S I D E N O T E S

Their “We” attitude weaved together every single strand and intertwined with others to form part of a beautiful and strong fabric which is now the DRB Cooperative!

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Year 2003 ushers the entry of the “Year of the Goat.” What it will bring to us will probably depend on how confidently we will face the coming challenge-with perseverance, honesty and hard work. This is the sure shot formula for a good year no matter what zodiac sign comes and goes.

Belated Happy New Year to all and may we all have a meaningful and fulfilling one ahead of us!

oOo

The general assembly meeting of our DRB Cooperative was an inspiring day for me. Having seen and having a hand (no matter how small it was) in its organization and then seeing it grow to what it is now clearly show the fruit of collective effort.

I can still remember our cooperative during the first few years of operations, which started in l987. Small and struggling to survive, general assembly meetings were simple. Food and give-aways were modest. Illustrations and analysis of the financial statements and results of operations were not aided by the use of overhead projector but were written on sheets of Manila paper. Peso values in the financial statements were discouragingly small without even a hint as to when it will reach seven digit figures. Even the elections were not as hotly contested as they are now and some arm-twisting was needed on some candidates before they grudgingly agree to run. Capital contributions come in trickle and membership morale was not as high as it is now.

But look at it now! The situation is entirely different. We can all see substantial improvements in every aspect. More effective tools are being used; resources have grown from several hundred thousands of pesos to more than 13 million. Income from operations was substantial and the morale of the members is undoubtedly high.

Thanks to the group of people who sacrificed a lot; those who were truly involved. Their little daily deeds added up impressively to bring our cooperative to where it is now. Their spirit of cooperativism had a ripple effect. Their “We” attitude weaved together every single strand and intertwined with others to form part of a beautiful and strong fabric which is now the DRB Cooperative!

Inversely, this is not so with our Association of Rural Bank Examiners (ARBEX). All the awe inspiring feelings that I had in the cooperative’s general assembly meeting were not there during the ARBEX elections. You can feel among its members the lack of enthusiasm and the moral obligation to get involved.

Almost all of the rural bank examiners are members and are willing to pay the dues. However, ask them to run as an officer and be directly involved as a prime mover in the organization and you will hear all sorts of excuses to avoid the responsibilities. For them being an officer, especially a president is a difficult and thankless job. Sad to say many of the members are like passengers in a boat about to cross choppy waters and no one would like to hold the rudder.

Being one of the previous presidents of the organization, it pains me to see the apathy and coldness on many of the members. Can we not forsake the “I don’t want to get involved attitude?” Perhaps they have not realized that the responsibility of getting involved is not just a useless burden that we carry on our shoulders. It is a memorable and significant challenge that could make our journey a valuable expedition and not a worthless part of our quest for a fulfilled life. It is not unusual that the period where we genuinely get involved on something for the common good could be the most poignant and enduring in our memory.

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