa- sent personally a letter to the office Brgy. Chairperson. ter supply in the above mentioned of Sec. Manny Peñol of the Depart- More than 40 cooperative areas become insufficient that only ment of Agriculture (DA), to ask leaders have showed up for the assistance for the agricultural co- meeting even in a very short notice, operatives in Marinduque. He also thanks to the Agency’s very active personally sent a letter to Gen. Ri- Cooperative Development Special- cardo Visaya, Administrator of the ists, Mr. Edilberto Sager and Rey National Irrigation Administration Evangelista, just to meet the Chair- (NIA). The CDA is still waiting for man and discuss their various con- advantaged by oppressive buyers. the response from the DA and NIA. cerns. BIR Marinduque. Perhaps As to the concern for mar- majority of the participants have the keting and the issues against BIR, Various concerns same concerns against the person- the CDA will be conducting a Co- nel of the Bureau of Internal Reve- operative Congress in Marinduque, Dam and irrigation. The dam is nue (BIR) in their area. Accordingly, in cooperation with the Marinduque approximately 3. 5sq.km, sufficing local BIR is has double standard Provincial Cooperative Develop- the demand of water for house- three barangays were reached. when it comes to taxation. One co- ment Council and Marinnduque hold and agriculture of up to eight Worse, people will have to choose operative member said that they Union of Cooperatives, to thresh (8) barangays including Barangays between household and agriculture are not even given proper attention out issues and concern of cooper- Napo, Angas, Taytay, Tamayo, Mo- needs. According to the residents, when they transact at the local BIR. atives this coming March 3, 2019. rales, , Alubo and Biga with when water is used for household, It does not even follow the guide- BIR national will be invited during estimated population of more than agriculture will be sacrificed. In the lines from the national office. the congress to address concerns 2,000 families. It was constructed in same way, when agriculture is prior- against their local counterparts. 1989 and originally with water level itized, household must sacrifice. Action taken CDA @phcoops PH Cooperatives Page 9 Feature FinTech Revolution! Cooperatives’ Survival Tool By: Ronde D. Alicaya tered cooperatives, it will definitely mind now is not why but when. And bers and use them for their exploit- Imagine doing your daily transac- play a vital role. We have an econ- that “when” should be now because ative advantage. Aside from mobile tions like buying vegetables and omy of scale so to speak. If one by not doing so, corporations will do banking, this technology is scalable other farm products using only has to consider also the 10 million it and the cooperatives will be forev- to any business you can imagine. smart phone. Imagine paying your Filipinos abroad who send in mon- er enslaved to the oppressive sys- It can be used in insurance, block water and electric bills without ey annually in a tune of US$30 Bil- tem in the digital age. Time, hence, chain, domestic and international spending time on a very long que. lion, plus the one billion cooperative is of great essence. The perfect money remittance, merchandise Imagine booking a ticket for your members around the world, you’ll time for cooperatives to embrace trading, national ID system, data trip, applying or paying for a loan get the picture. digitalization is not next year, or in banking, etc. at your cooperative or sending and the next five years, but today. receiving money anywhere else Giant financial institutions know Perhaps one might ask, why big in the world at the convenience in that. And because they have a lot Majority of the cooperative mem- commercial banks bother to do that? your home using your smart phone. of money, they can easily hop in to bers are those in the margin of Well, the answer is simple. Accord- Imagine doing a banking transac- the system. In fact, they are now development, the “unbanked” be- ing to experts, in the age of digita- tion without physically going to a establishing their foothold on the cause they don’t have the collateral lization, conventional banks will not bank, or ultimately, riding a driv- technology and are gearing toward when they want to apply for a loan, be as relevant as they are today, erless car going to your work. Are controlling the data that they don’t or simply could not provide the re- even credit cards and ATM cards. those not amazing? have. Now, the question really boils quirements for opening an account. They will become less significant down to; who owns, who controls, They comprise the 80 to 82 percent to the market because people will All these may sound futuristic but who profits, and who benefits the or about 11.5 million cooperative have the convenience to purchase it’s not farfetched either. In fact, the system? members. and sell product, send and receive technology is