La Union – August 22, 2025. The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office I (DA-RFO I), through its Institutional Development Unit, successfully conducted a Capacity Enhancement Training for Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) in Bacnotan, La Union. The activity aimed to strengthen the organizational capacity of participating FCAs through comprehensive training on institutional development, organizational strengthening, and skills enhancement.

Serving as Resource Speaker for the activity was Engr. Marwin C. Peralta, CDS II of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region I Extension Office. Engr. Peralta highlighted the importance of good governance, accountability, and compliance with cooperative laws to ensure sustainability and growth of farmers’ organizations. He also underscored the role of government programs and support mechanisms in empowering grassroots cooperatives.

Participants expressed appreciation for the training, noting that the knowledge gained will help improve their organizational practices and strengthen their cooperatives’ contribution to agricultural development.

The event forms part of DA-RFO I’s continuing commitment to build stronger and more resilient farmers’ cooperatives and associations in Region I, in partnership with the Cooperative Development Authority.