CLAD, INC.- A CALUBIAN N.G.O. TURNS FIVE...

Last July 15, the only NGO operating in Calubian has celebrated its fifth year as a registered Non-Government Organization. The Calubian Livelihood Assistance for Development, Inc. was organized with main objective of helping the marginal farmers and fisherfolk in the municipality by capacitating its leaders and members as well as providing them seed money to start their microfinance operation. July 15, a bright sunny Sunday morning was filled with joyous and colorful celebration as the members of the different cooperatives and associations assisted by CLAD, Inc has made their annual appearance as they paraded around the municipality to show their support to the organization's momentous celebration. The celebration started with the Holy Mass which was presided by Fr Bedel Mocorro followed by the parade around town. The police patrol car headed the parade followed by the motorcade of the members of the CLAD Chorale followed by the MSH Drum and Lyre Corp. The following were the arrangements or the order of parade; Following the MSH Drum and Lyre was Petrolio Farmers Multi-purpose Coop, Calubian Agri-Products Producers Cooperative of Tagharigue, Caneja Fishermen Association, Caruyucan Aqua-Marine Ventures Association, Garrido Farmers Association, Inalad Farmers and Fishermen Association, Kabicolan Credit Cooperative, Katilingbanon Multi-purpose Cooperative, BEC Microfinance Group, Nipa Credit Cooperative, Villanueva Elem School Drum and Lyre Corp, Villanueva Credit Cooperative, Sr San Roque Credit Coop of Brgy Ul-og, St. Vincent Credit Cooperative of Brgy Abanilla, Calubian Central Farmers Association of Brgy Villalon, Malobago Farmers Association and Tuburan Farmers Association. The route of the parade started from Church Ground passing Brgy Poblacion, Espinosa, Calbitaza Residence, Garganera, Port Area and to the Gymnasium.

The program proper started with the singing of the Pambansang Awit led by the CLAD Chorale. Introduction of Participants was delivered by Mrs Fe Mapula, CLAD secretary while words of welcome was delivered by Mr. Antonio G. Nierras, operation coordinator of CLAD. The significance of the event and historical background of CLAD was given by Mr Agustin L. Dignos, another operation coordinator of CLAD while the Chief Executive Officer in the person of Mr. John BAring has tackled the issue on CLAD Performance as well as the performance of its assisted associations and cooperatives. Instead of the Chief Executive of the Municipality, Hon Feluchie E. Dang-aoen has delivered her inspirational message to the audience.

After the different speeches, dinner followed and different presentations and raffle of the different prizes were also undertaken. The following were the winners of the major awards of the raffle; 1st prize, Motorcycle- Francis Nel Basister of Bgry Garrido, 2nd prize, Refregirator- Ricardo Gulbe of Brgy Pagatpat and 3rd prize, Megapro DVD Player- Carlos Agumbay of Brgy Veloso. Awarding of the best performing cooperatives and associations were also conducted. The following organizations received the different awards; the Promising New Association was awarded to Calubian Central Farmers Association, Best Performing Association was awarded to Garrido Farmers Association, Most Sustainable Cooperative went to Kabicolan credit Cooperative and the Best Performing Cooperative was awarded to Villanueva Credit Cooperative.