CCLP Conferment Ceremony: Empowering Leaders in Cooperative Lending

"Cooperative lending is not just about giving loans—it's about empowering communities and building a future together."

On March 28, 2025, the Cooperative Academy of NATCCO Network (CANN) hosted a ceremony that transcended the typical formality of a professional recognition event. The Certified Cooperative Lending Professional (CCLP) Conferment Ceremony was more than a mere acknowledgment of academic success; it was a call to action for all cooperative lending professionals to redefine their roles and elevate the impact they have on their communities.

The program, which lasted for two hours, began with a series of traditional proceedings—doxology, prayer, national anthem, and the cooperative pledge. But it was the messages that followed that truly set the stage for the day’s deeper conversations about purpose, responsibility, and transformation.

In a video message that resonated deeply with attendees, Mr. Glenn M. Medez, the CANN Group Head, shared his vision for cooperative lending. He urged the newly certified professionals to view their roles as far more than transactional. “We are not just lenders; we are partners in the progress of our members,” Medez emphasized. His words were a clarion call for change. Cooperative lending, he reminded the audience, should not be about merely processing loans—it should be about transforming the lives of the members they serve. Medez’s message was both practical and profound: while financial literacy and tackling issues like over-indebtedness were important, the ultimate goal of lending should be empowering members to thrive, not just survive.

As the ceremony progressed, it became clear that the day wasn’t just about celebrating achievements—it was about exploring how lending professionals could meet the evolving needs of their communities. This theme was most powerfully explored during a talk by Ms. Mary Rose L. Gob, KRC Unit Head, titled “Beyond Lending: Transforming from Loan Officer to Community Development Advocate.” In her talk, Gob explained the shift in perspective required of today’s lending officers. She emphasized that their role should extend beyond simply offering financial products. They must become active participants in the financial education and well-being of their members, cultivating long-term relationships that foster economic stability and growth.

The graduates themselves brought this point home in a special sharing session, where they spoke candidly about their experiences in the Cooperative Lending Management Program (CLMP). It was here that the most important lesson of the day emerged: the true role of a lending officer is not just to facilitate credit but to act as an advisor and mentor. As they shared their stories, representatives from various cooperatives underscored the importance of viewing each loan as a stepping stone toward broader goals of financial literacy, risk management, and community development.

One graduate from a rural cooperative shared how the CLMP’s lessons on financial statement analysis had not only helped them make smarter lending decisions but had also enabled them to have more meaningful conversations with members about their financial health. Another spoke about the importance of being present and involved in the lives of cooperative members, suggesting that regular check-ins and personalized financial advice could help prevent over-indebtedness and foster a greater sense of financial responsibility within the community.

For many, the ceremony served as a reminder that lending officers are at the forefront of a larger movement. It’s a movement that challenges professionals to think beyond the numbers and truly understand the lives and struggles of the people they serve. These lending professionals, equipped with both knowledge and compassion, can help shift the financial trajectory of their members, ensuring that loans are tools for long-term success, not temporary fixes to urgent problems.

The culmination of the event was the conferment of CCLP badges and certificates, symbolizing the graduates’ commitment to these ideals. As Ms. Daisybelle M. Cabal, NATCCO’s Chief Operating Officer, led the induction and oath-taking, she reminded everyone that the certification was not an endpoint—it was a new beginning. “This certification is not just a title; it’s a promise,” Cabal said. A promise to continue learning, evolving, and serving with integrity.

The ceremony concluded with announcements of further training opportunities, a celebratory photo session, and the singing of the NATCCO Hymn. Yet, the most lasting takeaway was clear: cooperative lending is about much more than loans. It’s about the values of partnership, education, and community development that drive meaningful change. For the professionals gathered that day, the CCLP certification represents a responsibility—to transform financial landscapes and entire communities. The journey is just beginning, and the real work lies ahead.

Edited by: Mary Rose L. Gob

CMRP Conferment 2025: Shaping the Future of Cooperative Member Relations

 

On March 18, 2025, the Cooperative Academy of NATCCO Network (CANN), through its Knowledge Resource Center (KRC) Unit, proudly hosted the Conferment Ceremony for the first batch of Certified Cooperative Member Relations Specialists (CMRS). This milestone event recognized the graduates of the Cooperative Member Relations Program (CMRP) who successfully passed the certification process, symbolizing their expertise and commitment to strengthening cooperative member relations.

The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome from the host, Ms. Rosemary Jewel Piñon, followed by traditional preliminaries, including a doxology, prayer, the National Anthem, and the Cooperative Pledge. Setting an inspiring tone, Ms. Mary Rose L. Gob, KRC Unit Head, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting that cooperative members are the backbone of the movement. She emphasized that earning the CMRS badge is more than a professional milestone—it is a commitment to cooperative values and prioritizing member satisfaction.

Mr. Glenn M. Medez, CANN Group Head, reinforced the vital role of cooperative membership, describing it as the heart and conscience of cooperatives. He urged the newly certified specialists to address contemporary challenges with innovative, member-centric strategies.

A key highlight of the event was the "Learning to Be" discussion led by Ms. Mary Rose L. Gob. She encouraged CMRS graduates to pursue continuous self-improvement and apply their insights to strengthen relationships within their cooperatives.

