HIGHLIGHT OF ACTIVITIES

Lagawe MDC Brings Joy to Barangay Anaba Through Pamaskong Handog 2025

BANAUE, IFUGAO — In the true spirit of Christmas, the Lagawe Multi-Purpose Development Cooperative (MDC) successfully conducted its Pamaskong Handog 2025 on December 13, 2025, at the Barangay Anaba Elementary School Gymnasium, bringing joy, hope, and meaningful support to one of the less-fortunate communities in the Municipality of Banaue.

Carrying the theme “Spreading Joy and Cheers,” the annual outreach program was inspired by the Cooperative’s commitment to community welfare and solidarity. The activity aimed to ensure that the Christmas season is felt by every family, especially those in need, reinforcing the Cooperative’s advocacy that no one should be left behind during the holidays.

Barangay Anaba, which has a population of approximately 750 residents, 19 sitios, and 175 households with an average of five family members per household, was chosen as the beneficiary of this year’s program. The whole-day event began at 9:30 in the morning and concluded at 5:00 in the afternoon, filled with excitement, meaningful activities, and smiles from both beneficiaries and participants.

The program formally opened with an inspirational message from School Principal Mr. Edmund G. Biniahan, who emphasized the importance of harmony, unity, and cooperation within the community. This was followed by a holiday message from the Chairperson of the Board, Director Narciso Bagawi, who highlighted one of the true meanings of Christmas—giving wholeheartedly without expecting anything in return.

Various activities enlivened the celebration, including a graceful dance presentation by the children beneficiaries, fun parlor games with prizes, butchering of savings banks, and contests such as improvised savings bank making and poster making centered on Financial Literacy, reinforcing the Cooperative’s advocacy on early savings education.

The highlight of the event was the distribution of gift packs, personally led by the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer Charles B. Balachawe. Each of the 175 beneficiary households received gift packs containing grocery items and pillows, bringing visible joy and gratitude to the recipients.

Piggy banks of LabCoop members being broken at Anaba Elem. School gymnasium during the Pamaskong handog 2025 on December 13, 2025.

Message from the Chairperson of the Board of Director

To our Valued Lagawe MDC Members, our hardworking and dedicated Officers and Management Staff

Warm greeting to everyone! As Chairperson of the Board, I would like to remind you- gently, cheerfully and with a smile- that a cooperative does not grow by meetings alone, good intentions alone or by saying “ noted” all the time. It grows through hands-on engagement, active support, and members who are willing to roll up their sleeves even if it wrinkles their nice shirts.

Our cooperative’s success depends greatly on how involved we are, particularly our officers. Leadership is not just about holding a title, sitting at the front, or having your name printed in bold letters. Leadership means showing up, pitching in, and setting good examples-whether it’s attending activities on time, following policies, or doing tasks without being chased like a lost receipt.

To our officers: you are our living advertisements. members look at you and say, “If they are active, maybe I should be too.” But if officers disappear faster than snacks after a meeting, members might follow that example as well. So let us lead by action, integrity, and enthusiasm- even when the work is challenging.

To our mgmt. staff: Thank you for your dedication, hard work and commitment to serving our members and communities. You are the strength of our cooperative- whether on the frontlines or behind the scenes- and your efforts keep Lagawe MDC moving forward, even on the busiest days (and even when the printer decides not to cooperate).

As we continue our journey together, let us remain united, motivated, and positive. A little teamwork and a little laughter go a long way in building a strong cooperative. Keep up the excellent work, and let us continue to serve with integrity, heart, and pride.

To our valued members: Your participation matters more than you think. Every idea shared, every duty fulfilled and every cooperative value practiced adds strength to Lagawe MDC. Remember, this is our cooperative- no spectators allowed.

Let us work together with dedication, unity and a sense of humor. After all, cooperation is serious business, but it doesn’t hurt to enjoy the journey. With teamwork, commitment, and leaders who walk the talk, Lagawe MDC will continue toward greater and lasting success.

Thank you, and let’s all do our part- hands on, hearts in, and smiles included.

Living Our Mission, Advancing Our Vision

At the heart of Lagawe MDC is a clear and enduring mission: to improve the lives of our members and the community we serve. This mission is not an abstract statement—it is the very reason our cooperative exists. Every program we implement, every policy we enforce, and every service we deliver must ultimately lead to better lives, stronger families, and a more resilient community.

Guided by this mission, we pursue our vision of becoming a stable cooperative that provides quality products and services needed by members and the community. Stability, in this sense, goes beyond financial strength. It means consistency in service, reliability in leadership, sound systems, and the trust of our members. A stable cooperative is one that members can depend on—today and in the years to come.

To turn this mission and vision into reality, Lagawe MDC is guided by clear organizational goals. First, we aim to professionalize and capacitate a happy workforce. Our employees are partners in service; when they are skilled, motivated, and supported, the cooperative becomes more effective and responsive to members’ needs. A happy and competent workforce is essential to delivering quality service.

Second, the cooperative continues its commitment to computerize and digitize transactions, policies, systems, and procedures. Digital transformation strengthens transparency, efficiency, and accessibility. It ensures that services are delivered faster, records are safeguarded, and members experience a modern and reliable cooperative that keeps pace with the changing times.

Third, Lagawe MDC strives to achieve member satisfaction and optimum customer service. Members are not merely clients; they are owners of the cooperative. Their satisfaction reflects how well we live our mission. Listening to members, responding to concerns, and continuously improving service quality are central to sustaining trust and loyalty.

Fourth, we remain focused on sustaining the financial health of both the cooperative and its members. Financial stability allows the cooperative to grow, expand services, and withstand challenges, while also empowering members to improve their own economic well-being. Responsible financial management is therefore a shared responsibility—of leadership, employees, and members alike.

Underlying all these directions are the core values that define who we are: love and loyalty; mutual help and mutual understanding; desire and dedication; and care and commitment. These values remind us that a cooperative is not only a business enterprise but a community of people bound by shared concern for one another. When these values are lived daily, unity is strengthened and collective progress becomes possible.

As we move forward, let this editorial serve as both a reminder and a call to action. By living our mission, pursuing our vision, achieving our goals, and practicing our core values, we ensure that Lagawe MDC remains a cooperative that truly improves lives and stands as a source of pride for its members and community.

Together, through unity and responsibility, we build a stronger Lagawe MDC—today and for generations to come

Promoting ‘Rich Mindset’ and Smart Saving Habits

In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross – Ifugao Chapter, Lagawe MDC took part in the Red Cross Caravan held at Hungduan National High School on July 16, 2025.

“The rich mind set formula is Income – Savings = Expenses. To save first before spending is a wise financial practice at a young age.”

Charts its 2026 Direction in Strategic Planning Summit

The Lagawe Multipurpose Development cooperative (Lagawe MDC) successfully held its 2025 Strategic Planning session in Dinalungan, Aurora on November 26 and 27, 2025.

Enhancing Digital Skills with IFSU Lagawe

Conducted Basic Computer Literacy Training for management staff on November 24, 2025. This approach supports the cooperative’s direction toward digitalization.

Community Impact & Youth Development

Through sustained efforts, the LMDC Banaue Branch continues to nurture a generation that is financially wise, disciplined, and future-ready.

The Banaue Branch Manager lectures about the importance of Financial Literacy at Ducligan National High School.

The pupils of Anaba ES curiously inquire about the importance of savings.