From groundwork at the community level to high-level engagements with local officials, January 26, 2026 marked a full and meaningful day for the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) MIMAROPA in Puerto Princesa City.

At the heart of the day’s highlights was the formal recognition of a national first. CDA MIMAROPA Regional Director Alberto Sabarias announced the registration of the Puerto Princesa City Palawan Community-Based Sustainable Tourism Federation of Service Cooperative (PPCPCBSTFSC)—the first Community-Based Sustainable Tourism (CBST) Federation of Service Cooperatives in the Philippines.

This milestone was the result of deliberate and sustained capacity-building efforts. Earlier, on January 16, 2026, CDA MIMAROPA actively took part in the FORTIFI–PPSRNP 2.0 Legal Clinic for CBST Organizations and Cooperatives, held at Four Points by Sheraton, Palawan. The activity brought together CBST leaders, cooperative practitioners, and partners to strengthen legal foundations and organizational readiness.

Atty. Richard E. Ilagan, Legal Officer III of CDA MIMAROPA, played a key role in the Legal Clinic by orienting participants on the goals and objectives of the activity, with particular emphasis on proper cooperative structure, governance, and legal compliance. His discussion helped clarify how CBST organizations can effectively transition into cooperatives and federations that are aligned with existing cooperative laws and standards.

The Legal Clinic further covered practical concerns on regulatory compliance, intellectual property protection, and risk management in tourism product development, while open dialogues allowed participants to raise pressing issues encountered in the field. The activity formed part of the FORTIFI–PPSRNP 2.0 Project, implemented by the Sabang Sea Ferry Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SSFMPC) with the support of the Forest Foundation Philippines, aimed at strengthening institutional capacities within the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) landscape.

These collaborative efforts culminated in the official launching of the PPCPCBSTFSC and the awarding of its Certificate of Registration, held at the City Health Medical Complex Conference Room. The event was attended by Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron, Councilor Eleutherius Edualino, Councilor Matthew Mendoza, and City Tourism Officer Demetrio Alvior Jr., highlighting the strong partnership between CDA and the Puerto Princesa City local government.

In his message, RD Sabarias emphasized that the establishment of the federation is not merely symbolic but a strategic move to unify CBST cooperatives, enhance community livelihoods, and promote responsible, sustainable tourism, positioning Puerto Princesa City as a model for other tourism destinations nationwide.

Federation leaders and members expressed their shared commitment to preserving the city’s natural and cultural heritage while ensuring that tourism development directly benefits local communities.

The day concluded with RD Sabarias’ courtesy visit to the Sanggunian Panlungsod of Puerto Princesa City, reinforcing institutional collaboration and policy support for cooperative development. He later flew back to Manila, capping a day defined by meaningful dialogue, historic milestones, and strengthened partnerships.

CDA MIMAROPA likewise acknowledges the invaluable assistance of Ms. Marian A. Concepcion, Program Coordinator for Palawan; Ms. Teresita Austria, Chairperson of the PPC Palawan CBST Federation of Service Cooperative; and Ms. Imelda M. Yayen of the City Tourism Office, whose coordination and support were instrumental in the successful conduct and dissemination of this milestone event.

With the formal recognition of the country’s first CBST Federation of Service Cooperatives, Puerto Princesa City now stands at the forefront of community-driven, cooperative-led tourism—opening pathways to stronger partnerships, broader opportunities, and a more inclusive future for Philippine tourism.