CITY OF MALOLOS – Bringing together thousands of cooperative members, officers, and stakeholders, the Provincial Government of Bulacan, through the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (PCEDO), spearheaded the Cooperative Parade and Kick-Off Ceremony in celebration of Cooperative Month last Saturday, October 4, 2025.
The parade, which began at the Malolos Convention Center and ended at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, served as a symbolic show of solidarity among cooperatives in the province, carrying this year’s theme, “Strengthening Cooperatives, Empowering Communities,” emphasizing the crucial role of cooperatives in promoting inclusive growth and community development.
Leading the celebration were Governor Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro together with Cooperative Development Authority Regional Director Marieta P. Hwang and Advisor of E-Healthcare International Inc. and former Governor Roberto “Obet” Pagdanganan, who graced the occasion as distinguished guests.
During her message, Hwang underscored that when cooperatives work together toward a common goal, the rewards go beyond profit, reflecting the deeper purpose of solidarity and shared progress.
“Ang pagdiriwang po na ito ay hindi lamang isang tradisyon kung hindi patunay na ang diwa ng pagkakaisa, paglilingkod, at pananagutan. Muli po nating pinapatunayan na kapag nagkakaisa ang bawat isa sa atin tungo sa isang layunin… higit pa sa kita ng ating mga kooperatiba ang ating makakamtan” the regional director said.
Pagdanganan also urged cooperatives to work hand in hand toward shared growth, noting that through collaboration, they can build a progressive and self-reliant country that every Filipino can take pride in.
“Ito’y panahon ng pagtutulungan natin at pagsisikap na lalong palakasin ang kilusang ito sa ating lalawigan at sa dako pa roon ito’y maging halimbawa upang makalikha tayo ng isang bansang maipagmamalaki nating lahat. Magsisimula tayo sa pagpapalakas sa kooperatiba sa pamamagitan ng pagtutulungan at ang resulta sa pandang huli ay kaunlaran para sa ating bansa,” Pagdangan said.
For his part, Fernando emphasized that the strength of the cooperative movement lies in the unity and compassion of its members, who continue to uplift lives and promote inclusive progress.
“Naniniwala po ako na isa sa mabisang solusyon para mapanatili ang magandang imahe ng Bulacan ay nasa sama-samang pagkilos ng ating mga kooperatiba. Kayo ang mukha ng tunay na malasakit at integridad,” the governor said.
Aside from the parade and kick-off ceremony, the activity also featured the launching of the 2026–2030 Provincial Cooperative Development Plan (CDP) and new programs such as GoKoop Balitaan and GoKoop Digitized Bookkeeping for Cooperatives—initiatives designed to strengthen and modernize the operations of cooperatives in the province.
Recognition was also given to partner CPAs, including Jeanette D.M. Leonardo and Ma. Socorro N. Bartolome, for their valuable contribution to the success of PCEDO’s Free Audit Service Program.
For the complete schedule of activities for this month’s celebration, kindly visit the official Facebook page of the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office – Bulacan.
