The Cooperative Development Authority REO 1 participated in the recently concluded People’s Organization Summit hosted by the 77th Infantry Battalion, 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army on March 10, 2026 at the Vintar Public Auditorium, Vintar, Ilocos Norte.

Anchored on the theme “Institutionalizing Peace: Strengthening People’s Organizations for Inclusive Development and Social Transformation,” the summit gathered 82 members of various people’s organizations in Ilocos Norte from the municipalities of Adams, Currimao, Pinili, and Vintar. The activity served as a venue for empowering community groups through knowledge sharing, partnership building, and access to government programs and services.

Representing the CDA, CDS II Rosievic Medina served as a guest lecturer and delivered a presentation on the Importance of Cooperativism, highlighted how cooperatives help empower communities by promoting unity, shared responsibility, and economic opportunities among members. The presentation provided participants with a better understanding on what is cooperative and the role of cooperatives in community development and inclusive growth. She also discussed the requirements in registering a cooperative.

The summit also featured presentations from several government agencies, including the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, and the National Amnesty Commission. These agencies presented various programs and services that could support the development initiatives of people’s organizations in their respective communities.

The CDA’s participation in the activity reflects its ongoing efforts to promote cooperativism as a key driver of inclusive development and community resilience and expands awareness of the cooperative movement and encourage communities to harness its benefits for sustainable growth. (RRMedina, CDS II)