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Municipal Cooperative Development Office - LGU Aroroy, AROROY, MASBATE, Aroroy (2026)

06/05/2025

OPINION | My Two Cents This Election: Good Governance Starts with the Right Choice

How can we demand good governance if we keep electing people who have no clear reason for running, no platform, and no vision for the future?

Too often, we see candidates who enter politics without any plan — only the desire to win. But public service is not a fallback. It is not a hobby. It is a serious responsibility that calls for readiness, competence, and a heart that beats for the people.

Good governance is not a mystery. It begins with leaders who empower, not control.

We need leaders who:

Listen — who take the time to understand what communities truly need;

Plan — who don’t just react to problems, but anticipate and prepare for them;

Work — who do not make excuses, but roll up their sleeves and get things done.

Empowering people means giving them a voice, a seat at the table, and access to services that improve their lives. It means building cooperatives, supporting farmers, investing in education, and ensuring that government funds are used to serve the many, not just the few.

Good governance also means transparency — where every peso is accounted for. It means participation — where citizens are consulted, not ignored. And it means accountability — where public officials are answerable to the people, not to their personal interests.

The truth is: we cannot expect change if we keep choosing leaders who have no roadmap for development. Let’s stop voting based on personality alone. Let’s start demanding platforms, programs, and policies.

This election is more than a choice. It’s a chance to rewrite our future. We are not simply selecting a name on a ballot — we are choosing the kind of government we want, the values we uphold, and the direction we want to go as a community.

Good governance begins with us. Let’s choose leaders with a heart to listen, a mind to plan, and the will to work. Leaders who will build a future where every voice counts, and every promise is kept.

Because the government we elect today will shape the lives of our children tomorrow. And that is a responsibility we cannot afford to take lightly.

07/04/2025

Strengthening Aroroy: Mayor VIRTUCIO's Cooperative Legacy Lives On"
March 27, 2025 - Aroroy, Masbate

The Municipality of Aroroy is witnessing an unprecedented surge in cooperative development, a testament to the visionary leadership of outgoing Mayor Arturo B. Virtucio. YES, the program is still in its early stages, having been introduced just over a year ago. But despite being relatively new, it has already laid the groundwork for cooperative development in Aroroy. Over this period, Mayor Virtucio has championed the growth of cooperatives, transforming them into vital engines of economic empowerment and community resilience. As his tenure comes to a close, his legacy is set to be carried forward by his son and incoming mayor, Engr. Arvin R. Virtucio, who is poised to assume leadership with an almost unopposed mandate in the upcoming May 12 midterm elections.

The Municipal Cooperative Development Office (MCDO), instrumental in this cooperative revolution, recently provided hands-on guidance to 11 cooperatives during their General Assembly meetings. MCDO not only supervised the conduct of elections but also ensured that each cooperative adhered to best practices in governance and sustainability.

During these gatherings, Community Affairs Officer, Renato M. Esquilona, delivered a powerful message, reaffirming the unwavering commitment of Mayor Virtucio to cooperative development. He emphasized that under the Virtucio administration, cooperatives were not merely supported but prioritized as a means of uplifting communities and strengthening the local economy.

Today, Aroroy proudly boasts 47 registered cooperatives, each playing a role in agriculture, fisheries, trading, eco-tourism and services. Additionally, seven more cooperatives are awaiting final registration at the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) regional office, while four others are currently under validation. These numbers reflect the sustained momentum and confidence in the local government’s cooperative-friendly policies.

As Mayor Virtucio prepares to pass the torch to Engr. Arvin R. Virtucio, the cooperative movement stands as one of his administration’s most enduring achievements. With the Virtucio brand of leadership continuing in the next term, cooperatives in Aroroy can look forward to even greater opportunities, ensuring that this legacy remains not just intact, but thriving for generations to come.

With strong foundations, continued local government support, and the active participation of cooperative members, Aroroy’s cooperative sector is set to scale new heights—proving that when leadership and community work together, sustainable progress is inevitable.

We sincerely acknowledge the invaluable support of MCDO staffs, TINO and GLENDA for their unwavering support and didication in ensuring the success of these initiatives. Their commitment to serving the cooperative sector has been instrumental in our efforts.

07/04/2025

BIGAS PARA SA MASA!”
LGU Aroroy and Cooperatives Unite to Ensure Food on Every Table

Aroroy, Masbate - In response to the Department of Agriculture’s declaration of a Food Security Emergency on Rice, the Local Government of Aroroy, led by Town Mayor Arturo B. Virtucio, is taking urgent steps to ensure that affordable rice reaches every household in the municipality.

As a dedicated public servant now on his final term, Mayor Virtucio is determined to make sure that his last chapter in public service is meaningful and felt by the masses. One of his latest initiatives is the LGU’s participation in the national distribution of NFA milled rice, in partnership with Food Terminal Inc. (FTI).

During a meeting held on April 4, 2025, with the chairpersons of various cooperatives in Aroroy, Community Affairs Officer Renato M. Esquilona conveyed the mayor’s intention to procure rice in volume from FTI and designate cooperatives as retail outlets in the barangays—especially in coastal and far-flung areas where food security is most critical.

