On September 30, 2023, Tagum Cooperative brought together 27 families for its National Family Week Celebration. The participating families represented various branches, including Tagum Coop Main Office, Public Market, Carmen, Sto. Tomas, Panabo, and Nabunturam Branches. The festive event took place at the VJR Auditorium, Arriesgado College Foundation Inc., Tagum City.
Organized by the GAD/GE Committee, the celebration offered a day of enjoyment for participants. The festivities kicked off with a vibrant parade of colors, where families were assigned to teams such as Red Dragon, Green Eagle, Blue Sharkl, Pink Panther, Yellow Tiger, and Violet Cheetah. Board of Directors and GAD Committee Officers, namely Dir. Monica L. Salido and Dir. Eduard C. Amoguis, conveyed messages emphasizing the role of strong and happy families in fostering a united and productive Tagum Cooperative.
The event featured a showcase of talents through family presentations, dancing, singing, and karaoke sessions. Families also engaged in various games, fostering a sense of camaraderie and enjoyment.
In addition to these activities, the celebration included insightful input from Guest Speaker Ms. Mariele Graxe Cañas. She addressed the topic of Family Wellness, with a special focus on family counseling.
As highlighted by the organizers, the significance of the National Family Week aligns with the broader cultural context. According to National Today’s website, Family Week in the Philippines is observed in the last week of September. The week-long occasion, recognized by the government and churches, encourages concerted efforts to spend quality time with family and strengthen bonds. It underlines the deeply rooted connection between family and the Christian church in the Philippines, as evidenced by previous years’ celebrations.
In its role as a dedicated steward of Gender Equality and Gender and Development Advocacy, Tagum Cooperative consistently takes the lead in initiating activities and learning methods designed to enrich and support every family of its members. Serving as a pillar in the community, the cooperative has been proactive in facilitating activities that not only enhance family values but also emphasize the importance of sharing responsibilities, responsible parenthood, family togetherness, spirituality, and community involvement. Through these endeavors, Tagum Cooperative remains committed to fostering strong, united, and socially engaged families among its members. Leslie S. Canuto