already used in other money, deposit and/or move money countries. As a matter of fact, we The potential of Fintech is very In the age of digitalization, every- from account to account using their are already far behind. much scalable, and the cooperative one becomes bankable—or should phone. Employers can also dis- sector in the country is in great po- we say, everyone becomes a bank- pense salaries to their employees. Have you heard about Fintech sition to become the leader in the ing officer. And the world is your All these can be done using your Revolution? financial technology in Asia and in marketplace. In banking, it is pos- smart phone, with real time account the world. It is also true that the sible through what they call “cus- updates every transaction you First of all, the financial technology coop sector is in dire need to em- tomer onboarding”. Applications or make. So, again, why big commer- or “Fintech” rise since 2008 ush- brace digitalization if it wants to opening an account is simplified cial banks bother to get the data of ered as a new model in alternative stay alive and competitive in the and can be done in two minutes. All coop members? Because they will financial services as a result of the next decades to come. However, a customer needs is a smart phone be pushed to the edge of extinction. financial crisis. Sounds familiar? in jumping into the digital world, with the downloaded application, In the future, banks might opt to Like cooperativism, Fintech was the coop sector must consider also a government issued identification maintain three or four buildings that created as a response to a looming these questions: is it inclusive? Is card, and a selfie picture using his/ would serve as depository for cash, crisis. it secured? Is it philanthropic? Is it her smart phone. The ID shall be gold and documents. Now, they are future-proof? Does the system em- swiped on the phone for data cap- shifting direction to mobile banking. It is driven mainly by technology brace the cooperative principles? turing and you have to authenticate and caters to what the consumers And ultimately, are cooperatives the your application through either or a In the Philippines, remittance cen- really need and has been growing real owner of the system? combination of the following: a sel- ters are offering already insurance in an exponential rate. Fintech is fie, electronic thumb mark, voice or policies. Even Grab, a ride-hailing viewed as a disruptive model that By saying inclusive means all the iris scan. This is not science fiction. company, is planning to provide could shake the oligarchical and members of the coop sector can This is happening already in other insurance policy also. Now imag- oppressive financial systems, like have its part of the pie. Secured parts of the world, and this is the ine the cooperative sector doing all banks and other lending institutions means end users of the system way to go for the cooperative sec- these and more, in a cooperative which the only goal for existence is (i.e. sender and recipient of money tor. In China, farmers’ cooperatives and philanthropic way. That would to get money from us consumers. transfer) will not have the burden have been using this technology surely spell a big difference in this Hence, the “Fintech Revolution”. in case something goes wrong or since four years ago. country. the system is unbreakable/impen- Fintech has been foreseen to dis- etrable from end to end/terminal During our field visit to the North Challenges and Concerns rupt the market place in lending, to terminal or what they call “cash Garden Organic Vegetable Coop- including peer-to-peer and peer- points”, and is backed and/or certi- erative as a sideline activity of the Information is business. Whoev- to-business lending; Equity crowd- fied by government. “Seminar on Farmers’ Cooperatives er controls the information or the funding; Alternative forms of invoice Development for the Philippines” in data, controls the business. That is or real estate financing; Payments Philanthropic means it promotes Beijing, Chairman Zhao Yuzhong the reason why CDA Chairman Or- systems; Insurance; Foreign ex- the welfare of others, not exploiting proudly relates to the Philippine lando R. Ravanera has been say- change and other forms of remit- them by imposing usurious rates to delegates that they are marketing ing all this time that we are only as tance business; Providing innova- coop members and end-users. Fu- their farm produce digitally. They good as our data. The problem is, tive software to established banks ture-proof means the system should deliver products straight from their right now, we do not have a reliable and other financial services firms to be scalable to whatever business farm to the consumer’s home, and and accurate information and data deal with risk and regulation; De- the cooperatives want to engage they don’t have to worry for security banking system. He knows that veloping an innovative