Following the consensus reached during the meeting, Mayor Virtucio sent a formal letter to FTI in Taguig City, expressing the LGU’s intent to join the program and requesting permission to sell FIT25 rice at Php 35 to a maximum price of Php 37 per kilo to account for the high cost of transportation in remote areas.

This effort reflects the mayor’s unwavering commitment to serving the common people, ensuring that no family is left behind, especially in these trying times. With the help of cooperatives as true partners in grassroots development, LGU Aroroy continues to build a community where food is a right—not a privilege.

Watch out for the distribution schedule in your barangay. In Aroroy, rice is not a luxury—it’s for everyone.

🧺 BIGAS PARA SA MASA! 🧺
Mayor Arturo B. Virtucio, in his final term, continues to serve the people with heart. 💛

➡️ LGU Aroroy partners with Food Terminal Inc. to bring NFA milled rice to our barangays through our trusted cooperatives.
➡️ Affordable rice, delivered right where it’s needed most—especially in coastal and remote areas!
➡️ Proposed price: Only Php 35 - 37/kilo (FIT25 rice), just enough to cover transport cost.

📅 Stay tuned for the distribution schedule in your barangay!
📢 In Aroroy, we believe rice is a right—not a privilege.

10/03/2025

Livelihood Development Specialist Validates Potential DILP Beneficiaries in Aroroy

On March 7, 2025, Livelihood Development Specialist Jayson S. Nuñez of DOLE - Masbate spearheaded a field validation of potential beneficiaries for livelihood assistance under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Assistance Program (DILP). Accompanied by cooperative development assistants Cristino L. Samson and Glenda R. Palomar, the team successfully validated two cooperatives—Sawang and Talib Fisherfolks and Farmers Agriculture Cooperative.

Validation Process and Methodology
Mr. Nuñez employed a multi-pronged methodology that included:

Interview and Profiling: Direct interactions with cooperative members to capture insights on their operational dynamics.
Ocular Inspection: On-site assessments to verify facilities and current production capacities.
Community Consultation: Engaging with local stakeholders to gauge community needs and potential impact.
Photo Documentation: Capturing visual evidence to support his findings and subsequent recommendations.
During the process, the team identified the specialized production focus of each cooperative. Sawang’s cooperative is set to develop sardines making, while Talib’s is oriented towards handicrafts production.

Future Initiatives and Commitments:
In discussions with MCDO representative Mr. Esquilona, Mr. Nuñez expressed his commitment to deliver livelihood goods to at least 13 cooperatives within the current year, reinforcing the agency's proactive approach to expanding community-based projects.

Historical Context and Next Steps:
It is noteworthy that in 2024, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) awarded a DILP project to the Puro Farmers and Fisherfolks Agriculture Cooperative for a meat and processing initiative. This background underscores the continuous effort of government agencies to empower local cooperatives and enhance the agricultural and fisheries sectors.

Supporting files and related documentation will be made available for download to the local government unit (LGU), ensuring transparency and facilitating further collaboration with community leaders.

This comprehensive validation and the proactive measures set by Mr. Nuñez and his team are expected to significantly boost local livelihoods and fortify cooperative development in the municipality of Aroroy.

23/02/2025

LGU Fortifies its Commitment to Mayor Virtucio’s Legacy Program with CDA's Validation of Two New Cooperatives

Aroroy, Masbate - February 21, 2025 - The local government unit of Aroroy, through the Municipal Cooperative Development Office (MCDO), continues to uphold Mayor Virtucio’s legacy program on cooperative development, ensuring that emerging cooperatives receive full institutional support.

On February 21, 2025, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), led by Specialist Atty. John Paul Arranzado, conducted the validation of two cooperatives applying for registration—the Capsay Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (CFAC) and the Ambolong Consumers Cooperative (ACC).

The morning session took place at Capsay Agri Park, where Community Affairs Officer Renato M. Esquilona, along with the CFAC board of directors and officers, welcomed the CDA team. The validation process included document inspections and interviews to ensure the cooperative’s officers are fully prepared to manage their organization in compliance with CDA regulations.

In the afternoon, the validation continued at the One-Stop Shop Building, where the board and officers of the Ambolong Consumers Cooperative met with the CDA team. The same stringent procedures were carried out, emphasizing the importance of accountability and sustainability in cooperative operations.

With the full backing of the LGU and MCDO, these cooperatives are now a step closer to official registration, unlocking opportunities for economic growth and greater financial inclusivity for their members. The registration process will now proceed to the next stage, with MCDO staff closely monitoring the online submission and approval process.

This initiative is a testament to the LGU’s unwavering commitment to empowering local cooperatives, ensuring that Mayor Virtucio’s cooperative-centered development agenda remains a driving force in Aroroy’s economic progress.

21/02/2025

LGU Aroroy, Strengthens Cooperative Governance with Parliamentary Training

Aroroy, Masbate – February 20, 2025 - The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Aroroy, through the Municipal Cooperative Development Office (MCDO), successfully conducted a one-day training on Strengthening Cooperative Governance through Parliamentary Procedure and Effective Documentation on February 20, 2025, at the Tico Maristela Sports and Cultural Center.

