4th national GAD summit tackles co-ops and gender amid the pandemic
by GERC Inc.
On September 24, 2021, the “4th National Summit on Gender and Development (GAD) in Cooperatives” was held as a webinar. The Summit livestreamed from Quezon City, Philippines, with the theme “Co-ops flexing resiliency in the new normal through GAD” #coopgadflex. The GERC Inc. organized the Summit, in partnership with We Effect. We Effect is a Swedish organization with development activities in the Philippines.
The Summit had 611 registered participants (182 [30%] males; 404 [70%] females) from 174 co-ops and other private and government organizations that support co-op development. The number of participants does not yet include the groups of viewers in some organizations who watched the Summit in their particular venues. Summit objectives were: 1) To give information on how women, men, youth, and cooperatives are dealing with the new normal and rebuilding together an equal future in a COVID-19 world; and 2) To recommend actions on how cooperatives will adapt to and work within the new normal through GAD mainstreaming.
This National GAD Summit was supposed to be held in 2020 as a face-to-face gathering but was postponed during the pandemic. The first Summit was held in Subic Bay in 2014; the second in Baguio City in 2016; and the third in Cebu City in 2018.
First speakers
GERC Inc. Chairperson Dr. Emma A. Nieva gave a message to welcome the participants. We Effect Philippines Country Director Ms. Jessica U. Soto and Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Chairperson Undersecretary Mr. Joseph B. Encabo gave inspirational messages.
The Summit was keynoted by Ms. Ma. Rosalyn G. Mesina, Philippines Programme Manager for WeEmpower Asia Programme, United Nations Women Philippines. Ms. Mesina's speech was themed achieving an equal future in the COVID-19 world. In her keynote, she said that the pandemic continues to pose challenges on how people work and how they run businesses and enterprises, and also on the progress already made for women and society. But it is important to remember that there is the opportunity to build a better normal. She said that 4.5 trillion dollars can be added to Asia-Pacific economies by closing the gender gap. Ms. Mesina emphasized the important roles of co-ops in helping enable women's empowerment that will drive inclusive and sustainable development, particularly in the workplace, marketplace, and community. The roles of co-ops in women's economic empowerment and in closing the gender gap are:
1. provide access to financial support and services; to education, knowledge, and training opportunities; and to networks and relevant groups to facilitate livelihood and markets
2. provide confidence to absorb economic shocks and challenges
3. positively influence overall quality of life and promote gender inclusion.
Ms. Mesina suggested that the seven “Women’s Economic Principles (WEP)” be included by gender-responsive cooperatives in their actions. The UN Global Compact and UN Women launched the WEP in 2010. It is a platform to mobilize business actions for the “Sustainable Development Actions” as a framework to guide all businesses and enterprises in empowering women in the workplace, marketplace, and community. The WEP enables the development of a community of action and practice.
After Ms. Mesina, the resource speakers of the Summit consecutively shared on the topics assigned to them.
CLICK THIS LINK to access the Summit presentations.
The GERC Inc. team, and Summit partners and resource speakers.
The one-day Summit hosts A. Espino and A. Jabagaton. 
Here are the highlights of the presentations.
Morning presentations
In the morning, the first resource speaker was CDA's Deputy Administrator for Institutional Development Service Mr. Ray R. Elevazo. He presented how Philippine co-ops are adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic. Globe Business Industry Manager for MSME Group Mr. Bradley Y. Pineda then spoke on co-ops and social enterprises adjusting to the new normal through digital technology. Then the GERC Inc. gave a video presentation on the overview of GAD mainstreaming in Philippine co-ops, followed by CDA's video presentation on GAD in co-ops.
As the first presenter, Mr. Elevazo explained that the recent online survey of CDA found that, during the pandemic, Philippine co-ops:
1. had strong resiliency amid disruptions, with sustained focus on providing services
2. immediately supported authorities and local government units (LGUs) in helping communities
3. can recover their business capabilities through internally generated capacities and mechanisms, being self-help and socially motivated economic enterprises
4. highly prioritized the health of employees and members thus putting premium on human capital rather than profit motivation.
He also said that, arising from the survey’s results, CDA had created policy recommendations concerning health, sanitation, and medical action in co-ops; capacities and mechanisms of co-ops during disasters and emergencies; and capacities and mechanisms of CDA in guiding and assisting co-ops in the new normal.