platform for in the future. And ultimately, the co- because their customers don’t use CDA and the cooperative sector is wealth management or trading; or operatives should own the system, cash in transactions. On the other in a race against time to fully em- what have you. Fintech Revolution not just the platform for business hand, Director Wang Yiqun of the brace digitalization. has been talked about in Europe, in transactions, or a franchisee to the Division of International Coopera- America and now in Asia. system. And, the business model tion, Agricultural Management In- If we cannot own and control fully should embrace the cooperative stitute, Ministry of Agriculture and our own data, we remain splintered FinTech’s Role in Cooperatives principles. Rural Affairs of the People’s Repub- and can easily divided, and we can- lic of China told this writer that he not have full benefits as well. And There are two things needed for Why Cooperatives Should Digi- bought fruits and vegetables in the most importantly, in embracing the Fintech to realize its full potential: talized? market using only his cellphone. digitalization, cooperatives should Technology and Data—big data. also remember that, although Fin- And since the cooperative sector in For cooperative leaders who under- Now imagine other commercial tech is a huge business, let’s put the Philippines has a critical mass stand very well the essence of digi- banks or corporations getting all the people first before profit. of 14 million from the 28,000 regis- talization, the question they have in data from our millions of coop mem- Climate Change Comm... From P.1 cooperatives nationwide can ad- Government of Cebu for organizing ly rising and the highest level has present a national security problem. vance the agenda of climate change this forum. Thank you for giving me been observed to occur here in our Climate change is a devel- mitigation, considering its scale of the honor to address all of you today, country—more than three times the opmental issue that calls for the re- membership. To have a further under- to discuss the significant role of coop- global average. This means increas- thinking of paradigms as its impact is standing, message of eratives in our pursuit of climate resil- ing risk of flood and storm surge in eroding hard-won development gains Sec. De Guzman: ience and sustainable development. our coastal towns and cities. and setting back economic progress. Governor Hilario Davide III; As runaway, unabated glob- As global temperatures rise, We’ve seen this in 2013, when Su- Vice Governor Agnes Magpale; May- al warming brings us more disasters, the incidence rate of heat-related ill- per Typhoon Yolanda took thousands or Nicepuro Apura, CDA Chairman climate change has become the most nesses and health problems, such of lives and destroyed infrastructure Orlando Ravanera; fellow workers in defining threat of our time. as vector borne diseases and heat and sources of livelihoods. government; esteemed leaders and We are already experiencing strokes, also increases. Damages reached almost members of the different cooperative the consequences of 1 degree Cel- These and the projected de- 89.6 billion pesos, displacing more groups; ladies and gentlemen: Good sius of warming above pre-industrial cline in labor and food productivity, than 4 million people and claiming morning. levels with more weather extremes— the looming water crisis, and the pro- over 7000 fatalities. Because most First and foremost, I would such as super typhoons, intense rain- pensities for conflict over scarce re- of the affected areas were extremely like to commend the Cooperatives falls, and prolonged droughts. sources, all expected to be more pro- impoverished, one in three families Development Authority and the Local Sea levels have been steadi- nounced by mid-century, inevitably Continue to p. 11 Page 10 CDA @phcoops PH Cooperatives Climate Change Feature Comm... From P.10

were particularly vulnerable to loss ternational climate change negotia- risk science-based local development erful avenues for knowledge and of income and shelter. The hardest tions that the Philippines is resolved planning. capacity development on climate hit areas experienced double-digit in- to pursue a 1.5-compatible develop- Together with the Local Gov- change through. creases in poverty incidence. ment pathway although it emits only ernment Academy and development As a close-knit association, Last year’s strongest ty- less than half of one percent of the partners, has trained 133 faculty cooperatives have the ability to en- phoon, Typhoon Mangkhut, claimed global emissions. members from higher education in- hance both human and social cap- at least 150 lives and destroyed Thanks to more studies stitutions, including state universities itals—which are both important in 26.7 billion pesos worth of houses, de-coupling economic growth from and colleges, on the use of these facilitating our transition toward a