With warm smiles and a sense of shared purpose, the 29th PFCCO ML Annual General Assembly and Educational Forum opened its doors to a gathering of seasoned cooperative leaders, dedicated members, and long-time advocates. This two-day event is a heartfelt celebration of solidarity, wisdom, and continued growth within the cooperative movement — honoring decades of service while looking toward the future.

A Parade of Unity

The day began with a vibrant Parade of Colors, featuring over 290 delegates from PFCCO ML's five business centers: Main Office, CARAGA, Northwestern Mindanao, SOCSARGEN, and Davao. This colorful display of cooperative pride set the tone for the rest of the day — one that emphasized unity in diversity and a shared purpose.

Product Fair: Celebrating Coop Creativity

In line with the theme of Building, Connecting, and Strengthening Cooperatives (BCSC), various cooperatives showcased their local products, giving delegates the chance to connect with each other’s stories and entrepreneurial spirit. Featured goods included:

• KM7FPC Pineapple Vinegar
• MINFARMCO Products
• BAMPCO Banana Chips
• USFACO Sugar
• CABESCO Parboiled Rice
• NewLeon MPC Banana Vinegar
• BACFA Banana Flour
• BKADDS Banana Vinegar

This initiative wasn't just about commerce — it was about celebrating identity and shared growth.

Keynote That Resonated

The highlight of the morning was the keynote speech from Asec. Luz H. Yringco, a dynamic leader from the Cooperative Development Authority. Drawing from her grassroots experience and legal expertise, she praised PFCCO ML for its efficient asset management and urged member cooperatives to strengthen their capital base. Her words were not only insightful but also deeply motivational — reminding everyone that each annual report tells the living story of the cooperative's journey.

Messages of Gratitude and Support

Participants were moved by messages from cooperative allies who continue to support PFCCO ML’s mission.

Rachel Aquaviva of MINDA CARAGA opened with a heartfelt message of appreciation for the PFCCO Mindanao League and its members, emphasizing the vital role coops play in regional development. Her words reflected the deep collaboration between PFCCO ML and its partners in government and community-building efforts.

Fiscal Joe A. De Guzman of the COOP NATCCO Partylist followed with a passionate call to action — encouraging cooperatives to stay united in political engagement. He underscored the importance of supporting coops and coop-aligned representatives in legislation, ensuring that the sector’s interests remain a national priority.

Visions for the Future

Looking ahead, two dynamic speakers shared their visions for how PFCCO ML can continue to grow and lead with innovation and inclusion.

Sir David Pajaron delivered a powerful message grounded in the core principles of PFCCO ML. He stressed the importance of inclusivity in the coop sector — calling for more youth involvement, environmental stewardship, and stronger connections between cooperatives. He championed the idea that no coop should be left behind and highlighted the value of having women and young leaders actively represented in governance, especially in Board of Director roles.

Chuck Villanueva then shifted the focus to technology, presenting software-based solutions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency across cooperatives. One such platform, Coopbase Solutions, offers tools designed to modernize coop management systems. His presentation underscored that digital innovation is essential for ensuring the cooperative movement keeps pace with the evolving landscape of finance, data, and community engagement.

Music and Camaraderie

The day wrapped up with a live band performance — the perfect opportunity for delegates to wind down, celebrate, and connect on a more personal note. It was a joyful close to a day packed with inspiration, insight, and the spirit of community. A raffle draw was also carried out with the delegates attending the assembly. The members who were lucky won various merchandise and appliances. Some of the winners are shown below. Visit our gallery for more pictures of our events!

As Day 1 draws to a close, we carry forward the spirit of unity, service, and shared dreams. Here's to an even more enriching Day 2!