17 and Counting....

With only 17 days to go before the May 2013 National and Local Elections, the Ating-Koop Party List furthers its campaign in different parts of the Philippines. The AK family has traveled for so many sleepless days and nights just to talk to different people and put up campaign posters and paraphernalia. In the end, it has earned the belief and trust of those people and garnered their support for the upcoming elections. So fellow cooperators and Filipinos, please do not forget to mark on your ballots #35, Ating-Koop as your party list. Your vote counts and can make a huge difference to so many lives in this country.

A STRONGER Ating-Koop Party List for a STRONGER Cooperative Movement - Program and Political Agenda

Ating-Koop's political agenda can be summed up into making the cooperative sector STRONGER. STRONGER is an acronym that stands for S - Sponsoring pro-Coop bills, T - Tax exemption of cooperatives, R - Regionalize training centers, O - Oppose political control, N - Network with other agencies, G - Grassroots consultation, E - Environmental protection, and R - Respect for human life.

Ating-Koop is envisioned to build and develop a mass-based and program-oriented Party that shall advance pro-people and pro-cooperative issues and legislative agenda, participate in national and local elections to support pro-cooperative causes and candidates;

Ating-Koop aims to continuously struggle for electoral reforms to eliminate fraud and other schemes that subvert the people's will; Actively participate in deliberations at all levels of the legislative processes to ensure the passage of laws that are in line with the Party's programs and attuned to the needs of the people;

Ating-Koop primarily advocates pro-cooperative issues in Congress, provincial and city councils, municipal and barangay councils and other legislative or law-making bodies, institutionalize and make mandatory the appointment of qualified and competent cooperative officers in local government units; institute protective measures for cooperative against interests that hinder its growth and development;

Ating-Koop is set to harness government and private resources to establish a system of training and education for members, managers, chairpersons, board members, and all cooperators to inculcate cooperative principles and values, laws, and regulations on cooperatives, and other best practices of the cooperative movement.

Ating-Koop further advocates for the establishment of an "Institute for Cooperative Education" in State Colleges and Universities in coordination with cooperative federations and unions; work with government and educational institutions in launching a massive tri-media campaign to promote cooperative education among the citizenry;

Ating-Koop intends to pass laws that shall strengthen cooperative federations and unions by streamlining their functions, avoiding duplication of work and cover the broadest areas possible; Advance legislation that shall institute more fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for cooperatives including, but not limited to, tax exemptions and holidays and oppose any efforts that impose unjust and undue taxation measures on cooperatives;

Ating-Koop aims to align government infrastructure programs with the developmental needs of cooperatives, such as farm-to-market roads, post-harvest facilities and other basic needs of cooperatives; Harness national and local governments and agencies to strengthen linkages with and among public market coops with agricultural and consumer coops, build collection points and institute other measures that shall rationalize coop marketing and distribution of network; Furthermore, it will harness government-cooperative cooperation to strengthen housing, transport and youth cooperatives;

Lastly, Ating-Koop will pursue to establish the "Department of Cooperatives" to harmonize all government and private sector efforts towards enhancing the cooperative movement. Establish the office of "National Cooperative Relations Commission", a quasi-judicial agency with exclusive and primary jurisdiction to settle and mediate disputes between and among cooperatives and its members. 

The 4th National Convention of Ating-Koop Party List

March 2, 2013 marked another red-letter day for Adhikaing Tinataguyod ng Kooperatiba (Ating-Koop) Party List as it held its 4th National Convention at the function hall of Barangka Credit Cooperative in Barangka, Marikina City. The convention brought forth unity and camaraderie among its leaders and members, showing what true cooperation is all about. The theme for this year's convention is "New Challenges, New Victories".

The convention started with a Eucharistic Mass to thank the Lord for all the blessings He has bestowed upon the party and for His guidance as it traversed through a rough road that ultimately led to success. It was presided by Father Serafin "Perry" Peralta, who also happens to be the Chairman of the Board of the Metro South Cooperative Bank.

Solidarity messages were given by representatives from each region, all hailing from different cooperatives in the entire nation, showing unity and pledges of support and loyalty to the party. There was a total of 239 delegates enough to call a quorum. Hearing the messages of fellow cooperators is overwhelming yet very heartwarming and boosts one's strength and confidence to never give up on this fight for what is right and most of all, for the cooperative movement, that despite the odds, there are still a multitude of people who believes in the advocacies of the party and never ceased to give their support to the cause and the movement. 

