The Villar Foundation celebrated the exceptional efforts of cooperatives in poverty reduction at the 2024 Villar Foundation Awards held on 12 December 2024, at the Villar Foundation Complex in Las Piñas City. The event recognized cooperatives that have made significant contributions to improving the financial well-being of their communities.

Deputy Speaker Camille Villar, who pledged to be the “new voice” in the Senate, emphasized the vital role of cooperatives in enhancing the country’s financial wellness. “The cooperative groups are helping the government in forming and taking care of the financial wellness of the people under your jurisdiction,” she stated.

Former senate president Manny Villar, founding chairman of the Villar Foundation, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting organizations that have made a positive impact on their communities.

Senator Cynthia Villar, a strong advocate for cooperatives in the Senate, noted the crucial role cooperatives play in socio-economic advancement. “By honoring our cooperatives, we are not only recognizing and acknowledging good work, but we are also providing noteworthy inspirations and blueprints for members and fellow cooperatives to follow,” she said.

This year’s awards saw 120 nominations from cooperatives across the country, with 12 emerging as outstanding. Additionally, three cooperatives from Las Piñas received special recognition for their contributions.

The Villar family personally awarded trophies and cash prizes to the winners. Outstanding cooperatives received P250,000, while special awardees were given P150,000 each for their notable contributions.

Senator Cynthia Villar commended the awardees for their outstanding performance and successful implementation of community-centered programs. “I am pleased that you have not only secured the financial viability of your cooperative but also led the way in fulfilling the dreams of many people from all walks of life,” she said.

“May all of you continue spreading opportunities, promoting inclusivity, and encouraging growth throughout the country,” she added.

The Villar Foundation Awards for Poverty Reduction, established in 2013, celebrates the exceptional efforts of cooperatives and community enterprises in fostering financial self-reliance and driving sustainable growth in the communities they serve.

The 2024 Villar Foundation Awards recipients are as follows:

Outstanding Cooperatives:

1. Aski Multipurpose Cooperative, Talavera, Nueva Ecija

2. Lipa City Parish Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Lipa City, Batangas

3. Bago (Ibaan) Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Ibaan, Batangas

4. Agro Industrial Cooperative of Mataas na Kahoy, Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas

5. Angono Credit and Development Cooperative, Angono, Rizal

6. Calamba Parish Development Cooperative, Calamba, Laguna

7. Sentrong Ugnayan ng Mamamayang Pilipino Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Sta. Cruz, Laguna

8. RHUDARDA Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Polilio, Quezon

9. Pandan Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Pandan, Antique

10. Sibonga Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Sibonga, Cebu

11. Kabangasan-Mapua-Dahilig Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative, Binalingoan, Misamis Oriental

12. Kisandal Multipurpose Cooperative, Magpet, Cotabato

Special Awardees:

1. Las Piñas Parol Makers Credit Cooperative

2. Las Piñas East National High School Consumer’s Cooperative

3. Plaza Quezon Las Piñas Credit Cooperative