Press Release - 11th Villar Awards recognize cooperatives' role in poverty alleviation

The Villar Foundation recognized nineteen (19) outstanding cooperatives and community enterprises which models of good practice in poverty reduction for the year 2023. The awarding ceremony was held last December in Las Piñas City.

Senator Cynthia A. Villar acknowledged them as models for their good practices in poverty alleviation among their members and in support of their community.

She was joined by former Senate President Manny Villar,Deputy Speaker Camille Villar,Senator Mark Villar and Vistaland CEO Paolo VIllar in the awarding ceremonies and hand over trophy to the cooperatives that showed exemplary assistance to their communities coming from different parts of the country.

Each awardee also received Php250, 000 in cash from Villar Foundation. Special awardees on the other hand received P150,000.

Twenty-Eight (28) cooperatives were shortlisted from among the 108 entries and 19 emerged as the final awardees, with 3 special awards.

"Cooperatives play a significant role toward realizing the aspirations of our countrymen, just like the Villar Foundation let us continue to help our "kababayans." said former Senate President Manny Villar.

Through this recognition, we hope to inspire and encourage cooperatives to continue with their work to uplift the lives of their communities," Sen Cynthia Villar added.

The 11th Villar Awards Outstanding Cooperatives are:

National Capital region(NCR)

1. Avon Independent Manager's Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Mandaluyog City.

2. Pandacan Transport and Service Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Manila City.

Region 1

3. Free Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.

4. Bacarra Zanjera Irrigators Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.

Region 2

5. Our Lady Of La Salette Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Santiago City, Isabela.

Region 4a

7. Lopez Quezon Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Lopez, Quezon

8. St. Raphael Archangel Parish Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Calaca, Batangas.

9. United Labor Service Cooperative, Nasugbu, Batangas.

10. Ibaan Market Vendors And Community Multi Purpose Cooperative, Ibaan, Batangas.

11. Cavite Metro Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Imus, Cavite

Region 6

12. NONESCOST Multi-Purpose Cooperative-Visayas, Sagay