GA Meeting

1. 2nd
Annual General Assembly with the theme ”ICCB: Together,
Overcoming Challenges and Succeeding Through Consolidation
By Jo Balucanag Bitonio
Together– There is a beauty and power about cooperative – regardless of
type and category. Coops come in all shapes and sizes (MSML-B / dwarf to
giants) in all sectors of the economy. They have the capacity to connectto
individual and individual interest of commonpeople.
They have special bonding with cooperatives.This is necessary to share
values, hopes and productive efforts of their work and the future of their
children’s children.
How? Togetheror solidarity - one word captures all of this . Working
together, building together working on a web - Branches, Sattelite,
Federations,Union at the Local – Regional then national to international.
ICA has 3 M membercooperatives with 1.2 B members 7.5 Popn. 16% of
the world’s population. Base on this figure globally we are force to reckon
with.
Philippines – 26T coops with 7M membership – 12.5 % of a voting
population of 55M
IN region 1, we have a membership of 500K against a voting population of
3M = 16% ( room for improvement – opendoors – more benefits,more
served,more eco opportunities).
Coop is like a magnet it draws interest, bring people together, we
consciouslyconnect, speak the same language, we are on the same page-
serve the commongood for all.
IN FB status we are on a relationship. Coop means we are conscious of
taking care of each other.
ICCB is like a like a salt, it adds value to their immediate community where
decisions and actions have the mostimpact.

2. OVERCOMING CHALLENGES:
1. Both for secondaryand primary coop help your affiliates or
members to realize their commonneeds and aspiration. Serve the
commongood for all. Be an agent of socio eco change
2. Help improve the performance of your primary cooperatives
(mentoring, BBSB)especiallyon their formative years 1-5 years.
3. Help reduce unemployment, underemployment,job insecurity,
food insecurity and more social protection – health, agent for SSS,
mutual aid, etc.
4. For the officers,applicationof good governance practices.Honest
application and respecting the laws by the government or policies
your formulated
5. Managerial efficiencya deeperand sensitive responsibilityfor
everything people and utilization of resources.
6. For members help the coop create and maintain a positive image
Consolidationmeans – a deeperrelationship with your members. ICCB
work better when you are networked. Bring people together,work together,
building together.
Essentially consolidationwill create a larger and stronger financial
institution with a wider market as a result of synergy, costsavings and
competitive advantage.
In closing – I would say change is possible, economic dignity can be
achieved because the power comes from the people who believed that
cooperative can be part of the solution thru social integration, job creation
and the reduction of poverty.
Continue promoting and building a better lives for all. Congratulations and
Mabuhay!