The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region 1 actively participated in the 2nd Convergence Meeting for Dragon Fruit Industry stakeholders held on February 24, 2026 at the Session Hall of the Provincial Capitol, Ilocos Norte.

The gathering, led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Ilocos Norte Provincial Office, brought together key government agencies as well as dragon fruit farmers and processors, to collaborate on the revitalization and institutionalization of the Dragon Fruit Industry.

During the meeting, DTI Ilocos Norte presented the minutes of the first convergence meeting and the draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among stakeholders. The proposed MOA aims to formalize roles, responsibilities, and collaborative commitments toward the institutionalization of the Ilocos Norte Dragon Fruit Industry, echoing research that emphasizes clear policy frameworks and cooperation agreements between national government and the dragon fruit farmers, and a foundation for sustainable agribusiness development. Each representative from the different agencies shared their comments to align their commitment in the MOA with their mandate.

Representing CDA Region 1, Mr. Richard Gacisan, Cooperatives Development Specialist II, provided a brief orientation on the process and requirements for registering a cooperative, since one of the agreements during the 1st convergence meeting was to organize and consolidate the farmers across the province and create a primary cooperative. An open forum was held to address queries and concerns of participating stakeholders.

The convergence initiative seeks to foster stronger collaboration among stakeholders, reinforce farmer networks, and develop strategic interventions that will advance and sustain the dragon fruit industry in Ilocos Norte.

Agreements for upcoming collaborative activities were shared toward the end of the session, marking another step toward a more organized, resilient, and inclusive dragon fruit industry in the province.

Richard T. Gacisan, CDS II