low buildings, roads and livelihoods— carbon emissions, pursuing mitiga- modules. carbon economy. the highest amount of damage since tion now makes economic sense Fourth, cooperatives could fi- Yolanda. given its numerous co-benefits to the Cooperatives: the key to climate ac- nance local mitigation and adaptation This recurring loss and dam- health of our people and the environ- tion projects and offer innovative finan- age in human lives, properties, and ment. Through the years of imple- cial products for risk climate insur- livelihoods shall continue to plague The low-carbon revolution menting our CORE Program, the ance. Financial cooperatives could our communities unless we change already offers huge opportunities for Commission has witnessed the inten- either invest in climate-smart proj- the way we run government and do business, the economy and society. sified climate action at the local level. ects or de-risk climate-smart invest- business. It is in this spirit that we are We see the potential of bot- ments through innovative insurance also urging other nations to align their tom-up climate action as an effective schemes. WE COULD NOT AFFORD TO WAIT actions to the 1.5 goal and to provide approach to mobilizing a bigger and Fifth, cooperatives could be ANY LONGER BEFORE TAKING assistance to developing nations, in more sustained national response to the voice of climate justice during lo- ACTION! terms of finance, capacity building climate change. cal participatory budgeting and deci- and technology transfers. Employing this strategy, how- sion making processes. As organized Last year, the world’s top Aside from representing ever, requires the active participation and values-based groups, coopera- climate science body—the United the country in international climate of local organizations such as coop- tives could provide the necessary in- Nations Intergovernmental Panel on change negotiations and advoca- eratives. puts to ensure the climate proofing of Climate Change or IPCC—released cy, our work in the Climate Change Given your proximity to rural community projects and actions. a special report that strengthens the Commission revolves around main- communities and your unique capac- Ladies and gentlemen, these are just Philippine leadership stand on the streaming climate change adaptation ity to instill the value of climate action some ways on how the cooperative pursuit of the global warming thresh- and mitigation as longer-term and within your group, cooperatives could sector could facilitate climate action old and long-term temperature goal future-oriented sustainable develop- play a key role in ensuring rapid and within our communities. of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-in- ment actions. effective response to climate change I fervently hope that we use dustrial levels. While we are advocating on the grounds. this forum to identify more points for The IPCC report highlights for disaster risk reduction and man- We strongly believe that tap- convergence and collaboration. a number of climate change impacts agement as first step to building re- ping into the energy and dynamism of Moving forward, rest assured that could be avoided by limiting glob- silience, our mandate is to create cooperatives nationwide would help that we will work closely with the CDA al warming to 1.5°C compared to 2°C, enabling policies and to build the in advancing the country’s climate so that we could provide coopera- or more. capacities of our people as we pre- agenda forward. tives with the necessary support in For instance, tropical cy- pare all sectors in transitioning to a First, cooperatives could pro- pursuing climate change adaptation clones will likely have heavier rainfall low-carbon, climate-resilient, and mote and mainstream sustainable and mitigation initiatives. at 2 degrees global warming, which sustainable economy. food production operations and prac- Before I end, allow means greater risk of flooding, land- At the moment, we are work- tices. With food security as one of the me to share that we are in the pro- slides and storm surges. ing with different government and one of the strategic priorities of our cess of finding the 100 best adapta- Coral reefs, in particular, are non-government organizations to ad- National Climate Change Action Plan tion practices nationwide, which we projected to decline by 99 percent dress gaps in national and local cli- or NCCAP, you could help ensure the intend to showcase in our upcoming at 2 degrees of warming compared mate change action planning. availability, stability, accessibility, and events. Our goal is to inspire other to 70 to 90 percent at 1.5 degrees. For one, we are strength- affordability of safe and healthy food local government units to implement Nonetheless, it must be noted that ening our Communities for Resil- amidst climate change by employing their own adaptation initiatives. children from today may be the last ience Modular Training as our