Some of the attendees/delegations with their respective leaders:

1. Mindanao delegates as headed Mr. Lancelot Allan Padla, Vice President for Mindanao and the 3^rd nominee of Ating-Koop Party List. 
2. Visayas delegates. Mr. Jose Torres Jr., the Vice President for Visayas and 4^th nominee was acknowledged though he did not make it to the convention. The Visayas delegates were then headed by Judge Andres Garalza on behalf of Mr. Torres. 
3. Luzon - BICUL / Region 5 delegates as headed by Engr. Rey Dennis Gilbas, Chairman of Committee on Membership. 
4. Luzon – SLRL / QFUC Region IV delegates as headed by Mr. Mario Supsupin and the league manager, Ms. Victoria Villanueva.
5. Luzon – CLRL / Region III delegates as headed by Mr. Jun Pineda, Chairman of Committee on Political Affairs and Mr. Aurelio Jose, Vice President for Luzon
6. Luzon – NELCCO / Region II delegates as headed by Mr. Johnny Rosini, AK Regional President. 
7. Luzon – NORWESLU / Region I delegates as headed by Mr. Oscar Adversalo, AK Regional President and Chairman of the Philippine Federation of Credit Cooperatives (PFCCO).
8. Luzon – NCRL delegates coming from Quezon City, Marikina, Manila, Pasig, Rizal, etc. as headed by Ms. Anabella Soriano - AK Regional Chairperson, Mr. Emeraldo Hernandez – AK Vice-Chairperson, and Dra. Elizabeth Dumapig. 

        The presence of Administrator Nelon Alindogan of the Cooperative Development Authority as well as the Chairman of the Philippine Federation of Cooperatives, Mr. Oscar Adversalo also graced the convention. 

            Mr. Adversalo pointed out the importance of PFCCO giving its support to the party being its parent organization and calls for unity within the party once and for all.

For the party, it does not matter which part of the country you are from, whether you hail from the lands of Luzon, Visayas, or Mindanao. These people have different backgrounds, ways of life, and ideals and values in life, but they are brought together by one strong unifying force, and that is the spirit of cooperativism. 

Everyone is aware of the challenges that the campaign for the May 13, 2013 National and Local Elections will bring to the party but with dedication, hard work, unity, faith, strength, and cooperation, nothing can stop Ating-Koop Party List to stand tall against whatever adversaries they shall be facing during this period. 

One of the highlights of the convention is the Ratification of the Nominees and the signing of the Covenant of Commitment of the six nominees where each of them read and signed what are expected of them as the future representatives of the cooperative sector in the country. It was followed by Status Reports made by Atty. Pete "Bitay" Principe and the Auditor's Report which was made by the Treasurer, Ms. Erlinda Duque.

Surely, all the cooperators who attended the convention felt the spirit cooperativism on that afternoon. And as long as everyone remains united, Adhikaing Tinataguyod ng Kooperatiba shall beat all the odds and show everyone the power of the cooperative movement.

The BCC Dancers grooved to the rhythm of the Ating-Koop Party List campaign jingle.

For Everyone's Information and Guidance

The Ating Koop Party List have refrained from giving comments or statements, sub judice, on an issue pending before the courts so as to not be guilty of contempt. However, it has come to the party’s attention that the decision of the COMELEC and the Supreme Court has caused confusion within the party; thus, it has become essential to clarify a few things on the said matter.

The Temporary Restraining Order, is, by its very nature temporary, and was issued to give all parties a fair chance to air their side. This TRO is not a decision on the merits of the case and neither does this mean that the Ating Koop Party List, must be in a state of paralysis and disabled from performing its duties and tasks and cause confusion in the group.

To reiterate, nowhere in the Supreme Court or COMELEC decision is there a prohibition on campaigning even if the resolution of the case is pending. The TRO only preserves the status quo as the case is being litigated. Those who prevent the party from exercising its political right is either unaware of the law or simply has an insatiable thirst for power who would not allow the rightful people to truly represent the cooperative sector. 

The Big Six - Meet the Official Ating-Koop Party List Nominees

After more than a year of trials the Ating-Koop Party List has faced, it has now emerged victorious. With the cuts on party lists in the country the COMELEC has recently made, Ating-Koop is proud to announce that we have been accredited and acknowledged as the legitimate party list led by its President, Dra. Amparo T. Rimas. Now, as the party faces another challenge this coming 2013 national elections, it has selected among its members six true-blooded cooperators from different parts of the Philippines - Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao - who will represent the party and the cooperative advocacies in the House of Representatives. It's time to meet The Big Six - the official nominees of the legitimate Ating-Koop Party List.

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First Nominee - ROBERTO CAPAROS MASCARINA

A Man with a Purpose

Integrity, credibility, compassion, and honor – these words define the first nominee, Roberto C. Mascarina. "Ka Bert" established himself as a true-blooded cooperator after almost 27 years of success of Barangka Credit Cooperative which he co-founded with his fellow cooperators from the Universal Textile Mills, Inc. in 1986.

