With the theme “Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World,” this year’s International Day of Cooperatives honors the power of people-led solutions in action. In Region 10, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) marked this global observance through a series of community-based engagements that put the spotlight on policy clarity, collaboration, and the evolving role of cooperatives in local development.
The celebration kicked off in Quezon, Bukidnon, on July 2, 2025, where the Provincial Cooperative Development Council (PCDC) gathered local Cooperative Development Officers (CDOs), CDC members, and CDA Region 10 representatives for a working dialogue. With the full support of the Municipal Mayor of Quezon, Hon. Pablo M. Lorenzo III, who welcomed the group, the meeting focused on strengthening local cooperative mechanisms through consistent CDC activation, improving LGU-CDO coordination, and addressing operational questions on Republic Act 11535 and Memorandum Circular 2022-03. The law, which institutionalizes the Cooperative Development Office in LGUs, remains critical in ensuring that cooperatives are not left behind in local planning and budgeting processes. CDA Bukidnon was represented by CDS Marites Tan, CDS Sam Radia, and Sr. CDS Nizar Pangalian, who provided updates and clarity on implementation pathways.
Meanwhile, in Lanao del Norte, CDA R10 joined the colorful festivities of Araw ng Lanao del Norte on July 3, 2025, with a stronghold presence. Cooperatives from across the province showcased their pride—through booths filled with local products and cooperative-led agri innovations. Under the leadership of Ms. Minda V. Regis, the Provincial Cooperative Office continues to serve as a driving force for inclusive enterprise development. CDA Region 10 took this opportunity to assist cooperatives with product listing for CoopBiz, while also engaging in field consultations. Present were Sr. CDS Edwin Pelosas, Sr. CDS Nizar R. Pangalian, and CDSs Nadrah K. Sharief, Lovella L. Velasco, Nashiba B. Banto, and Mary Grace D. Vapor—all facilitating cooperative profiling, technical advisories, and linkages.
The final leg took place in Misamis Occidental on July 3-4, 2025, where Mandatory Training for new cooperatives was conducted at the Misamis Institute of Technology (MIT), Ozamiz City. Beyond compliance, this training opened up a space for values-sharing and mentorship. Youth participants from MIT expressed genuine curiosity during the open forum. Trainers CDS II Mark Neil T. Ga, CDS II Juhna A. Balundo, Sr. CDS Nizar R. Pangalian, and Sr. CDS Edwin B. Pelosas guided the discussions—cooperative identity to capital structure—while planting seeds of future engagement in the minds of the cooperative officers.
While the cooperatives of Gingoog, Misamis Oriental celebrated the International Day of Cooperatives on July 5, 2025, with a coastal clean-up and was spearheaded by the City Cooperative Development Office (CCDO) led by Ms. Norma B. Carcido. With the participation of active cooperatives and stakeholders, the activity highlighted the sector’s role in advancing sustainability—not just through enterprise but through environmental action. This simple yet impactful initiative underscored how cooperatives in Region 10 are taking on more proactive roles in shaping resilient communities and driving collective responsibility for a better future.
Across the region, one truth became clear: Cooperatives continue to offer real, local solutions to the challenges of our time. Not just as economic actors, but as partners in governance, education, environmental, and transformation.
📍 As we mark #CoopsDay2025, we invite you to reflect, reconnect, and reimagine what we can build—together, the cooperative way.
#CoopsBuildABetterWorld #IYC2025 #CDARegion10
