CDA RXI and Arrupe Office of Social Formation of Ateneo de Davao University inked partnership as co-formators in shaping students into leaders dedicated to serving the marginalized and vulnerable.

Ateneo de Davao University President, Fr. Kerel San Juan, SJ, in his message, said that the formation of students is incomplete and Ateneo’s mission will not be meaningful and relevant without the partnerships with LGUs, NGAs, and NGOs. Learning should transcend the classroom, ensuring that students gain exposure to the community to foster their development as “men and women for others”.

On the side of CDA, this partnership under the banner of KPOP Kooperatiba Para sa Kabataan – Programa at Oportunidad na Pangkabuhayan, aims to:

• To promote cooperative appreciation among college students and young professionals by providing them with insights into the cooperative movement that highlight the significance of cooperatives in community development and as a viable business entity, and
• Inspire young individuals to actively engage with cooperatives, whether as members, entrepreneurs, or supporters, to promote sustainable development and social responsibility.

In his address, Regional Director Glenn S. Garcia, MGM said

“I have been dreaming about a community that is disciplined and everyone is responsive. Disciplined not because of fear, but in commitment, love, and passion for the community. Looking at the listing of the various programs of Arrupe, we are headed in the right direction towards achieving a cohesive community of responsible people.

The cooperative sector is now at a crossroad regarding the existence of cooperatives. We want the cooperative sector to have intergenerational sustainability. I find this partnership very important because it will provide Ateneo students the opportunity to immerse themselves in cooperatives and realize that cooperatives are a good platform for development.”

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony was also participated by representatives from various barangays of LGU Davao City and non-government organizations.

–Cooperative Project Development and Assistance Section (CPDAS)