As a former laborer, he knows the needs of members which allows him to respond to those needs without hesitation. His heart belongs to every person who works hard for his family, brought about by his experiences in life. Having his education at the University of Santo Tomas put to a halt to support his family, sleeping under a creek near the construction site he worked at just to save money and make ends meet, he is no different from those who want to give their families a good life, giving him the strong desire and dedication to help those in need through cooperation. He never fails to look back and take inspiration from his forebearance in life.

Apart from possessing the true characteristics of a leader, his qualifications make him an outstanding choice. The difficulties life has given him did not hinder this strong-willed man from reaching his dreams. Not only did he get his Engineering Degree from the Central Colleges of the Philippines but he also has an MBA in Financial Management from the National College of Business and Arts.

Having attended several international and local training and developmental programs including those facilitated by the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), the Association of Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU) and the Philippine Federation of Credit Cooperatives (PFCCO), he made Continuous Education in cooperatives one of his personal advocacies; thus, he acceded training activities and seminars for various cooperatives in partnership with the PFCCO and the Marikina Federation of Cooperatives.

Now armed with his education and sustained leadership traits, his more than 2 decades of cooperative experience make him a veteran in the field who knows exactly what cooperatives in the Philippines need. He is also one of the Board of Directors of various cooperative organizations such as the Marikina Federation of Cooperatives (MAFEDCO), Metro South Cooperative Bank in which he was previously the Treasurer, Philippine Federation of Credit Cooperatives - National Capital Region League (PFCCO-NCRL), and the current Chairman of the PFCCO- Marikina Chapter, to name a few.

A Man with a Purpose - ROBERTO CAPAROS MASCARIÑA is willing to have his retirement and the comforts it has to offer take the backseat for the sake of fulfilling his purpose of serving the cooperative sector of the country.

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Second Nominee - Dra. AMPARO TENEDERO RIMAS

The Gentle Soul

She could have easily chosen to retire and enjoy what life has to offer; instead, she chose to continue serving the people of Baguio-Benguet and the rest of the country especially those who believe in the spirit of cooperativism by being the President of the Ating Koop Party List.

Dra. Amparo Rimas, whom most people fondly call as "Mam Ampy" is a gentle soul but she is someone who should not be taken lightly and is definitely a tough nut to crack. She is the representation of a leader with an immense strength of character and fighting for what she truly believes in with an untarnished credibility.

Currently the Chairperson of the Cordillera Administrative Regional Cooperative Development Council (CAR-CDC), Chairperson of the Baguio-Benguet Community Credit Cooperative (BBCCC), and President of the Ating-Koop Party List, she has proven her competence as a leader in the cooperative sector.

This lady is not only a cooperator; she is also a Doctor of Education. She finished her Doctorate from St. Louis University in Baguio where she also completed both her Master of Arts in Education and Bachelor's Degree in Education. She is also a believer in the importance of education amongst cooperators as she has attended different training programs and seminars globally and locally which are intended to further develop and empower cooperatives in the country which undoubtedly makes her a Cooperative Leader. Ampy is also multi-awarded having received multiple awards from both government and non-government bodies; she was awarded as one of the "Outstanding Citizens of Baguio" in the area of Cooperative Leadership.

Amparo Tenedero Rimas - The Gentle Soul yet fierce in fighting for the advocacies of the cooperative movement.

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Third Nominee - LANCELOT BORJA PADLA 

The Gladiator of Cooperatives 

He remained subsisted on the arena and upheld what his conscience was telling him. He could have easily become biased hailing from Mindanao but he chose to do what is ethical. This is Lancelot "Allan" Borja Padla - a man with a sense of nobility and word of honour.

At first glance, you will see a man who looks ordinary. His credentials would say otherwise because nothing about him is ordinary. An exemplary man decorated by his humility, he is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Mindanao Cooperatives, formerly the Manager of the CARAGA Business Center, and a Field Officer for Mindanao of the Credit Union Micro Finance Innovation.

He is also the Project Manager for Maternal Child Health / Family Program of the Private Sector for Mobilization that is funded by the USAID for the Butuan City and Agusan del Norte areas and does project consultancy for the Dinagat Island Foundation Inc. Micro-Finance Program under the Phil-Australian Community Assistance Program in the San Jose, Dinagat Province.

With his candor and the ability to stand up to his principles even when left alone in the battlefield of turmoil, he will indeed make a great leader for the cooperative sector who will truly put the needs of others before himself.

Lancelot Padla Borja - A selfless person who is committed do what is right for the common good; he is indeed your Gladiatior of the Cooperatives.