Meanwhile, Mr. Pineda said that re-envisioning co-ops in the new normal includes co-ops using digital technology in various aspects of operations. With COVID-19’s tremendous effects on business, he said that co-ops and social enterprises can improve themselves with solutions for today and for the future. To improve means addressing connection and convenience in the organization--internally and externally. Mr. Pineda emphasized that digital technology can help co-ops in many ways, such as dealing more effectively with members and other people/organizations searching online for co-ops; and making even more convenient and secure transactions with digital funds disbursement facilities like GCash.
The GERC Inc. video presentation stated that GAD mainstreaming in Philippine co-ops has deep roots internationally and regionally (Asia). GAD advocates and trainers in the country’s co-ops sustain their commitment with factors like the partnership with development organizations like We Effect; CDA’s issuance of GAD Memorandum Circulars (MCs) and the capacity-building of CDA technical personnel in gender; and national and regional conferences in the country that reinforce GAD in co-ops. As the pandemic exacerbates gender issues, GERC Inc. posed these questions to the participants:
1. What can co-ops do to flex resiliency, and rebuild stronger together?
2. What can co-ops do to put gender-responsive strategies at the core of rebuilding co-ops and members’ lives?
The CDA video presentation shared that CDA began its GAD program in 2013 through its issuance of MC No. 2013-22, followed by MC No. 2017-04. The two MCs give co-ops the guidelines and the tool for GAD mainstreaming. The video also explained CDA’s inclusion of GAD provisions in its inspection tool and also in the co-ops’ annual social audit report in order to monitor co-ops’ compliance with the two MCs. The video likewise featured three gender-fair co-ops: Sta. Cruz Savings and Development Cooperative (SACDECO) of Ilocos Sur; Gabay sa Kaunlaran Agricultural Cooperative of Calapan City; and MSU-IIT National Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MSU-IIT NMPC) of Iligan City. The first two co-ops explained in the video how they started and are continuing to sustain their GAD mainstreaming through their own efforts; through partnership with other organizations; and through compliance with the two GAD MCs. They shared the positive impact of GAD mainstreaming on their respective organizations’ people; policies; programs, projects, and activities; and enabling mechanisms. The video also showed a sample of how the MSU-IIT NMPC conducts its gender session.
Afternoon presentations
A) Co-ops’ best practices
Four gender-fair co-ops explained their best practices in resiliency in the new normal through GAD mainstreaming. The co-op-presenters and their representatives were:
1. San Dionisio Credit Cooperative (SDCC) of Paraňaque City: Ms. Virginia B. Santos, Chairperson-GAD Committee; Ms. Patricia B. Suyat, Chairperson-Youth Committee; and Ms. Ruiesa F. Mercado, Technical Staff for GAD Committee
2. DCCCO Multipurpose Cooperative (DCCCO MPC) of Dumaguete City: Atty. May Flor V. Duka, Chairperson-GAD Committee
3. Manuel Guianga and Sirib Growers and Employees Multipurpose Cooperative (MAGSIGE MPC) of Davao City: Mr. Reynato P. Siga, Board Chairperson
4. Lamac MPC Youth Planet Laboratory Cooperative of Cebu: Mr. Leo Lingel T. Paňares, Youth Coordinator
Some highlights of the co-ops' presentations:
1. SDCC, Paraňaque City
- For continuous service to members in the new normal, SDCC considered the five pillars of resiliency—self-awareness; self-care; relationships; mindfulness; and purpose
- SDCC’s GAD Committee is among the lead committees that will implement SDCC’s 2002-2026 strategic plan that aims at giving members a quality life.
- SDCC gave expanded benefits to the staff to help ensure their health during the pandemic.
- Also in this pandemic, SDCC is using more digital technology in its operations. SDCC ensures that members can access mobile apps and go online to attend events like assemblies and training; to avail of services; and to do other transactions with SDCC.
- Working with the SDCC Board, committees, and management, the GAD Committee aims at making SDCC achieve full manifestation of GAD. Among the GAD Committee’s efforts are continuous online education of the members, the families of members, and the community on gender and related development topics.
- SDCC vows to prioritize education to ensure its success. Education as a success factor was emphasized by the recently departed Mr. Hermie Hernandez, a founder of SDCC.
