The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Caraga, together with representatives from CDA Region IX and CDA Region X, participated in the Learning and Sustainability Convergence for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) Communities held on July 30–31, 2026 at Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City. Organized by Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits (EcoWEB), Inc. in collaboration with national government agencies, local government units, academic institutions, Indigenous Peoples organizations, cooperatives, and development partners, the two-day convergence served as a venue to strengthen collaboration and institutional commitments toward resilient communities, green livelihoods, inclusive governance, and ancestral domain-based development. The activity also highlighted the crucial role of cooperatives as partners in sustaining community-driven development initiatives beyond project implementation.
Throughout the convergence, a common message resonated from the messages of support delivered by the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits (EcoWEB) Inc., and Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA)—that sustainable development can only be achieved through shared responsibility, genuine partnerships, and collective action. True to the event’s theme, “Weaving Resilience: Learning from the Ground, Sustaining the Future,” the convergence demonstrated how government agencies, local government units, cooperatives, academe, Indigenous Peoples organizations, civil society, and development partners can weave their respective mandates, resources, and expertise into one unified purpose. Like threads carefully woven into a strong fabric, every partner plays a vital role in ensuring that development efforts are interconnected, responsive, and sustainable. More importantly, the convergence emphasized that project sustainability is not an endpoint but a continuing journey of strengthened partnerships, where stakeholders remain committed to working hand in hand to sustain the gains of the project and create lasting impacts for Indigenous and GIDA communities.
As one of the participating agencies, the CDA reaffirmed its commitment to advancing cooperative development as a key strategy for sustaining community enterprises and inclusive economic growth. Recognizing the significant role of cooperatives in ensuring the continuity of the project’s outcomes, the Authority committed to providing registration assistance, technical guidance, and capacity-building interventions to emerging and existing cooperatives. Through its continued partnership with EcoWEB, PhilFIDA, NAPC, fellow government agencies, and local stakeholders, CDA remains steadfast in promoting strong and well-governed cooperatives that embody cooperative principles and values, empowering communities to become self-reliant and ensuring that the benefits of the project continue long after its implementation.
