OLLSMPC News Details
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES: OLLSMPC RECIEVES VILLAR SIPAG AWARD 2023
In a festive ceremony held on December 15, 2023 at Las Piñas City, the Villar Foundation gave recognition to the winners in its nationwide Search for Outstanding Community Enterprises on Poverty Reduction. For 2023, there were 118 entries but only the Top 18 were selected for recognition. And to this crème de la crème belongs the Our Lady of La Salette Multi-Purpose Cooperative (OLLSMPC), one of the very few awardees from Northern Luzon. The awarding ceremony was graced by the presence of the Villar Family headed by former Senate President Manny Villar and Senator Cynthia Villar. Their three children were also present. In her welcome message, Congresswoman Camille Villar said their family is very happy to celebrate with the winners for their triumphs and accomplishments. She also highlighted the importance of hard work and resilience which are essential ingredients of success.
The Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance) Awards is an annual activity of the Villar Foundation giving due recognition to remarkable efforts of individuals and organizations across the Philippines who are dedicated to development and poverty reduction. The winners this year were selected based on the following criteria: Effectiveness (20%), Significance (20%), Financial Viability (20%), Adaptability (20%), and Sustainability (20%). Meanwhile, during her inspirational message, Senator Cynthia Villar said that cooperatives are close to her heart. She said further, "the awarding is a recognition of the positive contributions that cooperatives give not only in community but the entire country. Cooperatives supplement government initiatives to development." In his speech, Senator Mark Villar on the other hand was emphatic, "pundasyon ng pag-unlad ang mga kooperatiba lalo sa countryside. Nakakapagbigay sila ng trabaho at kabuhayan sa ating mga kababayan."