In celebration of Coop Month 2023, CLIMBS participated in the parade, which began at JR Borja-Burgos Street and ended at Misamis Oriental Provincial Capitol Ground on October 1, 2023. With the theme “Cooperatives: Pioneering the Path to Recovery Amidst Modern Challenges of Climate Change and Food Security,” the parade was joined by an estimated 105 CLIMBS employees and staff who marched from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m.

Shortly after the parade, the event was followed by a Holy Mass, Trade Fair, and Opening Program, wherein CLIMBS was awarded as the “Most Organized Cooperative” among the participating coops from Region 10. This year’s coop month activities act as a live reminder of the value of peace, friendship, and the combined participation of all CLIMBS partners, employees, and cooperative members.

Government officials from the Misamis Oriental Provincial Cooperative Office also showed their support, led by Hon. Governor Peter M. Unabia, representative of Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando A. Uy, and the City Council Chair of the Cagayan de Oro Committee on Cooperatives Imee Rose P. Moreno, who gave a brief solidarity message and encouragement. 

Part of the festivities were the presentations of this year’s candidates for Mr. and Ms. Coop Region 10 2023, Mr. Lindley Lumantas from the CLIMBS IT department and Ms. Zharlea Payusan from CLIFSA Marketing, who graced the event with their their awe-striking beauty and advocacies and represented CLIMBS during the program.

After the event, participating coops attended the annual Coop Sportsfest held at the Xavier University Gymnasium, wherein coops built strong partnerships and formed new connections, challenged their achievements through sportsmanship, and recognized shared principles from coops nationwide.

The Republic Act 11502, also known as the law declaring October as the “National Cooperative Month,” was signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte on December 16, 2020. Coop Month will follow a series of events that showcase the role of cooperatives in our community and their partnership with businesses, industries, and the government sector.