Welcoming PCC’s new Board Of Directors—and renewed confidence

 Despite the gloomy weather caused by Typhoon Egay, the PCC’s new Board of Directors for 2023-2024 remained in high spirits during their virtual oath-taking on July 27. They were resilient and optimistic, welcoming the new board with enthusiasm. Despite the challenges, PCC Chair Dr. Divine Quemi, even in the aftermath of the typhoon, managed to join the event online, expressing the need for a better PCC. She highlighted how Nueva Segovia Coop served as a relief center during the typhoon, providing food and supplies. Dr. Divine also emphasized the cooperative movement’s support for each other in times of crisis, expressing dedication to growth and success, and offering hope for the future.

Double celebration      

The oath was administered by Hon. Filemon Espares of COOP-NATCCO Partylist, who praised the timing of the oath-taking coinciding with the need to amend the cooperative code, as emphasized in President Bong Bong Marcos’s recent SONA address. This amendment aims to enable the active involvement of agricultural cooperatives, which would enhance their role in supporting the country’s food security program. He also mentioned the ongoing efforts to create the Magna Carta for Agri Coops. “This is indeed a celebration, as it will enhance the invaluable role of agri coops in supporting the country’s food security program. It is also in this light where we are also working towards the creation of the Magna Carta for Agri Coops” he said.
Hon. Espares commended PCC’s new Board of Directors, describing them as experienced cooperative leaders who have demonstrated hard work, dedication, perseverance, and passion. He also acknowledged PCC Chair Dr. Quemi for her dynamic leadership. As PCC embarks on a new chapter, Hon. Espares noted the organization’s transformation, embracing new opportunities and challenges to strengthen the cooperative movement. He highlighted PCC’s efforts in advocacy for socio-economic reform and business excellence, recognizing PCC as the unifying institution of the cooperative movement. “Indeed, for whatever it will embark on as it moves up to courageously face more challenges, my hats off to PCC as the unifying institution of the movement”, he proudly summed up.

Same policies but with added provisions  

Before the oath-taking, the morning was dedicated to an orientation seminar on PCC, as mandated by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). This seminar covered PCC’s history, mission, vision, programs, and recent developments, which are essential for PCC directors as directed by the CDA. The first part of the seminar, including the history and mission/vision, was presented by PCC’s Ms. Nicole Calapati, Assistant to the Program Officer.

Despite experiencing both successes and challenges, PCC has demonstrated resilience and foresight in developing programs and policies for the cooperative movement, serving as a unifying force. The presentation highlighted PCC’s strengths in representation, advocacy, and research, along with successful partnerships with government agencies and participation in National Cooperative Summits.

PCC’s research staff, Mr. Ray Paul Santiago emphasized that while many of PCC’s policies remained unchanged, notable additions were made following a “two-year period of trials” that was resolved at the end of 2022. These changes allowed PCC to engage in financial intermediary services, aligning with its reclassification as a “special financial cooperative.”

He also emphasized that primary cooperatives are not members of PCC, but they can provide unwavering support for PCC’s projects, programs, and advocacies. PCC’s membership is limited to secondary and tertiary cooperatives, currently numbering 27 nationwide.

PCC’s CEO, Edwin Bustillos, highlighted the organization’s role as the hub of cooperatives, where discussions, meetings, and conferences lead to the development of policy papers, training, and partnerships with the government. He also mentioned the clusters that strengthen PCC’s function as the national alliance of cooperatives.

PCC received its Certificate of Tax Exemption in January 2023 and underwent reclassification, as mentioned by Santiago earlier. The CEO expressed confidence in the importance of cooperatives, especially in agricultural cooperatives’ direct intervention in food security and mainstream cooperatives, as recognized in the recent SONA.

PCC is venturing into real estate development, and the CEO acknowledged the organization’s relevance in advocating the common cooperative agenda in the new landscape. He stressed PCC’s commitment to embracing the responsibility of driving change and achieving more success through confidence, determination, vigor, and passion.