Cooperatives in Ilocos Norte, the Cooperative Development Authority – Ilocos Norrte and Local Government Units enjoined together and celebrated this year’s International Day of Cooperatives through a series of activities that highlighted the cooperative movement’s commitment to education, community development, and environmental responsibility.

Observed annually every first Saturday of July, the International Day of Cooperatives recognizes the contributions of cooperatives in promoting inclusive development, empowering communities, and improving the quality of life of their members. The celebration also serves as an opportunity to showcase how cooperatives embody their core values and principles through actions that benefit not only their organizations but society as a whole.

As part of this year’s observance, a two-day series of activities was conducted to strengthen both the institutional capacities of cooperatives and their commitment to social responsibility.

The celebration formally commenced on July 3 with the conduct of a Lecture Series organized by the Ilocos Norte Union of Cooperatives held at Arabella Events Place in Laoag City. The activity gathered officers, members, and representatives from various cooperatives across the province to participate in discussions that provided relevant and updated information on matters affecting cooperative operations and member welfare.

The lecture series featured resource speakers from different government agencies who shared their expertise on important topics. Representatives from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) discussed matters related to Tax Compliance, emphasizing the importance of understanding tax responsibilities and ensuring adherence to applicable laws and regulations. The session provided participants with valuable information on compliance requirements and proper practices that would help cooperatives fulfill their obligations while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Meanwhile, representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) delivered discussions on Labor Standards, focusing on workers’ rights, employer responsibilities, and policies intended to promote fair and safe working conditions. The session highlighted the importance of ensuring that cooperatives remain compliant with labor laws and continue to uphold the welfare and protection of their workforce.

Another important topic presented during the activity was the Orientation on the YAKAP Program of PhilHealth. Representatives from PhilHealth provided participants with information regarding the program and discussed its benefits and objectives. The orientation aimed to increase awareness and encourage cooperatives and their members to understand available healthcare-related programs that may support the welfare and well-being of their communities.

The lecture series served as an important avenue for learning and knowledge-sharing, allowing participants to acquire practical information that can contribute to strengthening the management and operations of their respective cooperatives. It also reinforced the significance of collaboration between cooperatives and government institutions in ensuring that cooperative organizations remain informed, compliant, and responsive to the changing needs of their members and stakeholders.

The celebration continued on July 4 through simultaneous tree planting and coconut planting activities conducted in the municipalities of Marcos and Pagudpud, alongside similar environmental activities carried out by cooperatives across the province of Ilocos Norte. The activity brought together cooperative members and CDA personnel in a united effort toward environmental conservation and sustainable community development.

The initiative was conducted not only as part of the celebration of the International Day of Cooperatives but also in support of Arbor Day, an annual observance that promotes tree planting and environmental preservation efforts. Through this activity, participants contributed to initiatives aimed at increasing green spaces, promoting ecological balance, and supporting long-term environmental sustainability.

The activity also strongly reflected one of the internationally recognized cooperative principles — Concern for Community. This principle emphasizes that while cooperatives primarily serve the needs of their members, they also have a responsibility to contribute to the sustainable development of the communities where they operate. Through tree planting and environmental activities, cooperatives demonstrated their commitment to creating a positive and lasting impact that extends beyond economic and organizational growth.

The celebration of the International Day of Cooperatives in Ilocos Norte once again demonstrated that cooperatives continue to be important partners in nation-building and community development. Through activities that focused on learning, awareness, and environmental stewardship, cooperatives reaffirmed their commitment to their members and to society, proving that the cooperative movement remains a powerful force in creating resilient, empowered, and sustainable communities.

As cooperatives continue to adapt and respond to emerging challenges, activities such as these remind everyone that the strength of the cooperative movement lies in its ability to unite individuals with a common purpose — working together not only for shared prosperity but also for the greater good of the community.

#Richard T. Gacisan, CDS II