In fostering effective leadership in the cooperative community, the Provincial Government of Cavite, through the Office of the Provincial Cooperatives Development Officer (OPCDO), in partnership with the Provincial Cooperative Development Council (PCDC), hosted the 11th Cavite Cooperative Leaders’ Conference held on November 07, 2024 at SM City Rosario, with the theme, “Building Trust and Respect: A Cooperative Leader’s Action Plan towards a Brighter Tomorrow.”

The event assembled various stakeholders and cooperative leaders across Cavite province, who embarked on a journey towards stronger and more resilient cooperatives.

In her opening remark, OPCDO-OIC Ms. Rizalie Pinpin-Enero welcomed guests, resource speakers, and participants, expressing their appreciation for lending their time to attend the event.

Consequently, Dr. Jose Domingo Jr., PCDC Cavite Chairperson, emphasized the value of trust and respect in the cooperative movement, sharing the famous quote “kung ano ang itinanim, siya ring aanihin”. Likewise, Provincial Director Lilibeth Chavez of DTI-Cavite, reminded the participants to take note of the acronym COOP – Commitment, Openminded, Observant, Participate, as necessary concepts in strengthening cooperatives.

Ms. Bernadette Hornilla, Assistant Regional Director of Cooperative Development Authority – Region IV-A, shared that fostering the values of trust and respect in an organization contributes to its success, hence should always be embodied by coop leaders for a brighter future of cooperatives.

During the conference proper, Atty. Mickel Borigas, Soro-soro Ibaba Development Coop Board of Director, gave a lecture on “Leadership Trust in Times of Change”, while Dr. Mariano Thomas Ramirez, DLSU College of Education Graduate Studies Director, tackled the subject “Building Respect in the Workplace and Coop Community.” In his words, Atty. Borigas stated that “trust is reinforced when leaders demonstrate consistent actions”, highlighting the value of leadership trust for the growth and development of cooperative sector.

The event’s highlight was the sharing of success stories of various coop leaders.