The Villar Foundation recently honored the cooperative champions at the 2024 Villar Foundation Awards on Poverty Reduction.
The Villar Foundation particularly recognized those that have made remarkable efforts to combat poverty in their communities.
The awarding ceremony took place at the Villar Foundation Complex in Las Piñas City on December 12.
Deputy Speaker Camille Villar, who is running in the upcoming senatorial elections and have pledged to be the “new voice” in the Senate, stressed the crucial role of cooperatives in boosting the country’s financial wellness.
“The cooperative groups are helping the government in forming and taking care of the financial wellness of the people under your jurisdiction,” Deputy Speaker Villar said.
Former Senate President Manny Villar, founding chairman of the Villar Foundation, also committed to continually support organizations that have improved lives in their communities.
Sen. Cynthia Villar, who is a strong advocate for cooperatives in the Senate, believes that cooperatives has always been an important contributor in the communities’ socio-economic advancement through its significant endeavors.
“By honoring our Cooperatives, we are not only recognizing and acknowledging good work, but are also providing several noteworthy inspirations and blueprints for members and fellow cooperatives to follow,” the senator stated.
At least 12 cooperatives out of 120 nominations emerged outstanding during this year’s awards; three Las Piñas-based cooperatives were given special recognition for their contributions.
The Villar family personally awarded trophies and cash prizes to the winners, with outstanding cooperatives receiving P250,000 and special awardees getting P150,000 each for their contributions.
Senator Villar commended the winners for their consistent exemplary performance and the success of the implementation of their many community-centered programs.
“I am pleased that you have not only secured the financial viability of your cooperative, but also led the way infulfilling the dreams of many people from all walks of life” she said.
“May all of you continue spreading opportunities, promoting inclusivity, and encouraging growth throughout the country,” she stressed.
The 2024 Villar Foundation Awards are given to the following:
Outstanding Cooperatives
- Aski Multipurpose Cooperative ,Talavera,Nueva Ecija.
- Lipa City Parish Multi-purpose Cooperative,Lipa City,Batangas
- Bago (Ibaan) Multi-purpose Cooperative, Ibaan,Batangas
- Agro Industrial Cooperative of Mataas na kahoy,Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas
- Angono Credit and Development Cooperative,Angono,Rizal
- Calamba Parish Development Cooperative,Calamba,Laguna
- Sentrong Ugnayan ng Mamamayang, Pilipino Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Sta. Cruz,Laguna
- RHUDARDA Multi-Purpose Cooperative,Polilio,Quezon
- Pandan Multi-Purpose Cooperative Pandan,Antique
- Sibonga Multi-Purpose Cooperative Sibonga,Cebu
- Kabangasan-Mapua-Dahilig Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative-Binalingoan,Misamis Oriental
- Kisandal Multipurpose Cooperative Magpet,Cotabato
Special Awardees:
- Las Piñas Parol Makers Credit Cooperative
- Las Piñas East National High School Consumer’s Cooperative
- Plaza Quezon. Sa Las Piñas Credit Cooperatives
Since 2013, the Villar Foundation Awards for Poverty Reduction has celebrated the exceptional efforts of cooperatives and community enterprises in fostering financial self-reliance and driving sustainable growth and development within the communities they serve.