Xavier University remains dedicated to enhancing the financial literacy and overall well-being of the community in El Gaucho, Upper Puerto. As part of its long-term goal, the university seeks to maximize partnerships and strengthen connections with various stakeholders, equipping the community with the tools and knowledge it needs to thrive financially. The Community Relations Team, under the Office of the President, has played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life. Since its inception in May 2022, the initiative has continued to evolve, creating lasting benefits for the local community.
On 16 March 2024, the El Gaucho Credit Cooperative (EGCC) celebrated its 6th General Assembly at the XU El Gaucho Mansion. This significant event brought together cooperative officers, board members, active participants, and esteemed guests. The assembly served as a moment to reflect on the cooperative's past achievements and to look forward to its future plans. The event was presided over by Ms Helenita Tejada, the Chairwoman of EGCC, who has been a key figure in the cooperative's development, helping it become an essential financial institution within the community.
Ms Josephine Baricuatro, the Manager of EGCC, opened the proceedings by welcoming all attendees. She emphasized the important role the cooperative plays in the ongoing development of the community and expressed gratitude toward its members, whose support and inspiration have been crucial to EGCC’s progress. Under her leadership, the cooperative has fostered an environment of collaboration and trust that has been essential for its growth and the empowerment of its members.
The annual report was presented by Ms Tejada, who highlighted the achievements and milestones EGCC has reached over the past two years. These include the strengthening of financial programs and the expansion of services to more families within the El Gaucho community Ms Tejada also shared personal insights and experiences from her tenure, particularly focusing on her efforts to facilitate the partnership between EGCC and the Xavier University Community Credit Cooperative (XUCCCO). This collaboration has significantly expanded the resources and opportunities available to both cooperatives, providing more support to their respective communities.
Ms Merabel Teves, the treasurer of EGCC, reported the financial status of their cooperative. While there have been improvements in collections for delinquent loans and capital build-up, it may not be easy for them to work on weekends to remind members to fulfill their obligations. This year, the cooperative aims for 100% collection to secure and sustain its financial performance.
Representatives from XUCCCO, including Manager Ms Jessica Dacera and Mr Joseph Alimpolos, were also present at the assembly. Their participation underscored the strong ties between the two organizations and the importance of collaborative efforts in promoting financial literacy. They delivered an inspiring message about the "Coop Kapatid Program," a joint initiative that aims to foster mutual growth, knowledge-sharing, and financial empowerment among cooperatives. The program exemplifies the spirit of solidarity that both EGCC and XUCCCO uphold, and their message left a lasting impact on the attendees, reminding them of the power of collective effort in building stronger, more resilient communities. The presence of Ms Dacera and Mr Alimpolos further motivated the Board of Directors and officers of EGCC to continue working diligently for the benefit of the cooperative’s members. Their encouraging words served as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to ensure that both organizations fulfill their mission of providing financial empowerment and support to local communities.
Looking ahead, EGCC remains committed to fostering a bright future for the El Gaucho community. The cooperative plans to continue offering innovative financial solutions, increase access to financial education, and further strengthen its partnerships with institutions like Xavier University. With these efforts, EGCC aims to continue making a significant difference in the lives of its members, helping them build a stable and prosperous future.