PARANAQUE CITY – Co-op leader Irene Bringas of the highly-successful Abra Diocesan Teachers & Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ADTEMPCO), has been awarded by Asia’s Modern Hero Awards 2024 as “Asia’s Top Provider of Quality Training for Agri-Tourism”.

In a grand ceremony at the Okada Manila on August 23, 2024, Engr. Bringas joined an illustrious roster of big names of “innovators and pioneers” in business, real estate, law enforcement, legislation, government, academe, environmental preservation, and human rights.

As CEO of ADTEMPCO, Bringas has her hands full.  The co-op is owned by and serves 51,000 members. ADTEMPCO assets amount to Php 2.66 Billion.  Services to members include primarily Savings and investment, loan packages, and business development.  The co-op also engages in agriculture production and trading, retailing, 

About 500 staff operate some 20 branches and satellite offices around Abra, as far as Baguio City.

The co-op developed the Galicia Farm in Bangued, with poultry and piggery operations.  Galicia Farms is now called Mt. Carmel Agri-Tourism and Training Center, which was accredited by TESDA.  It is a good area for agriculture training where TESDA courses are offered to students.   Aside from agriculture, skills training for employment is also offered.

In a statement by the Award’s organizers, they said: “Under President Bringas’ visionary guidance, MCATTCI has established itself as a beacon of excellence in the field of agri-tourism, providing high-quality training that has empowered countless individuals and communities to thrive in this vital sector.  This award acknowledges ENGR. IRENE B. BRINGAS and MCATTCI's tireless efforts to promote sustainable agriculture practices, cultural heritage preservation, and community engagement, which have had a profound impact on the growth and development of agri-tourism not just in the province but in the entire Asia.”

Criteria for the Awards include 1) Innovative and Adaptive Approaches to Global Challenges (20%), Transformative Social Impact (20%), Ethical Integrity and Moral Courage (15%), Advocacy and Mobilization for Social Justice (15%), Commitment to Sustainability and Systems Change (10%), and Resilience and Adaptability in Crisis Response (20%).