2. DCCO MPC, Dumaguete City
- GAD is firmly established in DCCCO MPC. With COVID-19 suddenly limiting co-op operations including GAD efforts, DCCCO adopted these measures:
a) with policy in place, had appointed GAD Focal Person (GFP) in each of the eight branches, and an overall GFP
b) instituted the DCCCO MPC “GAD Corner” that also became the area to do GAD-related actions
c) did online activities and meetings that reached even members abroad
d) produced additional GAD information materials
e) provided budget.
- Having the overall GFP and the GFPs in all branches is helping DCCCO MPC cascade GAD to all members, even in distant areas. The set-up helps in crafting plans and finding solutions.
- DCCCO MPC ended its presentation with an inspiring thought to fellow advocates of GAD and co-ops: In these trying times, we should consider it pure joy to face trials. The testing of faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work, so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
3. MAGSIGE MPC, Davao City
- Pursuant to CDA MC No. 2013-22, MAGSIGE MPC created its programs for GAD mainstreaming:
a) strengthening of the GAD Committee, with the appointment of the GFP, and the GAD training given to Committee members and GFP
b) promotion of a safe and healthy workplace
c) strengthening of MAGSIGE MPC's livelihood program for womend) compliance with laws that support GAD
d) implementation of the "Kasalang [Wedding/Marriage] MAGSIGE" program
e) implementation of the GAD Program during the pandemic such as by extending assistance to staff and members. Assistance to non-members is done through different LGUs.
- MAGSIGE MPC committed that as a social enterprise, it will continuously work with various sectors and take a stand against COVID-19. It stated its unity with the GAD movement in co-ops in prayer and in hope to rise together amid the challenges.
4. Lamac MPC Youth Planet Laboratory Co-op, Cebu
- The Lamac MPC Youth Planet Laboratory Co-op started as a program of Lamac MPC in 2004.
- The five core components of this Laboratory Co-op are: Aflatoun; Capability-building; Business Hub; Gender Equality; and Sustainable Agricultural Education Program for Youth (SAGEP-Youth).
- In these five components, the co-op youth work together in different socioeconomic activities where they plan, implement, learn, imbibe values, build skills, perform, earn and save through projects, and do many other things.
- The award-winning co-op youths’ projects led to even greater developments such as the Lamac MPC being tapped as the venue of the ICA international co-op youth summit in 2018.
- The Lamac MPC Youth Planet Laboratory Co-op is one of the successful co-ops in its category in the Visayas region.
B) Empowering youth in co-ops through GAD in the COVID-19 world
Presenters in this topic were the youth program coordinators of different co-ops: Mr. Ernesto Lucky G. Blanco and Ms. Holly Pearl B. Velasco of Abra Diocesan Teachers and Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ADTEMPCO); Ms. Daisy D. Escartin of Gubat St. Anthony Cooperative (GSAC); Mr. Sean B. Ybaňez of Mandaue City Public Market Vendors MPC (MAVENCO); and Ms. Chrisalyn L. Rubio, MSU-IIT NMPC.
- Youth cooperators and leaders of community-based groups in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao came together in a series of online dialogues beginning mid-2021 focusing on GAD, gendered leadership, and other concerns and issues that affect Philippine co-ops.
- They gathered together through the “Empowering youth in co-ops through GAD (EYCGAD) Program" that GERC Inc. has been implementing under its five-year project with We Effect.
- In this report to the Summit, the youth program coordinators presented the call to action agreed on by the youths who participated in the online discussions. The call to action is directed to co-ops; LGUs; government agencies especially the CDA, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and National Youth Commission (NYC); development organizations; and Philippine Congress
- The youths emphasized that including their sector in recovery efforts is crucial to creating a more resilient and sustainable future.
Busy Summit participants
While the Summit participants were busy absorbing the presentations and the sharing by the resource speakers, they also had the chance during the Summit to take part in webinar polls with questions posted by the organizer. Additionally, the participants had a working lunch as they listened to invited guests who talked on business opportunities and platforms that co-ops and members can use. Thus they heard from Mr. Raul M. Calayan Jr. of the Network Consolidated Cooperative Bank (NCCB); Ms. Carla Angelica A. Fulgencio of Globe Business MSME Group's Marketing Operations; and Mr. Jeffrey V. Reyes of TWALA mobile application for digital identity. The three organizations also generously provided raffle prizes during the Summit.
