On March 11, 2025, Central Luzon launched the International Year of Cooperatives at Sierra Madre Suites, Brgy. Singalat, Nueva Ecija. This special event brought together partners and supporters of the cooperative movement to celebrate key milestones and initiatives.

The program began with the delivery of welcome remarks and an inspirational message from Ms. Lorna Mae B. Vero of PCEDO-Nueva Ecija, who spoke on behalf of Governor Aurelio M. Umali. Regional Director Marieta P. Hwang then presented the rationale of the event, followed by CDA Undersecretary Alexander B. Raquepo, who served as the keynote speaker. He highlighted the significant role of cooperatives in communities and their impact on the lives of members. The occasion was also special for Usec. Raquepo, as it marked his first official engagement outside Manila and his seventh day as the full-fledged Chairman of CDA Philippines.

A pledge of commitment to the International Year of Cooperatives was signed by representatives from the CDA, national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), federations and unions, City/Municipal Cooperative Development Officers, the Liga ng mga Cooperative Development Officer, Cooperative Development Councils, and primary cooperatives across Central Luzon.

The highlight of the event was the awarding of a financial incentive worth Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,000.00) to the Magsasaka ng Barangay Vega Agriculture Cooperative, received by its Chairperson, Rosemarie Tabliga. This cooperative made history as the first agricultural cooperative in Central Luzon to be successfully registered under the CDA’s merging/consolidation program, reflecting the sector’s dedication to strengthening operations through strategic partnerships. Additionally, Mayor Ricardo I. Padilla of Bongabon was honored with a plaque of recognition for his invaluable support in facilitating the cooperative’s registration.

Meanwhile, Ms. Jonalee P. Gayla, the designated Municipal Cooperative Development Officer, received a certificate of recognition for her unwavering commitment to supporting cooperatives in her locality, leading to the successful registration of the merged cooperative.

Another highlight of the event was the recognition of the Regional Nominees for the National Level of the Gawad Parangal 2024, honoring their outstanding support for cooperative promotion. The following LGU leaders were recognized based on their respective categories:

– Mayor Henry R. Lutao represented by Municipal Cooperative Development Officer Mr. Jon Louie Santiago – Municipality of Marilao, Bulacan (Municipality Category)

– Mayor Mario O. Salvador – City of San Jose, Nueva Ecija (Component City Category)

– Mayor Carmelo G. Lazatin Jr. represented by the City Cooperative Development Officer Mr. Rodelio Mamac Jr. – City Government of Angeles (Highly Urbanized City Category)

– Governor Daniel R. Fernando represented by the Provincial Cooperative and Entrepreneurship Development Officer Atty. Jayric Amil – Provincial Government of Bulacan (Provincial Category)

Supervising Cooperative Development Specialist Ms. Carolina M. Miguel delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the event. She emphasized the significance of this memorable occasion as part of the celebration of the International Year of Cooperatives.

The event was truly a great success, made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Cooperative Development Authority-Region III Extension Office, the Provincial Government of Nueva Ecija (PGNE), the Provincial Cooperative and Entrepreneurship Development Office of Nueva Ecija (PCEDO-NE), the Liga ng mga Cooperative Development Officer ng Nueva Ecija (LCDOP-NE Chapter), and the Provincial Cooperative Development Council-Nueva Ecija (PCDC-NE).

Prepared by:

MARGARITA UCOL-GULAPA

Acting Sr. CDS/Cooperatives Project Development and Assistance Section