TAGUIG CITY — The City of Taguig highlighted the achievements of its cooperative sector and programs designed to help micro and small cooperatives expand during Monday’s flag-raising ceremony. The Taguig Cooperative Development Office (TCDO) led the event, which carried the theme “Matibay na Kooperatiba: Nagkakaisang Pamayanan para sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran,” focusing on cooperation, stronger communities, and inclusive economic growth.
Accreditation and Compliance Milestones
TCDO reported that 66 cooperatives completed the Civil Society Organization accreditation process, a key step toward accessing government programs and partnerships. This accreditation allows them to formalize their operations and access broader support networks. The office also conducted a Cooperative Compliance Handholding Caravan to assist micro and small cooperatives in meeting regulatory requirements, ensuring they remain compliant and sustainable.
These initiatives reflect the city’s commitment to helping cooperatives advance from one level of development to the next. TCDO head Lecira “Bing” Juarez emphasized that programs should not just categorize cooperatives but transform lives. “It should always be how we grow or how we transform our micro into small cooperatives, our small into medium, and our medium into large,” she said.
Health and Capacity Building Initiatives
Beyond regulatory support, TCDO organized cervical cancer screening for eligible cooperative members, employees, and their families. The screening aimed to detect early signs of cervical cancer, a preventable disease that affects many women. This health outreach underscores the holistic approach to cooperative development, recognizing that members’ well-being is integral to their economic productivity.
The office also facilitated the General Assembly and election of officers of the Metro Manila Association of Cooperative Development Officers. It supported the third General Assembly of the Taguig City Cooperative Development Council and conducted benchmarking activities with Pasig City to share best practices.
Growing Cooperatives, Transforming Lives
A shared facility for the Taguig Kakanin Producers Cooperative was established under the Revitalizing Industry Competitiveness and Enhancing Production Capacity of Kakanin Entrepreneurs in Taguig, or RICE CAKE TAGUIG project. This initiative aims to boost the production capacity and market reach of local kakanin makers.
Taguig also welcomed more than 500 participants during the Second Regional Conference for Cooperative Development in the National Capital Region on September 17 and 18. The event provided a platform for cooperatives to learn, network, and explore new opportunities for growth.
Councilor Alex Penolio, vice chairperson of the Committee on Cooperatives, underscored the role of cooperatives in livelihood development. “Naniniwala po ako na mahalaga ang katuwang natin na mga kooperatiba sa pagpapalakas ng kabuhayan sa ating mga kababayan,” he said. He added that the true spirit of cooperatives is saving together, helping one another, and progressing as one.
Trade Fair and Community Engagement
A Cooperative Trade Fair featuring products from local cooperatives was held during the ceremony. Shoppers had the chance to buy local goods while learning about the stories behind each product. Selected raffle winners received cash vouchers to purchase items from participating cooperatives, generating excitement and supporting local enterprises.
The event also marked National Cooperative Month, with TCDO reaffirming its commitment to capacity-building programs, financial training, and other support. These initiatives are designed to ensure that cooperatives can sustain their growth and continue serving their members. Through these efforts, the city aims to cultivate financially independent and economically empowered Taguigeños.
The TCDO’s comprehensive approach—from accreditation and compliance to health screening and market development—demonstrates how local governments can nurture cooperatives as engines of inclusive growth. By investing in micro and small cooperatives, Taguig strengthens its communities and builds a more resilient local economy.