An insightful sharing session followed, where four CMRP graduates detailed how they implemented their learnings within their respective cooperatives:

• Ms. May Chel Batoon (Panabo Multipurpose Cooperative): Introduced the "PMPC Connect and Reconnect" initiative, featuring onboarding programs, monthly learning sessions, and impact surveys to enhance member engagement.

• Ms. Melissa Rellesiva (Oro Integrated Cooperative): Conducted a Training of Trainers (TOT) on Membership Operations, reinforcing the importance of serving members wholeheartedly.

• Ms. Areste Jacutin (Oro Integrated Cooperative): Strengthened cooperative values such as self-help, responsibility, and democracy through a membership-centric approach.

• Ms. Aileen Cristobal (Sacred Heart Credit and Development Cooperative): Enhanced cooperative culture by integrating cooperative DNA into employee and leadership training while diversifying communication channels to better engage members.

The highlight of the event was the awarding of Certificates of Completion and CMRS Badges, spearheaded by Ms. Rose Gob. She recognized the graduates as pioneers who are expected to uphold excellence, sustainability, and advocacy within the cooperative sector.

During the Upholding the Badge and Induction Ceremony, Ms. Rose Gob emphasized the significance of certification, underscoring that CMRS professionals are now representatives of cooperative membership, entrusted with upholding cooperative principles and driving meaningful progress in their organizations.

The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from NATCCO COO, Ms. Daisybelle M. Cabal, who praised the newly certified specialists for their dedication. A commemorative group photo marked the beginning of their journey as certified cooperative member relations professionals.

The 2025 Conferment Ceremony successfully honored the achievements of these cooperative leaders, reinforcing their vital role in cultivating strong, member-oriented cooperative communities for a sustainable future.

CCMP Conferment: Elevating Cooperative Marketing Excellence

On March 17, 2025, the Cooperative Academy of NATCCO Network (CANN), through its Knowledge Resource Center (KRC) Unit, successfully held the Conferment Ceremony for the Certified Cooperative Marketing Professionals (CCMP). This milestone event recognized the first batch of Cooperative Marketing Mastery Program (CMMP) graduates who successfully passed the certification exam, signifying their competence and commitment to excellence in cooperative marketing.

The ceremony was formally opened by the host, Mr. Melvin Añasco, who warmly welcomed the attendees. The event began with the preliminaries, including a doxology, prayer, the National Anthem, and the Cooperative Pledge.

In her Welcome Remarks, Ms. Mary Rose L. Gob, KRC Unit Head, emphasized that "marketing is not just about selling." She highlighted that earning the CMMP badge signifies not only professional achievement but also the responsibility to uphold cooperative values and implement strategic marketing initiatives.

Following this, Mr. Glenn M. Medez, CANN Group Head, delivered an inspirational message, highlighting that cooperative marketing goes beyond revenue generation—it is about uplifting lives and empowering communities.

A thought-provoking short talk was delivered by Mr. Henry Joseph "Jhad" Adaque, NATCCO Marketing & Brand Management Unit Head, on "Branding for Cooperatives: How to Build a Distinct Identity." He stressed that cooperative identity should be dynamic, youthful, and deeply rooted in values, fostering self-reliance and resilience among members.

The heart of the program was the insightful sharing session where five CCMP graduates shared how they applied their CMMP learnings in their respective cooperatives:

• Mr. Kirby B. Nuñez (DCCCO MPC): Implemented a structured and data-driven approach to marketing, enhancing branding, optimizing social media presence, and establishing KPIs for performance tracking. His marketing plan led to improved member relations and expanded cooperative services.
• Mx. Lucky Blanco (ADTEMPCO): Expressed gratitude for the CMMP training, which provided clarity and guidance in cooperative marketing strategies.
• Mr. Rymar Brioso (Most Holy Rosary MPC): Introduced a collaborative approach to marketing, presented their marketing plan to management, and developed a Marketing Calendar to ensure a unified strategy within their branches.
• Ms. Roxanne Ishibashi (Bagong Silang 2 MPC): Led a brand awareness campaign, established a feedback loop, and created a 2025 marketing plan. She emphasized the importance of positioning cooperatives beyond being just financial institutions.
• Ms. Veronikka Aynne Quiamco (MSU-IIT MPC): Highlighted the cooperative’s role as an agent of socio-economic development, ensuring that marketing strategies align with the right people, processes, products, and purpose.

The most anticipated part of the event was the Presentation of Certificates of Completion and CCMP Badges, led by Ms. Mary Rose L. Gob. She acknowledged the graduates as trailblazers who must embody excellence, sustainability, and advocacy for the cooperative movement.

In the Upholding the Badge and Induction Ceremony, Ms. Gob reiterated the significance of the certification, emphasizing that CCMPs are now ambassadors of cooperative marketing and should champion cooperative principles while driving impactful change within their organizations.

NATCCO COO, Ms. Daisybelle M. Cabal, delivered the Closing Remarks, commending the newly certified professionals for their dedication. The event concluded with a photo opportunity, marking a momentous occasion for the CCMP graduates as they embark on their journey as certified cooperative marketing professionals.

The conferment ceremony successfully celebrated the achievements of cooperative marketers who are now equipped to elevate their cooperatives through strategic and value-driven marketing initiatives.