In the farthest reaches of the West Philippine Sea, where waves crash gently on the shores of the remote Kalayaan Island, a quiet but powerful milestone in community development was unfolding. On April 28, 2025, amid the colorful festivities of a much-anticipated local celebration, a different kind of event was about to make waves—one centered not on revelry, but on empowerment.
Representing the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) MIMAROPA, Ms. Marian A. Concepcion, Cooperative Development Specialist II and Acting Senior CDS of the Credit Surety Fund Section, made the journey to Kalayaan Island aboard the PCG Cape Engaño, together with representatives from the Local Government Unit. Her mission: to conduct a Pre-Registration Seminar (PRS) for three organized groups—two existing fisherfolk associations and one women’s group—poised to take the next step toward becoming registered cooperatives.
The trip was far from ordinary. The timing coincided with one of Kalayaan’s most popular events, drawing island residents and visitors alike into a flurry of activities. Flights were limited, accommodations packed, and the island’s energy devoted to its festivities. Yet, where others saw logistical difficulty, Ms. Concepcion saw opportunity.
Invited by the Municipal Cooperative Development Officer (MCDO) of Kalayaan, Ms. Concepcion knew the importance of this mission. The island’s fisherfolk and women leaders had long operated as informal associations, and the push toward cooperative registration was both timely and necessary. With the support of the LGU, she set up the seminar in a modest venue near the municipal hall, making use of whatever space was available amid the ongoing celebration.
Under the tropical sun and the island’s spirited atmosphere, the PRS proceeded with engaged participants eager to learn. Ms. Concepcion shared the fundamentals of cooperative formation—legal requirements, principles of good governance, economic benefits, and responsibilities of members. It wasn’t just a lecture; it was a conversation rooted in community aspirations.
The fisherfolk discussed how formalizing their group could strengthen their bargaining power and access to financial services. The women’s group, on the other hand, envisioned enterprise opportunities and credit access that could uplift their families and neighborhoods.
By the end of the seminar, what began as a technical session had transformed into a collective vision. The groups committed to pursuing full registration, with the hope of being recognized as formal cooperatives by June 2025—a move that would officially integrate them into the cooperative sector of the Philippines.
For Kalayaan, a municipality often viewed only through the lens of geopolitical importance, this event marked a profound shift—where local development, people’s empowerment, and inclusive governance took center stage. And for Ms. Marian A. Concepcion, it was a testament to CDA’s unwavering commitment: to reach even the most remote corners of the archipelago, ensuring that no Filipino community is left behind.
