In a landmark move to strengthen grassroots cooperatives and promote inclusive economic development, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), through its Koop Kapatid Program, facilitated the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Mangagoy Farmers Fisherfolks and Community Multi-purpose Cooperative (MAFFISCO-MPC) and eight (8) beneficiary cooperatives at MAFFISCO-MPC Function Hall, RB Castillo St., Mangagoy, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur on July 29, 2025.

The event marked a significant milestone in the CDA’s continuing effort to empower smaller and struggling cooperatives through strategic partnerships with more established and successful ones. MAFFISCO-MPC, a long-standing partner of the CDA known for its exemplary cooperative practices and community development initiatives, pledged its support and mentorship to the following cooperatives:

1. Bislig City Organic Agriculture Cooperative – P1, Mantaban, San Vicente, Bislig City, Surigao Del Sur
2. Bislig City Producers’ Multi-purpose Cooperative – Mangagoy, Bislig City,                         Surigao Del Sur
3. San Isidro Kauswagan Producers Cooperative – Purok 1, San Isidro, Bislig                      City, Surigao Del Sur
4. San Roque United Crops and Livestock Farmers Agriculture                                          Cooperative (SARUCLIFACO) – Purok 3, Sitio Sanyata, San Roque                                       (Cadanglasan), Bislig City, Surigao Del Sur
5. Bislig City Kraft Paper Product Makers Multipurpose Cooperative                                        (BISKRAFT MPC) – Mangagoy, Bislig City, Surigao Del Sur
6. Bislig City Organic Consolidators Marketing Cooperative                                               (BISCOCOMACO) – Marketsite, Mangagoy, Bislig City, Surigao Del Sur
7. Rural Improvement Club of Castillo Village Consumer Cooperative – Castillo Village, Bajala Res., Purok 4, Mangagoy, Bislig City, Surigao Del Sur
8. Western Visayas Agro-Industrial Cooperative (WEVAICO) – Purok 1, San                     Isidro, Bislig City, Surigao Del Sur

Under the Koop Kapatid Program, MAFFISCO-MPC will provide technical assistance, capacity building, financial literacy training, and other forms of support tailored to the specific needs of each beneficiary cooperative. The initiative aims to enhance the managerial, financial, and operational capabilities of these cooperatives, enabling them to become self-reliant and competitive in their respective industries.

The event also featured messages of commitment, testimonies of cooperative success, and a symbolic unity pledge to uphold the spirit of bayanihan in the cooperative sector.

CDA Regional Director Dr. Monatao Honeya R. Alawi, emphasized in her message that the Koop Kapatid Program initiative is more than just a partnership — it is a commitment to shared growth and mutual upliftment. “When cooperatives help one another, we build stronger communities and bring the true essence of cooperative values to life,” she said.

The event concluded with the signing of the MOA, symbolizing the formal start of a new chapter in cooperative collaboration and empowerment in Surigao del Sur.