CITY OF MALOLOS – Outstanding cooperatives in Bulacan were recognized during the 2025 Gawad Galing Kooperatiba Awarding Ceremony spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Bulacan through the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (PCEDO) at The Pavilion of the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center last Friday (Dec. 12).
The awardees were granted cash incentives and plaques of recognition for their exemplary performance and significant role in advancing the cooperative sector in the province, wherein the Bagong Barrio Multipurpose Cooperative was conferred the Gawad Galing Kooperatiba under the Cooperative Awards for Continuing Excellence (COOP ACE), the highest honor given to a cooperative in Bulacan, in recognition of its outstanding performance, sustained growth, and exemplary contributions to the local community.
For the Gawad Galing Kooperatiba awards, the Sta. Monica of Bustos MPC took the top honor in the Large-Scale Category, while the San Gabriel Rural Waterworks and Development Cooperative was recognized as the winner in the Medium-Scale Category.
Further, the Sto. Niño de Parada MPC was recognized for Outstanding Performance; while the Bulacan State University MPC won the Large-Scale Category for Notable Performance, and the NIA–Region III MPC along with the Marilao Municipal Employees MPC were declared winners in the Medium-Scale Category.
Special Distinction awards were also presented to the Catholic Servants of Christ Community MPC and the Panasahan Cooperative in the Large-Scale Category, while the Grotto Novaliches Transport Service Cooperative, Bulacan Court Employees MPC, Vitarich Employees Cooperative Association, San Isidro–San Roque Credit Cooperative, Homebuilders Alkansya MPC, and Sapang Palay National High School MPC received the same recognition in the Medium-Scale Category.
Also, the PAGUNOVA Transport and Multipurpose Service Cooperative, Augustinian Cavaliers MPC, Sapang Palay Minuyan MPC, and Malhacan Rural Waterworks MPC were honored with Special Citation awards.
In his message, Governor Daniel R. Fernando shared his belief that inclusive economic growth is rooted in empowering small entrepreneurs rather than relying solely on large businesses.
“First term pa lang ng inyong lingkod, ang target ko na talaga ay palakasin ang ating mga micro, small and medium enterprise dahil naniniwala po ako na diyan talaga kukuha ng lakas ang ating mga pagnenegosyo. Kapag tinutukan po natin ang maliliit na negosyante, mas marami po ang mabibigyan ng pagkakataon na umunlad sa negosyo,” the governor said.
Fernando also extended his commendation to PCEDO Head Atty. Jayric L. Amil for continuously implementing programs that support businesses and livelihoods, noting that through the collective efforts of the government, private sector, and cooperatives, Bulacan received the Most Business-Friendly LGU Citation in 2025.
Meanwhile, Cooperative Development Authority Chairperson Usec. Alexander B. Raquepo, the guest of honor, emphasized in his speech that receiving an award is not the end but a greater challenge to work harder and manage cooperatives better in order to sustain excellence.
“Tinitignan ko po na hindi lamang kayo hanggang pang-Bulacan, baka mapunta pa sa region, at eventually makakuha pa ng national awards because I am sure you are going to be the pride of the Province of Bulacan,” Usec. Raquepo said.
Also in attendance at the awarding ceremony were CDA Region III Extension Office Regional Director Marieta P. Hwang, who commended Bulacan as a province with thriving and well-developed cooperatives, along with Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro, Provincial Administrator Antonia V. Constantino, PCDC Bulacan Chairperson Leilani N. Babista, and other distinguished guests and representatives. (UnliNews Online)
