The document is a speech given at the 21st Annual General Assembly of the Philippine Cooperative Center (PCC) held in Vigan City on June 27, 2019. The speaker welcomes attendees and emphasizes the theme of "Honoring the Past; Treasuring the Present; Gearing for the Future." Specifically, the speaker notes that understanding PCC's historical development is important for effectively shaping its future. The speaker also congratulates Dr. Divina C. Quemi for receiving an award recognizing her contributions to the cooperative sector and thanks PCC for its unification efforts within the sector.

1. Message
21st
Annual General Assembly
of the Philippine Cooperative Center
Bath and Coffee, NSCC, Vigan City
June 27, 2019
Distinguished Keynote Speaker
Chairperson Dr. Gary O. Leonardo, Directors and Other Officers
CEO Edwin Bustillos and the rest of his staff
Representatives from the difference primaries nationwide
Other Stakeholders
Cooperative Leaders
Fellow cooperators
Ladies & Gentlemen
In behalf of the CDA Chairperson Orlando R. Ravanera, I express our
warmest greetings and warmest welcome to PCC on your 21st
AGA with
the theme “Honoring the Past; Treasuring the Present; Gearing for the
Future”.
Essentially, a reflection of the past is important in shaping the future. We
cannot escape the past, specifically the legacy of the past policies,
planning decisions that have contributed to what and where PCC stands
today.
The present leadership should understand the historical development of
PCC.

2. A study revealed that leaders are most effective when they carry out the
momentum of today by truly understanding the history of past. It means
honoring the sacrifices of the past leaders, respecting the people who
made it possible in bringing today the present status of PCC.
We draw valuable lessons from the past, we gained experiences as well as
noted area for improvement. We should not repeat same mistakes,
inactions. Most importantly, we must assess the impact of your strategic
decisions.
Our past does mingle with the present. We transform valuable lessons,
practices, experiences, knowledge and skills to shape the future of PCC
and that of the cooperative sector that we served wholeheartedly.
There are two lessons we can learn from. First of all, the lesson of
Appreciation – appreciating the past/present in one’s life serves our
greatest motivation. Valuing the contributions as well as the sacrifices of
the founders will inspire us to do more.

3. With Vigan City Mayor Juan Carlo Medina and farms and Cottages Black garlic Herring CEO
Tetay Plantilla, CEO Sylvia O. Paraguya of NATCCO, CEO Divine C. Quemi NSCC
Second of all, the Lesson of Gratitude. The ultimate gift that is scientifically
proven. The expression of gratitude manifest that the beneficiaries of your
deed and advocacies value, need, and accept your assistance. It brings
new hope to their lives.
At this point allow me to congratulate and recognized our very own
cooperative icon – Dr. Divina C. Quemi for receiving an award from the
Regional Development Council –NEDA, our planning body for recognizing
the contribution of the cooperative sector in the region as engine of growth
and because of her able representation we were treated as valuable
partner in the socio-economic development of the region. Thank you very
much for your contribution.
Again, congratulations to PCC for leading the unification process of the
sector. It’s a tough job to carry out the challenges ahead of you. Thank
you for being the initiator, collaborator, unifier in trying to address all the
issues, concerns, and problems besetting the sector.

4. Hope this assembly will be an engaging one and productive one.
Have a good morning to all.