To commemorate the end of Coop Month 2024, the festivities ended with a culmination program for Mr and Ms Coop Region 10 2023, which was held at the USTP Gymnasium last October 27, 2023. As the candidates from different cooperatives paraded their bedazzling gowns and shared their unique answers during the Q&A segment, CLIMBS candidate, Ms. Zharlea M. Payusan from the Coop Life and General Insurance Agency (CLIFSA) dominated the stage with her awe striking grace and elegance as she won this year’s crown.

“I fear to live a life without meaning. For me, Democratic Membership Control is the lifeblood of a dynamic and sustainable economic model. By embracing this cooperative principle, we are showing our capacity to weather economic storms, empower our members, and foster community development. And as we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, I believe that being a part of the ecooperative movement serves as a beacon of hope that places people and their well-being at the center of economic and social progress,” Her award winning answer during Q&A segment ultimately gave her the spotlight and propelled her to be one of the leading candidates during the pageant competition. 

The event, spearheaded by the Regional Cooperative Development Council (RCDC-10)RCDC 10 NorthMin, CDA Regional Office X, City Cooperative Development Council- Cagayan de Oro (CCDC-CDO) gathered all participating coops in the region to officially commence the celebration of Coop Month. 

She also reclaimed the back-to-back title from Ms. Princess Diane Ucab who previously won last year’s Ms. Coop Region 10 2022 and was also awarded as ‘Best in Talent’ as she impressed the crowd with her skills as a former drum and bugle major during her highschool years.

Furthermore, her partner, Mr. Lindley Neil Lumantas, won the hearts of the audience with his charming demeanor and finished as the 4th runner-up. Since Arrian Jhon Lunio Wahing of First Community Cooperative (FICCO) claimed the title of Mr. Coop Region 10, they can collectively embody the values and principles of cooperativism while raising the banner of the cooperative sector.

During her reign, Zharlea intends to use her platform to inform, educate, and influence fellow cooperatives and members of the community on how our collective efforts can contribute to peace and sustainable development.

(Photo credits to: Coop Life General Insurance and Financial Services Agency (CLIFSA) Official Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/CLIFSAOfficial and https://www.facebook.com/CDOHairAndMakeupArtist)