ICOPED: Breaking Barriers

The Institute of Cooperatives and Bio-Enterprise Development (ICOPED) held a General Staff Meeting on September 13 and October 2 in line with its vision of enhancing its services towards the development of the cooperative sector.

Dr. Salvador P. Catelo, ICOPED Director, presided the meeting which aimed to revisit the ICOPED’s previous programs and accomplishments and discuss the initiatives that will meet the current challenges of the Institute in 2018 and beyond. He enjoins the faculty and staff in retrofitting ICOPED’s academic, research and extension programs, as well as strengthening partnerships and linkages, and improving administrative support, financial status and database management systems. He encourages human resource development and breaking the rigid silos in operations and functionalities. He also envisions a physical resource facelift of the Institute.

During the meeting, the ICOPED faculty and staff identified the immediate activities of the Institute such as the Cooperative Month celebration this October, and the hosting of the National and International Conferences on Cooperatives and Bio-Enterprise Development in 2018.

Dr. Catelo concluded the meeting by reiterating his philosophy for ICOPED, that is, “Our life at ICOPED is our own work of transition and end - one that we collectively create and enrich. It is an expression of our values and the things we believe in, and is not deterrent to ICOPED’s vision and mission.” AM Quilloy