VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur – In line with the celebration of the International Day of Cooperatives on July 4, 2026, the City Government of Vigan successfully conducted a Training on Policy Development on July 3, 2026, at the Vigan City Tourism and Culture Office, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

The activity gathered approximately 65 cooperative officers representing 12 cooperatives in Vigan City. The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of the cooperative leaders to develop and improve organizational policies that promote good governance, accountability, and sustainable cooperative operations.

 

 

The program formally opened with a Welcome Address delivered by the Officer-in-Charge City Cooperative Development Officer, Mr. Ricardo Follante, who emphasized the significance of sound policies in ensuring the effective management and long-term success of cooperatives.

 

 

This was followed by inspiring messages from City Mayor Hon. Randy Singson and Hon. Karen Baquiran, Chairperson of the Committee on Trade, Cooperatives, and Livelihood. Both officials expressed their continued support for the cooperative sector and highlighted the vital role of cooperatives in promoting inclusive economic growth and community development.

 

 

The highlight of the activity was the seminar on Policy Development, facilitated by Mr. Florentino B. Lorenzana, who served as the Resource Speaker. During the session, participants gained a deeper understanding of the definition of policies, the policy formulation process, the importance of establishing effective policies within cooperatives, and the different stages of the policy formulation cycle.

 

 

To reinforce the learning experience, participants took part in a workshop where they developed or enhanced existing cooperative policies. Each cooperative then presented its outputs, allowing participants to exchange ideas, receive feedback, and learn from one another’s experiences.

 

 

As the culminating activity, each participating cooperative prepared an Action Plan outlining the specific policy initiatives they intend to implement within their respective organizations. The City Cooperative Development Office will monitor the implementation of these action plans based on the target completion dates identified by the participants, ensuring that the knowledge gained during the training translates into concrete organizational improvements.

 

 

The successful conduct of the training reaffirmed the City Government of Vigan’s commitment to empowering cooperatives through continuous capacity-building initiatives. By equipping cooperative leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to formulate responsive and effective policies, the activity helped build stronger, more resilient, and better-governed cooperatives in the city.

The training also served as a meaningful prelude to the celebration of the International Day of Cooperatives, underscoring the importance of good governance and sound policy development in strengthening cooperatives as key partners in achieving sustainable economic and social development. – Joy Basingel-Salibad