Butuan City, October 6, 2025 — The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Caraga successfully launched the Cooperative Month Celebration: Kick-Off 2025 with the Pag-Abot Program Orientation at the Atrium, Robinsons Place, Butuan City, bringing together cooperatives from Butuan City and Agusan del Norte to mark the start of the 2025 Cooperative Month Celebration.

The activity, in line with Republic Act No. 11502, which declares October as National Cooperative Month, aimed to promote the spirit of cooperation, unity, and active participation among cooperatives, while highlighting CDA’s continuing efforts to support inclusive socio-economic growth.

The program began with preliminaries and acknowledgment of participants led by Sr. CDS Niño Rosil C. Bantayan (CRITS), followed by a welcome message and rationale delivered by Regional Director Dr. Monatao Honeya R. Alawi. Messages of support were shared by Hon. Gian Carlo M. Sanchez, SP Member of Butuan City and Chairperson of the Committee on Economic Enterprise, Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, and Mr. Edgar M. Palarca, Jr., Chairperson of the City Cooperative Development Council (CCDC) – Butuan, who both emphasized the value of partnerships in strengthening cooperative development.

Among the highlights of the event was the orientation on the Pag-Abot Program, presented by Ms. Reysthy J. Guindaya, Social Welfare Officer III, who discussed the program’s objectives of strengthening cooperative engagement and outreach. Another key moment was the check awarding under the Kooperatiba Imeesolusyon Program, facilitated by CDS II Salve O. Selgas, representing Senior CDS Demelyne B. Gabales (CPDAS), symbolizing CDA’s continued support and assistance to cooperatives.

Adding an element of fun and camaraderie, participants enthusiastically joined the “Pera o Bayong” game, with two winners each receiving ₱2,500 in cash prizes. The event concluded with an inspiring closing message from Supervising CDS Anecita O. Unson and a series of photo opportunities capturing the success of the day.

Through this activity, CDA Caraga reaffirmed its commitment to building stronger partnerships with cooperatives and fostering a more inclusive, dynamic, and empowered cooperative sector in the region.