In the heart of Puerto Princesa City, where the spirit of community runs deep, local leaders gathered for a shared purpose on May 30, 2025. Against the lush backdrop of Baker’s Hill in Barangay Sta. Monica, the General Assembly of the Liga ng mga Barangay came alive—not just as a meeting of officials, but as a celebration of leadership, learning, and the drive to uplift every community.
Among the most meaningful moments of the event was the Barangay Orientation on Cooperatives, led by Miss Marian A. Concepcion, Cooperative Provincial Coordinator of Palawan and Acting Senior Cooperative Development Specialist of the Credit Surety Fund – Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Palawan. With a calm yet compelling presence, Miss Concepcion captured the attention of 56 Punong Barangay from across the city—leaders who shoulder the day-to-day challenges and hopes of their constituents.
In her talk, she didn’t just present facts and figures. She told a story—a story of empowerment, opportunity, and transformation. She spoke about cooperatives not as abstract organizations, but as living, breathing tools for change—where ordinary citizens can come together, pool their resources, and create something greater than the sum of their parts.
She introduced the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) as a committed partner in this journey—an agency that stands ready to guide communities in building sustainable cooperatives that can open doors to livelihoods, financial security, and social development. Through her orientation, Miss Concepcion made it clear: the barangays are not just beneficiaries of development—they are drivers of it.
The energy in the room was palpable. Barangay leaders nodded in agreement, took notes, asked questions, and—more importantly—shared ideas. It was a rare moment of unity and clarity: a shared realization that cooperativism could be the key to addressing long-standing local challenges like unemployment, lack of access to capital, and economic vulnerability.
By the end of the session, many Punong Barangay expressed not only appreciation, but commitment. Inspired and informed, they were eager to bring the spirit of cooperativism back to their communities. Miss Concepcion encouraged them to stay connected with the CDA and the Palawan Provincial Cooperative Office—offering continued support, technical guidance, and training opportunities tailored to each barangay’s needs.
This orientation was more than just a scheduled activity in a day’s program. It was a spark—igniting the possibility of a more inclusive, cooperative-driven future for Puerto Princesa City. With 56 barangay leaders ready to lead the charge, the road ahead looks promising—and most importantly, shared.
