CATARMAN, Northern Samar (PIA) -- The search is on for outstanding cooperatives whose exemplary achievements have contributed to the socio-economic development in the province of Northern Samar.
Engr. Romeo M. Cardenas, OIC-Provincial Cooperative and Community Affairs Officer (PCCAO), said the search is intended to recognize meritorious achievements and contribution of partner-institutions in creating an enabling environment for the growth and development of cooperatives in the province.
According to Cardenas, the activity will promote resiliency, innovation, and excellence in the cooperative’s economic and social endeavors, which will serve as models for aspiring and struggling ones.
Likewise, he said, this will serve as a platform for inspiration and motivation for cooperatives to rise above challenges and strive for further growth and development.
Cardenas pointed out that the search is open to all primary cooperatives who are registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) for at least two years in operation as of December 31, 2022, and the area of operation is within the province.
Qualified coops must be compliant with the CDA requirements also as of December 31, 2022, and must be showing meritorious achievement in the area of organization, management, financial housekeeping, and participation in community development.
Lastly, the coop must be operationally gainful for two consecutive years, with audited financial statements for the calendar year 2021 and 2022.
There are three categories for the most outstanding cooperative award, namely: the large cooperative, the medium cooperative, and the small and micro cooperative, with P40,000 cash prize for each category.
Special awards will be given, too, with P5,000 cash incentive per award for excellence in membership, growth and expansion, best in internal resource generation, and outstanding community involvement and development program.
Local government units with full-fledged municipal cooperative development officer will also be given special recognition as well as best practice in human resource development.
The criteria of the search are: organization aspect (20%), management aspect (25%), financial aspect (25%), participation in community development (15%), and innovation and adaptability (15%).
As of this writing, there are 21 compliant cooperatives that will qualify for the search of the Most Outstanding Nortehanon cooperatives in the province.
Deadline for submission of nomination is on August 25, 2023. The announcement of the winners will be in October 2023, in time for the Coop Month celebration.
For more details, contact Lorna C. Longcop of PCCAO with cellphone number 0927-401-1260. (MMP/TBC/PIA-Northern Samar)