Songs and a poem
The Summit tapped talented GAD advocates and cooperators to render songs and a poem relevant to the event’s objectives. From Lamac MPC, the Administrative Staff and GAD Focal Person Mr. Kenn C. Tenebroso and Officer in Charge of the Co-op’s Travel and Tours Department Ms. Erica Rose S. Tuquib rendered the song “Ang Aking Dasal (The Prayer)” for the invocation. Mr. Tenebroso also sang “Next in Line” (by W. Cornejo). Lamac MPC Youth Planet Laboratory Cooperative member Mr. Johnrel Bedrijo gave his version of “I Believe I Can Fly” (by R. Kelly). Tagum Cooperative’s Program Officer for GAD and GAD Focal Person Ms. Leslie S. Canuto performed “A Better World” (by R. Cayabyab) and also “Isang Lahi” (by V. Saturno) for the closing ceremony. Also in the closing ceremony, the participants viewed the video of “Paninindigan,” a poem about commitment to gender equality, written by Dr. Corazon L. Echano. Dr. Echano is the GAD Committee Chairperson of the Cooperative Union of Taguig and Pateros (COUNTPA) and of Simbayanan ni Maria MPC (SMMPC). Dr. Echano herself interpreted the poem, together with youth cooperators Jamin Jariech C. Alcones of the Pateros Public School Teachers Laboratory Cooperative; and Cindy Ani, Carlos Ledesma Cayao, and Julia Mapel Y. Franco of the Simbayanan ni Maria Laboratory Cooperative.
The Summit’s emcees were Mr. Ariel June V. Jabagaton of NCCB and Ms. Annabelle S. Espino of the Quezon City Union of Cooperatives (QCUC).
Commitment to action
The National GAD Summit will produce its "Commitment to Action (CTA)" document as an appeal for actions, directed to co-op organizations (primary co-ops, federations, and unions); LGUs' co-op development councils and offices; government agencies regulating and supporting co-op development; development organizations that support co-ops; and the Philippine Congress. The actions detailed in the CTA will benefit co-ops.
The Summit organizer GERC Inc. asked questions to the participants during the webinar through an online poll, and the participants were given time to respond to the questions. The Summit organizer will incorporate the participants’ answers from the polled questions to the CTA that will be drawn up after the Summit.
The poll questions were:
1. What should co-ops do to rebuild together an equal future in a COVID-19 world?
2. What should federations/unions/councils do to help co-ops rebuild together an equal future in a COVID-19 world?
3. What should government agencies do to help co-ops rebuild together an equal future in a COVID-19 world?
4. What laws should the Philippine Congress pass to help co-ops rebuild together an equal future in a COVID-19 world?
GERC Inc. will upload the finalized CTA at a later date so that it can be viewed by cooperatives, cooperators and other individuals, and other non-government and government organizations that support co-op development and GAD. Viewers can give support to the CTA through different ways (e.g., join the call, take action, make a difference, act now, transform lives today, etc.) Those who accept/support the CTA may download it for information dissemination and echoing in/with their Board and general assembly meetings, and other co-op activities; partners; publications; and websites/social media accounts. Simultaneously, GERC Inc. will send the CTA to the organizations to which the document is addressed.
>>UPDATE: Click this article about the CTA. Also, the CTA is downloadable here.
A word from GERC Inc. in the Summit's closing
In the closing of the Summit, GERC Inc.’s Senior Consultant Ms. Salome A. Ganibe gave the synthesis of the proceedings, and she also said that co-ops were asked in the Summit on what they can do to 1) flex resiliency, and rebuild stronger together; and 2) put gender-responsive strategies at the core of rebuilding co-ops and members’ lives.
Ms. Ganibe said that co-ops and community-based organizations should deepen the co-op identity by examining co-op values, strengthening actions together, and committing to the “Cooperative Principles” to rebuild better and to overcome crises with solidarity and resilience. Co-ops have to walk the talk and strengthen their gendered leadership.
She added that the Summit discussions gave an earnest call to co-ops to adjust to the new normal; strengthen or redesign their policies; do capacity-building of people; enhance programs and activities; and implement digital adoption for operations, service delivery, and supply-chain strategies. Thus, for instance, from face-to-face transactions, the co-op business and activities with members can be done in a hybrid/blended way with and through appropriate digital tools and technology but with consideration of the capacity of co-ops as well as the gender needs and interests of the people.
