Gearing Up for the Gold: NATCCO Launches 50th Anniversary Countdown in Cebu City
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) officially launched its journey toward a historic milestone on January 23, 2026, with the “Gearing Up for the Gold” 50th Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration. Held at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, the event drew an impressive assembly of 220 cooperative managers and leaders representing 67 cooperatives from across the nation, all united to celebrate forty-nine years of cooperative journey and impact.
A Journey Through Time
The celebration began with a solemn Holy Mass, followed by a high-energy opening performance by the Co-op Youth Planet (Lamac MPC). The afternoon was a poignant tribute to NATCCO’s roots, featuring the NATCCO History Video “Tracing the Past, Forging Ahead,” which chronicled the federation’s evolution and achievements since its founding in 1977.
A centerpiece of the program was the panel discussion, “The Different Eras of Impact: NATCCO Through the Years.” Moderated by Jose Romeo Ebron (Former NATCCO Chairperson and CEO of AgriCooPh), the panel featured a distinguished lineup of leaders: Teresita G. De Leon (Former NATCCO CEO), Floriano Hilot (CEO of Oro Integrated Cooperative), Albert Teaño (CEO of MSU-IIT National MPC), Jenebeth Conanan (CEO of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish MPC), Clyjeen Solis (Branch Manager of Tagum Cooperative), and Justinne Lynn Limocon (Business Development Head of Lamac MPC).
The speakers shared personal reflections on how NATCCO mentored their professional growth and how this partnership strengthened their respective cooperatives. Adding a historical perspective, Ms. Teresita “Tere” De Leon revisited NATCCO’s vibrant past, issued a stirring call to action, and urged the network to remain steadfast in its mission of uplifting marginalized Filipinos through dedicated cooperative service.
Solidarity from Global and Local Partners
The golden milestone received significant praise from both legislative and international partners. Cong. Felimon Espares of the COOP-NATCCO Partylist and USec Alexander Raquepo, CDA Chairperson, delivered a message of support, emphasizing the cooperative sector’s role in national legislation.
International solidarity was also on full display with messages from:
- Elenita San Roque, CEO of the Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU).
- Balu Iyer, Regional Director of ICA-AP.
- Reinhold Hoernle, Project Director for the Philippines.
Launching the Future
As NATCCO looks toward its official anniversary year, the event served as a roadmap for the future. The segment “Gearing Up for the Gold: 2026 Activities” detailed a year-long calendar of initiatives designed to further empower grassroots communities.The evening reached a symbolic peak with a Wine Toast led by NATCCO CEO Sylvia O. Paraguya and Chairperson Maria Nelia Rafaela G. De Leon, marking a “Symbolic Launching” of the golden year.