Undersecretary Joseph “Joy” Ballota Encabo, Chairman of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), and CDA Assistant Secretary Virgilio R. Lazaga, visited the Iriga City District Jail to commemorate the 1st Arriba CoCamp Anniversary today, October 21, 2023.
The 1st Arriba CoCamp Anniversary was held at the very place where the CoCamp initiative was first introduced – the Iriga City District Jail. The event was a testament to the transformative power of cooperatives and their role in rehabilitating Persons Deprived with Liberty (PDLs) and reintegrating them into society.
Undersecretary Encabo, who leads the CDA, expressed his admiration for Mayor Rex who has the heart for public service. He emphasized that we need more people like him. “Simple but no showy” as he described Mayor Rex. Further, Usec commended him for the CoCamp initiative’s success in providing PDL with valuable skills and opportunities.
Usec Encabo also commended District Jail Warden Atty. Rodolfo Verrosa Jr for the different programs promoting rehabilitation and development of the PDLs which give them hopes and opportunities.
For his parting words, he left a powerful message which very timely during this time of election which says, “Let the position seek for the right person, not the person seeking for the position. That is leadership.”
Mayor Rex during his message also thanked Usec Encabo, Asec Lazaga for visiting Iriga Iriga and all other distinguished guests who were present during the event. He said that his administration has this advocacy that they will address any issues and challenges confronting the different civil society organizations of the city including cooperatives. “We are proud to say that we have 23 strong cooperatives,” he said.
He also said that cooperatives and the CoCamp program have not only changed the lives of these individuals (PDL) but also contributed to the betterment of our community.
Mayor Rex also extended his gratitude and appreciation to Annabelle Dizon-Tuy, Secretary Apex Organization Education Advocacy Union Cluster, whom he addressed as the COOPERATIVE CHAMPION for bringing and introducing Arriba CoCamp to Iriga City particularly to BJMP.
Annabelle Tuy has not only brought CoCamp to spotlight but also forged partnerships with National Gov’t. Agencies such as DTI, TESDA, DOST and DAR, and partnership with Civil Society Organizations such as Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Iriga and other private individuals and stakeholders of Arriba CoCamp.
Under her guidance CoCamp has established strong linkages with NGAs and CSOs which opened doors to different support that benefits the Cooperative Sector of the City.
He also thanked TESDA Acting Provincial Director Roberto Delas Llagas, DOST Provincial Director Pat Felizmenio and DAR Cams Sur Ric Garcia who graced the event with their presence and together with the members of the Camarines Sur Chambers of Commerce who have been very supportive of the different advocacies of the City.
In his closing message, Mayor Rex shared a quote which states, “Cooperation is the only thing that will redeem mankind.”
Before the end of the program, Cordillera Administrative Region Cooperative Union (CARCU) commended and presented token of appreciation to Mayor Rex for unselfishly sharing CoCAMP’s best practices.
(Source: Lungsod ng Iriga)