main alternative production practices. If you are a part of an organi- generation to see coral reefs in all capacity building program for the Second, cooperatives could zation working on local or indigenous their glory. enhancement of local development assist in ensuring the timely commu- practices for adaptation, please do Climate-related risks to and investment plans. This program nication of early warning about disas- not hesitate to share your story with health, livelihoods, food security, also equips local governments with ters to rural communities. This way, us. water supply, human security, and the necessary knowledge to prepare you could help the government in re- economic growth are projected to in- quality project proposals for People’s duce the risks of women and men to Thank you and may we all crease further with 2 degrees of glob- Survival Fund grant funding. climate change and disasters. have a productive day ahead. al warming compared to 1.5 degrees. Under this program, we have Third, cooperatives could As these projections paint a produced the CORE Modular Train- help increase awareness on climate new climate reality for all of us, we’ve ing Manuals—a set of standard train- change adaptation and mitigation articulated time and again during in- ing modules on methods and tools for practices. You could serve as pow-

CDA MEDIA BUREAUS Pampanga Extension Extension Office PUBLISHER Region IX Central Office Office/Region III Cooperative Development Authority Karen C. Sandique Elynor M. Tolosa Inocencio M. Malapit (CDA) Cheyanne L. Evangelista Ellyn M. Ando Cleng Salonga Calamba Extension Cherryl Marders Cagayan de Oro EO Office/Region IV Rosemarie J. Beltran Lorelie R. Papa Region X

Monatao Honeya R. Alawi Jerah B. Valdez Analiza C. Sulpot Sally S. Triñanes Naga Extension Edwin B. Pelosas Atty. Monalisa A. Juarez Office/Region V Davao Extension Office Michael C. Cabulay Othello Privaldos Region XI Raul Z. Bacillano Marlyn D. Eso Maria Theresa B. Dave Iloilo Extension Office Manila Extension Office NCR Region VI Kidapawan Extension Office Sherwin Keith D. Salazar Region XII Mimai R. Parangue Mercy J. Gabasa Cassy S. Jimeno Jezza Lhor Villarin-Utlang Jeane Mary B. Fullero Extension Cebu Extension Office Office/Region 1 Region VII Caraga Extension Office Van F. Enriquez Ramon P. Buenavista EDITORIAL STAFF Faye D. Carino Caraga Region Mariefel A. Taghoy Sally Joy R. Bungabong Orlando R. Ravanera Editor-In-Chief Tuguegarao Extension Extension Office- Niño Rosil C. Bantayan Managing Editors Ronde D. Alicaya Office/Region II Region VIII Jurela V. Cruz CAR- Ext. Office Gloria V. Barrido Leann R. Fontanilla Marissa L. Cala Loraine M. Yu Martin B. Manodon.

CDA @phcoops PH Cooperatives Page 11 Cebu People’s Coop: A Champion PH Haiyan Advocacy Cooperative of Environmental Protection Envisions to Climate Proof Tacloban Contributed by: Cebu Peoples’ MPC

Environmental conditions for a climate resilient City. The PH Haiyan Advocacy Co- operative in collaborative Coordination with the Cooperative Cebu People’s Multipurpose Coop- CPMPC wants to help members Development Authority (CDA) erative is serving the public for over make this dream come true which Tacloban Extension Office and the 46 years. Through time, it has intro- led to building the Blessed Sacra- Climate Change Commission (CCC) duced products and services that ment Residences in Kagudoy, Lapu- and the Department of Environment aimed at helping members achieve Lapu City. And Natural Resources (DENR) had a more comfortable life, assisting conducted the Regional Conference them in sending their children to Through this housing pro- Tacloban City - The PH Haiyan on Climate Change Mitigation and Ad- school, making their dreams of own- gram, members of CPMPC can Advocacy Cooperative, was orga- aptation in 2016 and 2017. For 2018, ing their homes come to fruition, and acquire a unit at an affordable rate. nized primarily by Typhoon Haiyan the tripartite of PH Haiyan Advocacy extending them health and hospital- These units already come with basic survivors in Tacloban City. The Co- Cooperative, CDA and DENR this time ization benefits. bedrooms, living quarters, and toilet operative envisions to developing with the Department of Energy (DOE), and bath and solar energy facilities. Tacloban City into a model City collaborated on the conduct of the The pressing call of the time The cooperative facilitates access for climate proofing (CCA) by re- brought together stakeholders from the for environmental protection and to government financing programs designing systems around climate cooperative sector, Local Government conservation was heard by Cebu and banks. What sets this housing change defenses and emergency and non-government sectors for a Vi- People’s Multipurpose Coopera- project apart is that members are al- response. It envisions to rebuild the sayas Cooperative Conference on tive and it answered by spearhead- lowed to stay in the unit while they resiliency of