CDA R5 Registers Its First-Ever Cooperative for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs)

In a landmark move toward inclusive development and rehabilitation, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region V Extension Office, has officially registered its first-ever cooperative for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) , their immediate families, jail officers and stakeholders.

The PDLs of Rinconada Immediate Families Jail Officers Stakeholders Producers Cooperative or PRIMOS was established through the collaborative efforts of the Iriga City District Jail, under the leadership of Warden Freddie Caballero, with the full support of the Arriba Iriga Administration headed by City Mayor Wilfredo Rex Cuba Oliva.

This pioneering initiative offers PDLs a renewed sense of purpose by equipping them with livelihood skills, encouraging productivity, and preparing them for reintegration into society. More than just a cooperative, PRIMOS symbolizes second chances and hope, empowering its members with meaningful opportunities for personal growth and community contribution.

Cooperatives have long been recognized as effective tools for inclusive economic participation, and through this initiative, PDLs are given a structured platform to rebuild their lives, support their families, and regain dignity through honest work. By engaging in cooperative activities, they are able to learn essential skills in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, teamwork, and responsibility—values that will serve them well beyond the walls of the facility.

The PRIMOS Producers Cooperative also aims to serve as a model for other correctional institutions in the country, demonstrating how cooperative principles can play a vital role in restorative justice and sustainable reintegration. This initiative not only benefits its members but also contributes to community development by promoting rehabilitation over retribution.

The establishment of the PRIMOS Producers Cooperative showcases the transformative power of partnerships among local government units, correctional institutions, and development agencies in promoting social inclusion and lasting change.