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.
