MANILA, Philippines — We were just in Baguio the previous weekend, and it is a privilege to return to its mists that soon to meet you all. “Panagbenga” comes from the Kankanaey word for “a season of blooming” or “flowering.” Despite the odds, I believe our Movement continues to blossom, as it has done so for the last 200 years or so

It is on that note that I am excited to discuss cooperative law with you — esteemed men and women from Pantukan Chess Club Multipurpose Cooperative (PCCMPC), Tagum Cooperative (TC), Pagpapaunlad ng mga Mamamayan sa Nayon Development Cooperative Federation (PMDN), Carmona Estates Homeowners Transport and Multipurpose Cooperative (CEHT MPC), Income Credit Cooperative (INCOME CC), First Community Cooperative (FICCO), CEV Credit Cooperative (CEV CC), Silangan Multipurpose Cooperative (SMPC), New City Society Multipurpose Cooperative (NCS MPC), Sta Cruz Savings and Development Cooperative (SCSDC), Kapalong Cooperative (KC), Specialty Coffee Multipurpose Cooperative (SC MPC) and, of course, the Model Cooperative Network (MCN)

The goal is mastery (of cooperative law). Whether or not we can do it, it can be done

Some may assume law is hard for the layman. But I don’t believe that. In any case if it’s hard, that’s precisely why we must do it

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There’s that from Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, where Yoda is teaching Luke Skywalker about commitment and belief.

“Do, or do not. There is no try.”

My belief in your ability to master cooperative law in two days isn’t baseless. I “grew up” in co-operative boardrooms for the last 15 years, and I know that while a cooperative layman may not be able to articulate some things in legalese and legal gobbledygook, I know you know it—and you know what you know and that you know you know it

So, without much ado, for your kind reference, please see our Seating and Groupings

Special Interest: If you or your co-op has a particular area of legal interest, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the email address and contact number below so I can either (i) incorporate the matter in our discussions, and/or (ii) discuss with you in “executive session,” as appropriate

Email Address info [at] mp.law.net.ph (Alternative: lyman [at] manzanar.es)

Contact Number +63 917 316 9364 (Viber, sms)

Co-operative Profile: Finally, whether or not you have that special interest, I would very much appreciate if you can send me your cooperative profile/s so I can read them before, during and even after our Baguio rendezvous

Thank you.

Yours in co-operation,

Lyman Manzanares

Tuesday, 18 February 2025


Legal Responsibilities: Understanding Board Liability and Compliance, Hotel Veniz, Session Rd, Baguio City, February 20-21, 2025