October 22–25, 2025 | San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
With banners flying high and cooperative colors proudly worn, the 3rd MIMAROPA Regional Cooperative Congress unfolded in the heart of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, from October 22 to 25, 2025. The event gathered hundreds of cooperative leaders, development officers, and partners in a four-day celebration of solidarity, innovation, and shared growth.
Anchored on the national theme, “Cooperatives United in Purpose and Action: Sharing Prosperity to Build a Better World,” and the regional theme, “Makabagong Kooperatiba: Pinagyaman ang Kultura at Ekonomiya, Pinagtibay ang Kooperasyon at Pagkakaisa,” the Congress became a living embodiment of how the cooperative spirit continues to strengthen communities — nurturing both cultural heritage and economic resilience across the islands of MIMAROPA.
Day 1: Celebrating Beginnings and Shared Purpose
The morning air buzzed with anticipation as delegates arrived and registered, warmly welcomed by the OMPCDC Secretariat and the CDA MIMAROPA team. The venue came alive with the opening of the Trade Fair, featuring the finest cooperative products that reflected the creativity, culture, and entrepreneurship of MIMAROPA’s people — a fitting prelude to the congress’s dual themes of prosperity and cooperation.
The Opening Ceremonies began with the Parade of Colors led by the Occidental Mindoro State College, followed by heartfelt renditions of the Invocation, National Anthem, and MIMAROPA Cooperative Hymn performed by the Angat Singers and Ganadong Cultural Dancers. Each note echoed the pride and unity of the cooperative movement.
Mayor Rey C. Ladaga of San Jose officially welcomed everyone to Occidental Mindoro, while Governor Eduardo B. Gadiano highlighted the importance of cooperatives in driving inclusive growth in rural communities. CDA MIMAROPA Regional Director Alberto A. Sabarias then introduced the purpose of the Congress, emphasizing that through shared action and solidarity, cooperatives can indeed build a better world — echoing this year’s national theme.
Inspirational messages from the Local Officials, affirming the region’s strong local governance support for cooperative endeavors. The keynote segment brought powerful message from CDA ASEC Dr. Virgilio Lazaga, and a special video message from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Their collective words encouraged cooperatives to unite in purpose and harness innovation to promote prosperity that uplifts every Filipino.
Before midday, Dr. Romeo Valdez, Chairperson of the Regional Cooperative Development Council (RCDC) revisited the successes of the 2nd Regional Cooperative Congress, while Ms. Adelfa D. Hornilla presented the highlights for this year’s gathering, then RCDC Chairperson officially declared open the 3rd MIMAROPA Regional Cooperative Congress 2025, setting the stage for a transformative exchange of ideas and partnerships.
The afternoon continued with insightful sessions, including the Institutionalization of RA 11535 by the DILG, presentations of best practices from the Province of Palawan and the Municipality of San Jose, and a discussion on cooperative tax exemptions led by the BLGF. The Plenary with the Mayors, moderated by Atty. Richard Ilagan, fostered meaningful dialogue between local leaders and the cooperative sector, embodying the regional theme’s call for strengthened cooperation and unity — pinagtibay ang kooperasyon at pagkakaisa.
The day concluded with a festive Welcome Night, sponsored by the LGU San Jose and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Delegates danced, laughed, and celebrated during the Short-Film Competition and Cultural Night, highlighting the richness of local culture and the creativity that thrives within cooperatives — truly pinagyaman ang kultura at ekonomiya.
Day 2: Innovation and Inclusion in Action
The second day spotlighted knowledge-sharing and empowerment. Mr. Rommel Avillanoza, Chairperson of OMIFEMCO, opened with research presentations that tackled emerging issues and innovative practices in cooperative governance.
Dr. Mary Yole Apple D. Ruedas of the Philippine Commission on Women delivered a compelling session on Gender Sensitivity, emphasizing that prosperity shared through cooperatives must be inclusive, equitable, and empowering for all members — men and women alike.
In the afternoon, the congress took a step toward the digital future. The DICT presented initiatives on Digitalization and E-Governance, followed by Mr. Dennis Nice Geraldez of Traxion Technology Service Cooperative (TTSC), who introduced Digi-Coop, a platform transforming how cooperatives operate in the digital era. These sessions echoed the call of both themes — uniting purpose and progress through technological advancement.
The evening sparkled with Congressman’s Night, where participants showcased their talents in the Coop Idol Singing and Dance Contests. The Gawad Parangal Awards honored exemplary cooperatives and individuals under categories such as Youth, PWD, Senior Citizen, and Koop Kapatid, proving that cooperation transcends age, ability, and status — a celebration of shared prosperity and inclusivity.
Day 3: Dialogues, Debates, and Dedication
Day 3 carried the spirit of camaraderie and intellectual exchange. After lively intermissions by SAMARICASA and Lourdes MPC, participants engaged in the much-awaited Crossfire Competition, hosted by Ms. Eva Loraine Cataje. This friendly debate tested cooperative knowledge and leadership, highlighting the delegates’ passion and commitment.
In the afternoon, the Plenary Session convened with representatives from CDA, DA, DOST, DTI, and LANDBANK, as well as RCDC officers and local executives. Conversations centered on strengthening institutional partnerships, developing technology-driven cooperative projects, and broadening financial access for members — concrete steps toward building a “better world” envisioned in the national theme.
That night, the congress shone even brighter with the Governor’s Night, where participants dressed in “Stars and Glitters” and formal attire for an elegant culmination. The much-awaited Mr. & Ms. Cooperative 2025 showcased not just beauty, but cooperative values, leadership, and community involvement. The symbolic Turnover of the Key for the 4th Regional Cooperative Congress (2026) represented continuity and the enduring flame of cooperative unity across MIMAROPA.
Day 4: Benchmarking, Learning, and Looking Ahead
The final day took delegates beyond the conference hall into benchmarking and day tours. Visits to model cooperatives and enterprises across Occidental Mindoro allowed participants to witness the tangible impact of cooperative collaboration on local livelihoods and development.
As the congress came to a close, delegates carried home new insights, renewed partnerships, and a deeper appreciation for the region’s cooperative identity. The words “Home Sweet Home” marked not just the end of a four-day journey, but the beginning of a stronger, more united cooperative movement — one that continues to enrich culture, strengthen unity, and share prosperity across MIMAROPA and beyond.
The 3rd MIMAROPA Regional Cooperative Congress was more than just an event; it was a manifestation of collective purpose — where leaders, members, and partners came together to celebrate what it truly means to be a cooperative. Rooted in the national theme of unity and shared prosperity, and guided by the regional theme of enriching culture and economy through cooperation, the Congress reaffirmed that when cooperatives unite in action and vision, they do not just build better enterprises — they build a better world for all.
