The Municipality of Sta. Josefa, under the leadership of Hon. Mayor Richard M. Plaza, together with Ms. Helen C. Arellano, Municipal Cooperatives Development Officer Designate, spearheaded the Municipal Cooperative Development Council (MCDC) meeting on April 21, 2026.

The gathering brought together key stakeholders, including personnel from the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), six cooperative chairpersons and their Boards of Directors, staff from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) at both provincial and municipal levels, National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and heads of offices from Municipal Engineering, Tourism, Social Welfare and Development, Agriculture, as well as representatives from the private sector.

Ms. Salve O. Selgas, Cooperative Development Officer II of CDA Agusan del Sur, led a re-orientation on Memorandum Circular 2022-03, which outlines the guidelines on the structure, organization, and operation of Cooperative Development Councils (CDCs). Meanwhile, CARPO Joven R. Pizarro of DAR presented the Inclusive Partnership for Agrarian Reform Communities (IPARC) Project, highlighting opportunities for collaboration in agrarian reform areas.

The meeting also marked the formal election of MCDC officers, with Hon. Mayor Richard M. Plaza serving as the honorary chairperson. Messages of support and commitment were delivered by heads of offices, national government agencies, and private sector representatives, underscoring the shared vision for cooperative growth.

The reactivation of the MCDC is a significant step forward for the eight registered cooperatives in Sta. Josefa. It paves the way for stronger collaboration, consultation, and coordination in implementing cooperative programs across government branches, instrumentalities, subdivisions, and agencies. This initiative also reinforces policy development efforts aimed at strengthening the cooperative movement in the municipality.

The next milestone will be the submission of all requirements to the CDA Regional Office Caraga for the issuance of the Certificate of Recognition, formally acknowledging Sta. Josefa’s MCDC as an active partner in cooperative development.