The heart pounds with gladness as we listen to stories on cooperative performances and initiatives. Their persistency to remain responsive to members needs manifest desire to sustain operations even during calamities. Quick decisions to extend assistance to members and communities show their deep commitment in building communities to realize established vision and mission. Actions taken by these responsible peoples’ organization had been monitored and reported by CDA personnel that worked from home. The actions indicate dedication of the officers and staff to remain relevant. It attests to their willingness in sustaining their good performance in terms of compliance to regulatory requirements. On a personal note, it motivates employees to meet the expectations of clients and stakeholders and ensure delivery of service with delight.
Even when the country was under enhanced community quarantine several queries reached us. Inquiry on how to submit reports to avoid sanctions for delayed compliance keeps the ball rolling. Some inquired on how to submit reports on time given the restricted movements caused by COVID 19. Others inquired on status of application for Registration, Certificate of Compliance, Accreditation as External Auditors and some clients requested for technical assistance.
Thanks for the presence of technology that helped us reached them either through email, text messages, and face book. While we recognize the limitations of information communication technology infrastructure in the valleys, hills and mountains of the Cordillera, several cooperatives were able to communicate with CDA CAR employees and gave some updates on their activities. All these were done through Work from Home arrangement as CDA-CAR Regional Office just resumed office last May 18, 2020.
The good thing about CAR based cooperatives are their positive attitude. Our stint with the agency for more than two decades indicated that only few cases were brought to court by cooperatives. Some prefer to approach CDA personnel for technical assistance and others invite them to act as resource persons during General Assembly Meetings or Board Meetings.
Having been immersed in cooperatives I can say the actions of some cooperatives in CAR are spontaneous and inspiring. This occurs during deaths of members, calamities and group activities. Their actions serve as models and emulated by other cooperatives. In a previous social media post, former Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol admired Cordillera based farmers that belong to cooperatives in terms of dedication and commitment in meeting obligations. Such remarks from a high ranking official attest to the relevant tradition and culture of Cordillera people.
I guess, the increasing number of cooperatives tapped to serve as conduits of government agencies in the delivery of assistance to farmers and marginalized sector is timely. As peoples’ organization, trust is one of the success factors.
Finally, we encourage cooperatives to continue serving your members and the community with cheerfulness. As we deal with people of varied background and culture, let us always cherish the happiness and fulfillment of our desire to be of service to fellow men. Trials and calamities come and go but the fire in us keeps on burning. Let us sustain our unwavering support in bringing changes to peoples’ lives and the communities we serve. Keep safe!
