“Cooperativism is the only countervailing force against violent extremism and against climate, phenomena which unfortunately are becoming ordinary” – Undersecretary Orlando Ravanera
Thousands of delegates from the cooperatives, People’s Organizations (POs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) sectors from different regions in Mindanao gathered in Xavier University Gymnasium last September 5, 2019 (Friday) to attend the Mindanao Cooperative Summit 2019 with the theme: “Achieving Food Security, Advancing Ecological Integrity Through Cooperativism, Climate & Disaster Resiliency towards Poverty Reduction”.
Respective resource persons were the Country Head-Agri Risk Management & Climate Change-Philippines Dr. Eugen Tjong and Satsure Technology Solutions Dr. Arvind Kumar TJ who introduced the technology that would be very useful in the agriculture sector. Along with City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO) Head Engr. Armen Cuenca, Xavier Science Foundation (XSF) Executive Director Roel Ravanera, and representatives from Climate Change Commission (CCC), Department of Agriculture (DAR), National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Educational and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) also presented their part.
Several topics were discussed in the summit such as; the State of Environment of Cagayan de Oro and Mindanao, Advancing Ecological Integration thru Climate & Disaster Resiliency, Advancing Indigenous Peoples’ Rights on Ancestral Domain, Cultural Integrity, Self Determination and Empowerment, Achieving Food Security (Ensuring Agricultural Productivity Amidst Climate Change), Department of Agriculture’s Programs for Cooperatives and IPs, Poverty Reduction Programs and Policies and Coop Issues, Advocacies and the Role of Cooperatives in Addressing Climate Change and Disaster, Poverty Reduction, Peace and Order and Violent Extremism.
One of the resource person, XSF Executive Director, Roel Ravanera, presented “Collaborative Resource Governance” for the protection of the environment. He pointed out that we should work together in protecting and preserving our environment and one of a good example for that is the Payment of Ecosystem Services (PES). It is supported by several cooperatives, LGUs, upland communities and even the private sectors. He also encouraged cooperatives to take the lead in collaborative governance to let everyone understand the importance of cooperation at this moment in time. At the end of his talk, everyone stood up and sang “One Moment In Time”.
Lattermost, the Summit Declaration was presented by Undersecretary Orlando Ravanera, the chairman of the Cooperative Development Authority. We quote, “As the cooperatives’ counter measures, we FIRMLY COMMIT to trail-braze social transformation for PEOPLE, PLANET, PROSPERITY AND PEACE in Mindanao to effect shift in paradigms to rectify the dysfunctions of the prevailing development model which is only successful in sacrificing mother earth and the people to the altar of greed and profit. Cooperativism is the only countervailing force against violent extremism and against climate, phenomena which unfortunately are becoming ordinary.” Through this declaration, the essence of cooperativism for People, Planet, Prosperity and Peace would now be advanced.
Written by: Jhane Rose Encarguez