NAGA CITY, CAMARINES SUR – Around 350 participants coming from 30 primary cooperatives along with two federations and private entities filled the streets of Naga City as they joined the Mag-ugma, Magdaralagan! – a fun run initiated by CDA Region V Extension Office in union with the celebration of 2025 International Year of Cooperatives.

       

White shirts illuminated the Plaza Rizal as participants assembled and had their warm up and stretching. When the clock ticked at 6:00 AM, runners dashed the streets of Panganiban Drive up to Peñafrancia Avenue, then turning to Magsaysay Avenue until reaching the finish line at CDA Grounds in Dayangdang, Naga City.

A Zumba led by the On-the-Job trainees from CDA’s partner academic institutions served as active recovery for the runners. The ceremonial hanging of the IYC2025 banner marked the start of a short program. In his opening remarks, Regional Director Atty. Emilio D. Escueta III highlighted the significance and contribution of cooperatives to the local economy. Messages of support were delivered by Bicol Regional Cooperative Development Council Secretary, Ms. Nimfa Balmaceda; by Naga City Cooperative Development Council Vice Chairperson Mr. Ronald “Bong” Rodriguez; and by the Naga City Cooperative Development Officer Mr. John Paul Buendia.

A surprise intermission number from the students of Partido State University brought delight as they serenade the audience with a rendition of Ikaw at Ako and Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko. The program closed as Engr. Zaldy G. Bermejo expressed his gratitude to all who participated in this activity.