June 12, 2026 | 9:30 A.M. | Zoom Platform
The Regional Cooperative Development Council (RCDC) of MIMAROPA successfully conducted its Election of Officers and Oath-Taking Ceremony on June 12, 2026, via Zoom, marking a significant step in strengthening the council’s leadership and reinforcing its commitment to cooperative development across the region.
The program commenced at 9:30 A.M. with the registration of participants, followed by the preliminaries and an audio-visual presentation highlighting the council’s accomplishments and collaborative initiatives. Representatives from various government agencies, local government units, and cooperative organizations throughout MIMAROPA attended the activity.
The event formally opened with the Welcome Remarks of Regional Director Alberto A. Sabarias of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) MIMAROPA. In his message, Director Sabarias underscored the vital role of the RCDC in promoting cooperation among stakeholders and advancing programs that contribute to the growth and sustainability of cooperatives in the region.
Following the opening message, Eva Loraine R. Cataje, Senior Cooperative Development Specialist – CRITS, presented the salient provisions of Memorandum Circular No. 2022-03 and discussed the election guidelines. The presentation provided participants with a clear understanding of the election procedures, qualifications of officers, and governance principles to ensure a transparent and orderly electoral process.
An introduction of members followed, allowing participants to recognize fellow council representatives and reaffirm their shared commitment to cooperative development.
The election proper was presided over by Outgoing RCDC Chairperson Doc Romeo Valdez, who facilitated the nomination and election process. Through a transparent and democratic procedure, the council successfully elected its new set of officers.
Newly Elected RCDC Officers
- Chairperson: Oscar Nalzaro – PPCCDC
- Vice Chairperson: Roditha Castillo – PCDO Oriental Mindoro
- Secretary: Jeuel Sespene – PCDO Romblon
- Treasurer: Romeo Valdez – EAU Palawan
- Auditor: Hope Relayson – BFAR MIMAROPA
Following the election, the newly elected officers formally accepted the responsibilities entrusted to them by the council. They pledged to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and collaborative leadership in carrying out the mandate of the RCDC.
A key highlight of the activity was the Oath-Taking Ceremony officiated by Atty. Richard E. Ilagan, Acting Supervising CDS, who also delivered an inspiring message encouraging the newly elected officers to lead with integrity, dedication, and a strong commitment to service.
In their acceptance messages, the newly elected officers committed to immediately convene after the election to organize the necessary committees that will oversee and manage the various programs, projects, and activities of the council. They emphasized the importance of establishing functional committees at the earliest opportunity to ensure the effective implementation of planned initiatives, strengthen coordination among member agencies, and promote greater participation from stakeholders throughout the region. This proactive commitment reflects the new leadership’s determination to sustain the momentum of the council and further enhance its role in advancing cooperative development in MIMAROPA.
The activity concluded with the Closing Remarks of Atty. Richard E. Ilagan, who congratulated both the outgoing and incoming officers and expressed confidence in the new leadership’s ability to guide the council toward achieving its goals. He likewise emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among government agencies, local government units, and the cooperative sector in fostering inclusive and sustainable development.
The successful conduct of the 2026 RCDC Election demonstrates the council’s commitment to democratic governance, institutional continuity, and effective leadership. With a newly elected set of officers and a shared commitment to immediately organize and mobilize working committees, the Regional Cooperative Development Council of MIMAROPA is well-positioned to pursue initiatives that will further strengthen and empower cooperatives throughout the region.