The event gathered representatives from 29 registered cooperatives, with a total of 137 Board of Directors and cooperative secretaries participating. Community Affairs Officer (CAO) Renato M. Esquilona formally opened the program with a warm welcome, emphasizing the vital role of proper governance in ensuring cooperative success and sustainability.

Vice Mayor Valentin C. Alonzo followed with an inspiring message, acknowledging the cooperative sector as a key driver of local economic growth. He encouraged participants to apply the lessons learned to enhance their leadership and documentation practices.

The training was facilitated by Atty. John Paul D. Arranzado, Cooperative Development Specialist from CDA Masbate, who provided comprehensive discussions on:

✅ Parliamentary Procedure – covering rules of order, motion-making, structured decision-making, and proper conduct of meetings for democratic and effective governance.
✅ Effective Minutes Preparation – highlighting essential elements of accurate documentation, best practices in recording board meetings, and legal compliance in cooperative records.

Following the completion of the lecture, a workshop simulation was conducted, where participants were divided into nine groups, each assigned a specific topic related to cooperative governance. Each group designated a Chairman and a Secretary to simulate real-life meeting proceedings. The interactive workshop allowed participants to apply their learning in a practical setting. After the group presentations, Atty. Arranzado and Community Affairs Officer Esquilona provided their insights and constructive observations, further reinforcing key governance principles.

To test the participants' grasp of the topics, Mr. Esquilona facilitated a quiz game titled "Parliamentary & Minutes Mastery Challenge." The competition showcased cooperative excellence in governance and documentation, with the following winners:

🏆 Sawang Fisherfolks & Farmers Agriculture Cooperative– "Parliamentary Pro Award"
🏆 Gumahang Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative– "Governance Guru"
🏆 Macabug Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative– "Minutes Maestro".

In closing, Mr. Esquilona synthesized the key insights from the training and expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering support of Honorable Mayor Arturo B. Virtucio. He emphasized that this training, as part of the mayor’s legacy program, aims to empower cooperatives to break free from the culture of mendicancy and dependency on dole-outs, fostering self-reliance and economic sustainability among the people of Aroroy.

This initiative reaffirms LGU Aroroy’s commitment to strengthening cooperative governance, ensuring that local cooperatives are well-equipped to thrive as sustainable and effective community organizations.

07/02/2025

LGU AROROY FUELS COOPERATIVE GROWTH: MAYOR VIRTUCIO's Legacy Empowers 10 more cooperatives with Financial Assistance
Aroroy, Masbate – February 7, 2025 – The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Aroroy once again demonstrated its firm commitment to cooperative development with the awarding of financial assistance to ten (10) eligible cooperatives under the LGU Cooperative Financial Assistance Program. Held at the Tico Maristela Sports and Cultural Center, this event marked another milestone in Mayor Hon. Arturo B. Virtucio’s visionary program to uplift local cooperatives and drive grassroots economic empowerment.

This initiative, spearheaded by the Municipal Cooperative Development Office (MCDO) under MCR/MCDO Designate Veniflor A. Esquilona, has now provided a total of PHP 15 million in financial assistance to 30 cooperatives, each receiving PHP 500,000 to expand their operations and better serve their members. Mayor Virtucio remains hopeful that before his term ends, all 41 barangays of Aroroy will have benefited from this program, ensuring a widespread and lasting impact on the local economy.

The event was graced by Vice Mayor Valentin C. Alonzo who delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the LGU's unwavering support for cooperative development as a means of uplifting the economic conditions of Aroroy's communities, members of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB), cooperative leaders, and key stakeholders, all of whom bore witness to this meaningful distribution of support. Senior SB Member Hon. Archemides R. Suguitao, SB Member Rudy Rañola (Committee Chair on Cooperatives), SB Member Julius Tuason, SB Member Susan Valera, and MAO Engr. Arvin Ostia took turns delivering messages of encouragement, highlighting the crucial role cooperatives play in fostering self-reliance and financial sustainability in their communities.

A powerful and deeply inspiring keynote speech delivered by Hon. Mayor Arturo B. Virtucio served as the heart of the event, reinforcing the message that these cooperatives are not just recipients of financial aid but partners in development, entrusted with the mission of economic transformation at the grassroots level.

In closing, Community Affairs Officer (CAO) Renato M. Esquilona, speaking on behalf of the MCDO, emphasized the administration’s unwavering support for cooperative initiatives and the LGU’s determination to sustain this program for future cooperative beneficiaries.

This awarding is more than just financial assistance—it is a testament to the legacy of Mayor Arturo B. Virtucio, whose dedication to cooperative empowerment continues to shape the future of Aroroy. With the steadfast commitment of the LGU and the resilience of its cooperatives, Aroroy is well on its way to building a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable local economy.

Municipal Cooperative Development Office - LGU Aroroy

06/05/2025

07/04/2025

07/04/2025

10/03/2025

23/02/2025

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