DANTE CASAGDA
Ozamiz News Desk
OZAMIZ CITY—Cooperatives from the province of Misamis Occidental under its umbrella organization, the Misamis Occidental Federation of Cooperatives (MOFECO) have united themselves to undertake the information and education campaign (IEC) on the importance of cooperativism or mutual sharing.
June 12, cooperatives converged at the conference room of Peoples Bank and discussed possible mechanics to set into motion their specific objectives.
Pimpe Procianos, MOFECO board chairperson, presided over the meeting and said such initiatives would give venue to consolidate among coops in promoting collaboration of views.
“It seems that the existing cooperatives have been competing with each other instead of promoting cooperation among themselves, which is a basic cooperative principle.
Proscianos elaborated their efforts will help clarify and ease out misconceptions about cooperatives, like being seen only as mere lending institutions with funding support from the government and foreign partners.
But in truth and fact, cooperatives are vital part to the growth of the local economy and values formation.
Procianos also wanted that the bad image brought about by the failure of the “Samahang Nayon” Program in the early 80’s and primary cooperatives in the past have to be eradicated gradually.
“While the need for cooperativism is for social marketing of various services, there is also a need to develop cooperators as community leaders and development facilitators,” he explained.
The group then drafted a proposal to tap broadcast stations and print media in the city to serve as their outlet of IEC.
An editorial board composed of a representative from each coops will soon be established to oversee the issues to be tackled.
The gathering was also participated by Gata Daku Multipurpose Cooperative and AIMCoop–Ozamiz Branch.