In celebration of Cooperative Month, the Tacloban City Cooperative Development Livelihood Assistance Office (CCDLAO) hosted a successful bloodletting activity held Friday, October 18, fortifying the health and wellness of the local community and the cooperative movement’s enduring solidarity and social responsibility.

Held in partnership with the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC), the event brought together more than 33 donors from various cooperatives, City Hall employees and local residents. The blood donations will support hospitals and emergency services across the region, showcasing how cooperatives contribute beyond economic activities to address vital societal needs.

Ruena Mate, CCDLAO head, highlighted that the said activity emphasizes the coops’ mission of collective action for community welfare. By donating blood, cooperatives are extending their impact beyond their usual role, Mate expressed as she extended gratitude to all participants and coops involved.

Apart from the bloodletting event, CCDLAO will be conducting “Coop Pasidungog” on October 29 to cap off the month-long celebration and give honor to the efforts made by coops to local development. Their contributions have been substantial to the city, especially during the pandemic through pooling resources and providing members with economic stability.

To date, Tacloban boasts over 70 registered cooperatives, ranging from multi-purpose groups to transport, agricultural, and media advocacy cooperatives, all contributing significantly to improving the economy and social fabric. With this, CCDLAO is looking ahead to more people getting involved and supporting the cooperative sector for Tacloban’s growth.

Declared through Presidential Proclamation No. 493, series of 2003, Cooperative Month is celebrated every October to recognize the importance of people nationwide.