San Fernando City, La Union — Guided by the true spirit of cooperation among cooperatives, Saint Louis Multi Purpose Cooperative (SLC) formally welcomed the City of San Fernando La Union Organic Agriculture Cooperative (CSFLUOAC) as its beneficiary under the Koop Kapatid Program through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on January 8, 2026, held at the Saint Louis MPC Building.

 

 

The activity opened with an inspiring message from Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Regional Director Atty. Frederick Joe N. Robles, who emphasized that the Koop Kapatid Program is not merely about financial assistance. More importantly, it is about strengthening the heart of cooperatives—good governance, sound management, and shared responsibility—so that growth is meaningful and sustainable.

 

 

CDA Senior Cooperative Development Specialist Van Ian F. Enriquez further explained the guiding Memorandum Circular, clearly laying out the purpose of the program and the respective roles of the Partner and Beneficiary Cooperatives, anchored on mutual trust, accountability, and commitment.

 

 

As a heartfelt gesture of support, Saint Louis MPC provided CSFLUOAC with a laptop and printer to help jumpstart its operational needs. Ms. Catherine Bada, member of the Board of Directors of SLC, shared that beyond the equipment, the partnership begins with understanding—teaching the basics, providing technical guidance, and truly getting to know each other to better identify what the beneficiary cooperative genuinely needs.

 

 

CSFLUOAC, in turn, expressed its eagerness to grow and serve its farmer-members more effectively, particularly through its plan to venture into a lending business. The cooperative welcomed assistance in business plan preparation, strategic planning, and other capacity-building initiatives that will help turn their goals into reality.

 

 

Saint Louis MPC, one of the large and established cooperatives in La Union, has long been known for extending support and mentorship to fellow cooperatives through similar partnerships. CSFLUOAC Chairman Jameson Quines sincerely thanked SLC for choosing them as a beneficiary and for giving them the opportunity to learn, grow, and stand stronger as a cooperative.

 

 

The MOA shall be effective for two (2) years and will be closely monitored to ensure that the partnership remains relevant, productive, and beneficial to both parties.

 

The successful MOA signing was made possible through the presence and facilitation of CDA officials Van Ian F. Enriquez, Sr. CDS; Junica Shiera F. Manicdao, CDS II; Christine Joy C. Mendoza, CDS II; Constancia A. De Guzman, CDS II; Marwin C. Peralta, CDS II; and Regional Director Atty. Frederick Joe N. Robles, together with representatives from the Provincial Government of La Union and cooperative officers Jimhel M. Camarao and Erika Maree A. Amboni.

 

 

As the partnership begins, both Saint Louis MPC and CSFLUOAC look forward with hope and optimism—sharing the same aspiration that this Koop Kapatid journey will flourish, uplift members, and further strengthen the cooperative movement in La Union.

 

Prepared by:

 

Constancia A. De Guzman

Marwin C. Peralta

Christine Joy C. Mendoza

Junica Shiera F. Manicdao