Sylvia Paraguya (Reactor)

CEO, NATCCO

Sylvia Okinlay-Paraguya is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO). NATCCO is a federation of 847 cooperatives with 5.8M individuals members. NATCCO works with the Philippine Federation of Credit Cooperatives and the ASian Confederation of Credit Union in implementing the Kaya Payment Platform. Major work with NGOs revolves around a vision of viable agrarian reform organizations and communities, particularly land tenure improvement, social infrastructure building, networking with partner organizations, development and implementation of productivity systems, and facilitating the strategic planning for the development of area plans and barangay development plans. Her personal experience in agrarian reform and cooperatives dates back to the 70s with her father involved in the formation of the first cooperative in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. Ms. Okinlay-Paraguya’s academic background (Master in Business Management at the Asian Institute of Management and Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering) provides a good framework which could be adapted in the various facets of development of organization, both for non-profit and for-profit organizations.