CABUGAO, Ilocos Sur- A significant milestone in the journey of the two cooperatives towards cooperative development and empowerment as the Free Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Cadanglaan Multi-Purpose Cooperative have officially sealed their partnership under the Koop Kapatid Program (KKP) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony, held on April 11, 2025 at Free Farmers MPC Office, Barangay Sagayaden, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. The MOA signing was facilitated by the Cooperative Project Development and Assistance Section (CPDAS) of CDA Region I.
Under this partnership, Free Farmers MPC, serving as the Partner Cooperative, will provide technical assistance and capability-building support to Cadanglaan MPC, as the Beneficiary Cooperative. This initiative aligns with the vision of the Koop Kapatid Program to foster collaboration and mentorship among cooperatives by pairing stronger, more established cooperatives (big brothers) with smaller emerging ones (little brothers) to provide guidance, share best practices, and support growth.
During the signing, representatives from both cooperatives expressed their optimism and dedication to the partnership. Free Farmers MPC Representatives, Chairperson Benedicto Satumba and Manager Zosimo Sayaboc highlighted the significance of cooperative solidarity, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and shared expertise, while Cadanglaan MPC Representatives: Chairperson Florentina Yoro and Manager Pedro Ibus expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to partner with Free Farmers MPC, acknowledging the value of gaining from their partner’s experience and expertise.
This Koop Kapatid Program is an application of the 6th cooperative principles stipulated in Article 4 (6) of RA 9520 known as the Philippine Cooperative Code of 20028, which is the “Cooperation among Cooperatives,” This KKP MOA outlines a comprehensive support package from Free Farmers MPC, encompassing various operational, managerial, and financial aspects essential to the growth and development of Cadanglaan MPC.
With the MOA now in effect, both cooperatives are set to begin a series of joint activities and mentorship engagements. This partnership is expected to improve Cadanglaan MPC’s operational capacity and contribute significantly to its growth trajectory. The Koop Kapatid Program continues to be a valuable platform for building resilient, empowered, and inclusive cooperatives across the country.
Present during the KKP MOA signing were Chairperson Mr. Benedicto Satumba, Manager Mr. Zosimo Sayaboc of Free Farmers MPC- Partner Cooperative, Chairperson Mrs. Florentina Yoro, Manager Mr. Perdo Ibus, and Treasurer Ms. Desiree Yacas from Cadanglaan MPC- Beneficiary Cooperative, CDA Region I Director, Atty. Frederick Joe N. Robles, Sr. CDS Mr. Van Ian F. Enriquez, CDS II Ms. Joy P. Basingel, CDS II Ms. Junica Shiera Manicdao, DAR representative Mr. Isabelo Tinaza. (Joy P. Basingel, CDS II)
