CEBU CITY – One-hundred thirty-six (136) Filipino cooperative leaders convened at the NATCCO Gender and Development (GAD) Summit from November 13 to 15, pledging to promote opportunities for women and integrate gender equality in their policies, operations, and organizational culture, in alignment with cooperative principles.

The summit, held at the Bai Hotel in Mandaue City, Cebu, gathered leaders (88 women, 46 men, and 2 intersex) from 47 cooperatives across the country. Themed "Intersectionality in Action: Cooperatives Leading the Way in Gender Equality and Social Inclusion," the event highlighted the cooperative sector's commitment to fostering inclusive practices.

Representatives from partner organizations CDA Region 7 Director Cristina Villamil, Atty. Khay Ann Magundayao-Borlado of the Philippine Commission on Women, Ms. Eleni Giakoumopoulos of the Global Women's Leadership Network (GWLN), Ms. Leni San Roque of the Association of Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (AACCU), and Mr. Balu Iyer of the International Cooperative Alliance – Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP) expressed their full support for the summit's initiatives.

Gender and social inclusion advocates Ms. Donnabelle Celebrado, Ms. Emelina Santos, and Ms. Jesi Blantukas shared their insights and facilitated discussions on best practices in Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI).

The summit provided cooperatives with a clearer understanding of the transformative direction of gender and development (GAD). Participants gained valuable insights through shared initiatives and success stories, strengthening their capacity to implement inclusive practices in their organizations.

A key highlight was the re-launch of the Sister Society in the Philippines, led by NATCCO. The society's official scarf was symbolically donned during a ceremony, and all attendees were inducted as members.

Election of the Board of Trustees

The event also saw the election of a new Board of Trustees:

•    Chairperson: Atty. Cecille P. Galleros (Panabo Multipurpose Cooperative)

•    Vice Chairperson: Ian Cordero (King Multipurpose Cooperative)

•    Secretary: Michael T. Solanoy (Barbaza Multipurpose Cooperative)

•    Assistant Secretary: Linda Claire Pawid (DENR-CAR Employees Cooperative)

•    Treasurer: Veejay P. Literal (Sta. Cruz Savings and Development Cooperative)

•    Assistant Treasurer: Normandy Jose (San Dionisio Credit Cooperative)

•    Auditor: Feliro E. Questorio (Antique Provincial Government Employees Multipurpose Cooperative)

Since the Sister Society's soft launch in March 2024, 243 members from approximately 100 cooperatives have joined. Moving forward, NATCCO’s GADWE Unit will consolidate membership data and strategize the society’s initiatives.

Plans for 2025 include creating a social media page and utilizing the hashtag #NATCCOSisterSocietyPH to foster engagement. The GADWE team also announced a search for "GAD Champions" in Cooperative and Individual categories, with scholarship opportunities for awardees.

NATCCO GAD/GE Officer Whiazel Nangpi emphasized the unique role of cooperatives in promoting gender equality and social inclusion: "One of the most important takeaways from this summit is recognizing how cooperatives, with their principles and values, are well-positioned to drive meaningful change. By mainstreaming gender equality, leveraging data for informed decision-making, fostering dialogue on women's issues, embracing digital technologies, and building strategic partnerships, we are taking inspiring steps closer to achieving our shared vision of gender equity."

The NATCCO GAD Summit 2024 reaffirmed the cooperative movement's dedication to inclusivity and gender equality, setting the stage for impactful actions in the years ahead.