2010 marks the last year of implementation of the PCF Strategic Plan which identified Profitability, Stability, Integrity, Governance and Membership Development as strategic objectives. We have certainly proven that cooperative thrive even in the most uncertain times. Yet there are some who, sadly, succumb to the times and fold altogether.

This year’s theme “Sustaining growth the cooperative way” is indicative of us taking a closer look at where we are and determine what we have achieved. We must continue our efforts at expansion and going outside of what is the traditional. The expansion came not just in geographical areas of operations but in terms of services we offer to our members.

PCF’s tag line goes “beyond financial services”. This serves as the unseen inspiration for everyone involved in the work towards the PCF vision. We can see it in this Year 2010. We furthered our programs focused on strengthening the primary cooperatives, our reason for being, as well as partnership development both domestically and internationally. Our banner program COPE now assists seven (7) primaries into becoming sustainable saving and credit cooperatives. Our partnership with the Rabobank Foundation was further enhanced with new projects.

We have also achieved recognition in network and sector development through our active participation in national-level discourse. PCF was chosen to take the lead in the Financial Services Cooperatives cluster of the Philippine Cooperative Center cooperative solidarity council. This is a significant recognition of PCF’s standing.

And amidst all the uncertainties of the economy and our socio-political environment, PCF decided to embark on building our home, signaling our continued financial strength.

All of these, plus our permanent and continuing effort in according to all members the best possible financial services and returns.

With this as the setting for our 2010 Annual General Assembly, there is no turning back. We have established presence nationwide, we have now a home of our own, we are growing in numbers, we have gained the trust and confidence of our members in handling their excess liquidity, we have under our close watch several primary cooperatives waiting to spread their own wings so they can fly on their own. All these we need to sustain not only because PCF has to keep on growing but more importantly because we need to do all these for all the individual cooperative members out there who so dearly need help in uplifting their economic conditions, through their strong and viable primaries.

So to everyone, and in behalf on the Board of Directors of PCF, congratulations for everything that we have achieved and all the best in our future undertakings. And may the Almighty continue to shower us with HIS blessings, guidance and enlightenment always.