In celebration of the 2025 Cooperative Month, the Cooperative Development Authority – Ilocos Norte Provincial Office, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte – Provincial Agriculture Office and the Municipal Cooperative Development Officers (MCDOs) of various local government units, successfully conducted the Coop Quiz Bee on October 7, 2025, at the INAFEC Building, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. The event brought together the brightest minds from different cooperatives in a spirited showcase of knowledge, teamwork, and cooperative values.
Anchored on the theme “Cooperatives United in Purpose and Action, Sharing Prosperity to Build a Better World,” the activity aimed to enhance awareness and deepen understanding of cooperative principles, history, and governance among members and youth participants. Beyond being a friendly competition, the quiz bee served as a meaningful learning platform that reinforced the importance of cooperation, integrity, and shared responsibility within the cooperative movement.
A total of twenty (20) cooperatives, each represented by three (3) members, participated in the contest. Competitors faced challenging rounds on topics such as Republic Act 9520, CDA policies and memorandum circulars, and current events for cooperatives. Each question tested not only their knowledge of cooperative laws but also their ability to apply these in practical scenarios.
After several intense rounds, the following cooperatives emerged as winners:
1st Place – MMSU Youth Network Producers Cooperative
2nd Place – Catuguing Multipurpose Cooperative
3rd Place – Bacarra Zanjera Irrigators Multipurpose Cooperative
The winners are set to receive their awards during the Provincial Cooperative Month Culminating Activity on October 24, 2025, to be held at the Centennial Arena.
Serving as Quizmasters during the competition were Ms. Chona Agustin (MCDO – Banna), Ms. Jessa Barrion (MCDO – Marcos), and Mr. Richard T. Gacisan (CDS II). Meanwhile, Ms. Lorna Lubera, Mr. May Damaso Pascua, and Ms. Rosievic Medina, all Cooperative Development Specialists, served as facilitators.
As the celebration drew to a close, the quiz bee stood out as a testament that the true strength of the cooperative movement lies not only in shared resources but in shared knowledge and a collective commitment toward progress and unity. (Richard T. Gacisan, CDS II)