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Fourth Nominee - JOSE YPANTO TORRES, JR. 

The Quiet Man with a Loud Mind

"Quiet people have the loudest minds." - Stephen Hawkings

Jose Ypanto Torres Jr. is someone who usually keeps to himself. He is not a man with a lot of words to say especially during conventions but his actions speak volumes about him. His loyalty to the cause reflect the kind of man that he is - a person with "Palabra de Honor" for staying true to his principles and the advocacies of the cooperative movement, and most importantly, a man of integrity.

Hailing from Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, he is the only person who was nominated from the Visayas region. Suffice it to say, his years of serving his fellow Visayans and his education have added credence to his ability to lead and guide the cooperative movement, not with a booming voice but rather, with the look of wisdom he has in his eyes.

Having a degree in Political Science from Foundation University in Dumaguete City and having worked for the government as an elected Barangay Captain for Poblacion VI in Tanjay City, appointed as Municipal Public Information Officer and as a Local Revenue Collection Officer, he truly knows how politics goes in the Philippines. He has also worked as a part-time Radio Announcer for DYWC, Field Reporter for DYGB-FM, Radio Announcer and Newscaster or Hot FM. As a part-time College Instructor at Villaflores College in Tanjay City, he shares his expertise and knowledge his years of experiences has taught him.

His work experiences and education do not only account for his qualifications but as a cooperator, he has also attended several trainings and seminars that makes him well-equipped to be a leader of the cooperative movement.

A quiet man with a loud mind - actions speak louder than words for Jose Ypanto Torres Jr.

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Fifth Nominee - ERLINDA ESTANISLAO VELASCO DUQUE 

The Tigress of Cooperatives

Do not be afraid of a smart woman who speaks her mind as she will fight for what she think is right for the benefit of everybody.

Erlinda "Lynne" Duque has an amazing strength of character that will surely surprise everyone who meets her. She is known for her sweet and caring demeanor but when circumstances call for what needs to be said and done, expect her to never back down especially when she thinks it is the honorable and benevolent thing to do. She is the archetype of the saying "Never underestimate the power of a woman".

Her traits make her an excellent cooperative leader albeit her education adds more to her competence and dexterity. She graduated as an Accounting Cum Laude from the Philippine College of Commerce and has since then become a Certified Public Accountant. She is currently working as the Treasurer of several companies - United Philippine Lines, Inc., Source Asia Business Inc., 24/7 International, Heroes Square Inc., Plaza Santiago Corporation, Manna Greenfields Inc., Belchem Philippines, First Magister International to name a few, and most importantly, the Ating-Koop Party List - that ascertains to her wisdom and her ability to pilot organizations, more so in the cooperative movement.

As a cooperator, she has also attended several international and local training programs and seminars that add to her expertise in the field of cooperatives. The moment she starts speaking, she captivates the audience with her proficiency and finesse with a touch of humour which adds to her ability to charm the crowd.

Smart, strong, fierce - these qualities indeed make Erlinda Estanislao Velasco Duque the Tigress of Cooperatives

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Sixth Nominee - ATTY. EDEN VILLAMENA-DEVERLA SARNE 

The Prolific Lawyer of Cooperatives

"Eden" - a word closely related to the Aramaic word meaning "fruitful". Eden Villamena-Deverla Sarne has indeed worked her way up the ladder and has become the prolific person that she is.

From being a Certified Public Accountant having graduated from the Philippine College of Commerce, she has received her Masters Degree in Business Administration from the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation in Lucena City and eventually passed the bar, becoming a lawyer, after taking up her Bachelor of Laws at the Manuel L. Quezon University.

She has worked as an Auditor and Director-Chair of Barangay Legal Education Seminars at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP-Quezon)  and is currently a member of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA). She has a multitude of work experiences that strengthens her qualifications to lead the cooperative sector into success. She is practicing her profession in Quezon Province and Lucena City - both as an Attorney at Law and CPA. a Board of Director and Treasurer of the TIA Insurance Agencies, Inc.

A strong believer in cooperatives, she is actively involved in various cooperatives in her region as well as in the Ating-Koop Party List. She is an accredited speaker, lecturer and legal consultant in Quezon Federation and Union of Cooperatives and at St. Jude Multi-Purpose Cooperative. At the Kooperatiba sa Pagpapaunlad ng Sampaloc, Quezon and Mauban Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, she works as the External Editor and Legal Consultant for both cooperatives.

Her fruits of labor and dedication had made her the empowered woman that she is. Meet Atty. Eden Villamena-Deverla Sarne - the Prolific Lawyer of Cooperatives.


Now that you have finally met THE BIG SIX of the Ating-Koop Party List, what are you waiting for? Cast your votes and choose #35!