COOPligsahan: Collective Action in Action

As part of the 2021 National Cooperative Month Celebration, the Institute of Cooperatives and Bio-Enterprise Development (ICOPED) organized an event entitled, “COOPligsahan: Collective Action in Action.” The event was held via Zoom Cloud Meeting on the 20th day of October 2021 from 8:30 am to 12 noon. The event served as a platform for field professionals to share their knowledge and real-life experiences related to the concepts of cooperation and collective action. This event also brought the younger generations together and kept them engaged with the academic community by showcasing their skills and talents.

There were more than 200 participants from around the country, who registered for this event. Aside from the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), registered participants were from the Cavite State University, University of Southern Mindanao, Bukidnon University, West Visayas State University, University of Antique, Pangasinan State University, Bicol State University, and Northwestern University. The event was emceed by Assistant Professors Ceptryl S. Mina and Maria Theresa M. Castro-Bernardo. Technical support was provided by the staff of ICOPED, namely, Ms. Adriann Quilloy, Mr. Paul Maghirang, Mrs. Alicia Quicoy, Dr. JP Duque, and Mr. Paolo Opulencia.

​To formally start the event, the ICOPED Director, Assistant Professor Liezel S. Cruz, gave a brief yet motivating introduction about the event through her opening remarks. The event was divided into two parts. The highlights of the first part were the two special webinars given by Professor Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy, the President of TechPerformance Corp., and Ms. Patricia Non, the founder of Maginhawa Community Pantry. The awarding ceremony for the Tiktok Video and Infographic Making Contest served as the last activity of the event.

Prof. Malindog-Uy discussed the “Global and Collective Action: Responding to COVID-19 Pandemic and Climate Change.” In her presentation, she discussed the concept of collective action and its application in today’s world. She mentioned that “collective action occurs when a number of people work together to achieve some common objective.” She cited COVAX as one of the examples of a worldwide collective action in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She also imparted relevant and impactful personal experiences focusing on regional and international collective action initiatives and activities. Specifically, she shared her experiences in assisting stateless migrant children at the Thailand-Myanmar Border Area (Maesot City). Providing actual experiences in collective action, Prof. Malindog-Uy discussed and presented photos of her personal engagements in building (alternative) schools for children, advocating women’s rights, peace building, and other non-violent collective actions in India, Columbia Myanmar, Thailand, and many more. With the persistent societal issues but not limited to climate change, poverty, and hunger, Prof. Malindog-Uy emphasized that collective action  is important and considered a critical tool to resolve present systematic issues which may facilitate social change. To end her presentation, Prof. Malindog-Uy gave a summary of her discussion which included the best practices to a successful and sustainable collective action.

Ms. Patricia Non, the second guest speaker, shared her experiences and reflections managing and sustaining the community pantry. Appreciating the active discussion from Prof. Malindog-Uy Ms. Non reiterated that collective action (the community pantry) cannot take place and achieve its desired aim(s) if only one person is involved. In the case of the Maginhawa Community Pantry, Ms. Non emphasized the critical role of the community in sustaining and enriching the benefits of such collective action. Ms. Patricia Non also shared the humble beginnings of the community pantry and that she never expected that it would go viral and proliferate nationwide., Ms. Non also demonstrated exemplary dedication in helping humanity, especially in times of need. Such actions and dedications proved that one’s social and economic status were not the basis to bring hope and spread kindness to people.  To end her talk, Ms. Non shared her ideas of an ideal community. For her, an ideal community has access to different essential needs such as healthcare, food and water. The constituents of Ms. Non’s ideal community were aware and knowledgeable about their (human) rights and the political economics of their (farmers and fisherfolks) agricultural products. Leadership also played a critical role in Ms. Non’s ideal community. She emphasized being compassionate and having a strong sense of responsibility towards the welfare and wellbeing of his/her fellowmen.

An open forum followed after the two presentations. Questions raised include the challenges faced by the guest speakers throughout their career, the best strategies to influence people in participating in such collective action activities, and the tips on how to manage, and sustain collective action where people discriminate against each other due to differences in opinion and beliefs. The exchanges of ideas from the guest speakers were very insightful and informative. The first part of the event concluded with brief inspirational messages from the guest speakers.
The second part of the event was the awarding ceremony for the Tiktok Video and Infographics Contest. All Infographics and Tiktok Video entries were presented. Winners of the contest are as follows:

INFOGRAPHIC AWARD

1st PRIZE
Ristial Aldrin C. Calderon

2nd PRIZE
Kathleen Jane B. Baylen, Miraflor V. Campillos,
Precious Grace B. David, and Lissa Andrea Fermin Demesa

3rd PRIZE
Anne Janine D. Ayapana, Francis Nikky H. Caraan,
Carmela Elaine V. Masakayan, and Joanne O. Ochaves

PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD
Raizo Abe M. Geonzon, Augustine Gerard L. Lozano, Alyssa Marie M. Malabanan,
Ma. Jillian Layo Sparco, and Eunice Jan N. Ros 

TikTok AWARD

1st PRIZE
Patricia Clarice C. Banez, Marigold N. Mendoza, Bianca Isabel I. Pagkalinawan,
Reigne Yzabel A. Regulacion, and Jasper D. Lualhati

2nd PRIZE
Kyla D. Baral, Jann Erikka T. Benjamin,
Xyrallaine Jade B. Dizon, and Denise Hannah Mari N. Lobete

3rd PRIZE
Brix D. Baniqued, Mikko S. Bartolome, Veronica Ashley T. Diola,
Irah Elisabeth I. Franco, Frances Geniel P. Linga, and Patrick Louis C. Roque

PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD
Brix D. Baniqued, Mikko S. Bartolome, Veronica Ashley T. Diola,
Irah Elisabeth I. Franco, Frances Geniel P. Linga, and Patrick Louis C. Roque
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Overall, the event was successful in raising awareness about collective action and the cooperatives to the public and youth. The event was formally closed by the ICOPED Director, Assistant Professor Liezel S. Cruz. To access the recording of the event, just visit the Official Facebook Page of ICOPED (/icopeduplb) or through this link https://fb.watch/8YE4dZAEVt/. MTMC-Bernardo