CDA cites top coop leaders in Benguet

By Susan C. Aro

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Cooperative Development Agency has cited leading coops in Benguet and their leaders last week  saying these  play a vital role in propelling economic development  in the countryside.

CDA-Cordillera regional director Franco Bawang Jr. said the GawadParangal Search for Outstanding Coop,  now on its second year,  gives recognition to coops  with good performance and coop leaders who contributed to development and whose example are worth emulating.

Results of the evaluation and assessment of nominees to the 2013 GawadParangal Awards under different categories: large – Philex Mining Community Credit Coop; medium – Benguet State University Multi-Purpose Coop (MPC); small – Thanksgiving MPC; and micro – Immaculate Conception Community MPC.

Coop nominees were categorized based on net worth as per Magna Carta for Micro,  Small and medium

enterprises (MSMEs).

For micro, it should not be more than P3,000,000; small -  more than P3,000,000 to P15,000,000;  medium- more than P15,000,000 to P100,000,000, and large- more than P100,000,000.

Miguel Luma-ang, a coop advocate who currently chairs the Coop Bank of Benguet, Inc and Manager of the Buyagan Operators and Drivers Association MPC, was adjudged coop leader for the province. 

The ad hoc committee chaired by the CDA with members from the Benguet Provincial Coop Development Council recommended the endorsement of Luma-ang to the regional level competitions.

Unfortunately, for coops, they were not able to meet regional level endorsement as they have not garnered the required accumulated points as per CDA criteria.

Among the criteria for coops were the organizational development and management, financial management and business operation, social relevance, and awards and recognition received with specific indicators underscored.

Coop leader criteria includes performance and contribution to coop development, award and citations received for the last five years and longevity of service to coops.

Bawang  said due recognition will be accorded in fitting rites during the celebration of coop month on October.

He bared that they are still working out monetary awards.

This award is also a   means of promoting coops and cooperativism  among  communities.