our life support system Climate Change Adaptation ing programs and initiatives that are still paying the equity. (land, air and water) thru a concert- and tMitigation with the theme “Coop- don’t just bring answers to people’s CPMPC made sure that the housing ed effort of Yolanda survivors to- erative Efforts in Action: a Response needs, but also keep the environ- program does not violate environ- wards HEALING Tacloban City and to Climate Change” that is designed to ment’s best interest in mind. mental policies. make it SAFE against super storms link science with policy and practice. and other threats of climate change. The conference was geared towards CPMPC is one of the part- Finally, Cebu People’s It addresses the need for improving raising awareness about the threats ners of ‘Kasilyas Pilipinas’, a cam- Multi-purpose Cooperative is set to the adaptive capacity of vulnerable posed by this natural phenomenon and paign supported by OXFAM In- launch the People’s Jeep Transpor- groups (e.g. informal settlers, fish- the actions which the various sectors ternational, that aims to extend tation Program, financing members ers, urban poor, farmers, etc.) thru of our communities can jointly under- assistance to families in Regions 7 aiming to own their own e-jeeps. proper responses institutionalized take in order to alleviate or adapt to its and 8 to build their own toilet facili- by the development and implemen- often perilous effects. ties. These “e-jeeps” are Euro 4 tation of plans and projects such as The Conference was held on Emission tested, and follow global of early warning systems, resettle- November 5-6, 2018 at the Leyte Ac- Through this partnership, standards for limiting the emission ment to safer grounds, continuous ademic Center in Pawing, Palo, Leyte CPMPC offers Baratong Kasilyas of pollutants. Using Euro 4 gasoline trainings on disaster preparedness, with nearly three hundred (300) par- Packages, which are composed of will improve power by enhancing response and relief operations. It ticipants from different cooperatives building materials and superstruc- engine lubrication and will restore shall be implemented in Tacloban all over the Visayas Regions. Topics tures under the SHIELD Program. maximum engine performance as in- City covering both the interacting discussed included: The Science of ternal engine deposits are cleaned, biophysical and socio-economic Climate change; Climate change expe- CPMPC’s SHIELD Program lessening chemicals emitted into the systems where adaptation strate- riences and impact on coastal commu- or Sanitation and Hygiene Initiatives environment. gies are geared towards address- nities; the science of risk reduction and to Enterprise and Livelihood De- ing the Social, Economic and Envi- early warning system; Policies vis-a- velopment affords members of the Cebu People’s Multi-pur- ronmental conditions for a climate vis implemented programs combatting cooperative to avail of the Kasilyas pose Cooperative is not just a resilient City. climate change; LGU Climate change Loan or save money through the partner in improving the lives of its PH-Haiyan is a survi- action planning; Role of Cooperative SAVED Savings for a toilet option. members but in improving the qual- vors’ project on how Tacloban City sector in Climate Change Adaptation A decent home, accessible to dif- ity of life in the world one environ- should build the resiliency of its in- and Mitigation efforts. Leyte Governor ferent government and private facil- mentally-sound project at a time. terdependent systems to appropri- Leopoldo Dominico Petilla, welcome ities, is a primary need of everyone. ately respond to a Mega storm like the participants and guests. Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) Other Speakers were Arnold and other extreme events brought Grant Belver, Climate Change Com- about by climate change. It envi- mission, DENR Regional Exec- sions to strengthening the adaptive utive Director Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo, mechanism of the different ecosys- Sealtiel Patino, Lourdes Tibig, Rodulfo tems along elevation gradients fol- Cabias all of CCC, Jefferson Flores of lowing the nature-based landscape LNU, CDA Chairperson- Orlando R. approach from Ridge-to-Reef. It Ravanera; Dr. Lito Casas and Dr. Ger- addresses the need for improving ry de Cadiz of EVSU; DOE Usec. Raul the adaptive capacity of vulnerable Aguillos. groups (e.g. informal settlers, fish- ers, urban poor, farmers, etc.) thru proper responses institutionalized by the development and implemen- tation of plans and projects such as of early warning systems, resettle- ment to safer grounds, continuous trainings on disaster preparedness, response and relief operations. It shall be implemented to start in Ta- cloban City covering both the inter- acting biophysical and socio-eco- nomic systems where adaptation strategies are geared towards ad- dressing the Social, Economic and Page 12 CDA @phcoops PH Cooperatives