Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, the cooperatives in the Province of Isabela started the year with the drive to promote cooperatives development. This was manifested when the Isabela Provincial Cooperatives Development Council (IPCDC), through the Cooperative Leaders and Cooperative Development Officers held its first and virtual meeting of the year on January 18, 2021, participated by the Representatives from different Partner Agencies.
The Chairperson of Committee on Cooperatives, Hon. Presley de Jesus also attended the virtual meeting. He is optimistic about the direction of the cooperatives as the “new oligarchs” of the country. He promised his support to the cooperative sector, and he also assured to protect and defend the cooperatives’ interest.
Various partner agencies such as the Cooperative Development Authority and the Department of Trade and Industry presented their programs and updates geared toward the cooperatives’ growth and stability in the Province. The Municipal Cooperative Development Offices presented their accomplishments and likewise laid their plans to support the development of the cooperatives in their respective areas.
The election of officers of the council also happened during the meeting. The officers who will provide and coordinate the cooperative programs and who will similarly represent the interest of the cooperative members are as follows:
Chairperson : Mr. Geronimo Zapata
Vice Chairperson : Ms. Lilia Castillo
Secretary : Ms. Terenciana Cureg
Treasurer : Mr. Raymond Dela Cruz
Auditor : Ms. Jacinta Apoy
IPCD Chairperson Geronimo Zapata and Vice Chairperson Lilia Castillo expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the National Government Agencies, Local Government Units, and cooperatives in the Province. Moreover, they encouraged everyone to continue the usual collaboration in implementing programs and projects of the government in partnership with the cooperative sector to ensure the growth and development of cooperatives.
