The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region VIII Extension Office actively supported and contributed to the celebration of Global Money Week 2026 by spearheading a regional activity entitled “Youth Financial Fitness: Smart Money Talks to Laboratory Cooperatives.” The event was held on March 19, 2026, at the Fr. Flan Daffy Building, PHCCI, Calanipawan Road, Tacloban City. This initiative aimed to advance financial literacy and empowerment among the youth, particularly members of laboratory cooperatives, by equipping them with essential knowledge and skills on saving, responsible spending, and sound financial decision-making.
CDA Region VIII officials attended the program led by Regional Director Venus M. Jornales, who delivered the opening message. Also in attendance were Assistant Regional Director Maripaz Del Pilar; Senior Cooperative Development Specialist Jordan Madjus of the Cooperative Research, Information and Training Section (CRITS); CDS II Ivy Avestruz; CDS II Janica Jayne Resco; CDS II Irish Joy I. Adrales; CDS II Hazel Fe P. Katigbak; CDS I Jonel B. Cerbito; and Mr. Lyndon Broz Tonelete, who provided technical support throughout the activity. Regional Director Jornales also led the administration of the Pledge of Savings among the youth participants, an initiative aimed at instilling the value of saving and financial discipline at an early age and encouraging them to practice responsible money management. The activity was further enriched by the presence of Assistant Secretary Luz H. Yringco, Head of the Finance Cluster of CDA, who graced the event and shared her insights with the young cooperators. In her message, she expressed her appreciation for the active participation of the youth and highlighted the importance of developing responsible financial habits at an early age to help ensure a secure future. She also emphasized the vital role of young cooperators as future leaders who can contribute to the growth of their cooperatives and the development of their communities.
This meaningful activity was successfully carried out through the valuable support and cooperation of partner cooperatives. The ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative extended assistance by providing lunch packs for all participants, while the PHCCI Multipurpose Cooperative in Tacloban City provided a conducive and well-equipped venue for the conduct of the event. A total of 54 youth participants from eight (8) laboratory and partner cooperatives across Region VIII actively joined the activity. These include:
● Scarborough Young Savers Laboratory Cooperative
● PHCCI Kiddy & Y.E.S. Laboratory Cooperative
● MARIPIPIMPC Laboratory Cooperative of Maripipi Multipurpose Cooperative (MMPC)
● Almeria Seafarers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Laboratory Cooperative
● AFCCO Youth Laboratory Cooperative
● Anak ni Gara Laboratory Cooperative (ANGLABCO), a laboratory cooperative of Kangara Multipurpose Cooperative (KMPC)
● ACDI MPC Junior Savers Club
● PACCI Laboratory Cooperative
The learning sessions featured informative and interactive discussions from partner institutions. Mr. Ganymede A. Macabit, Area Manager of GCash Public Sector, introduced GCash Jr. and presented its key features, demonstrating how young users can utilize the platform to develop good saving habits at an early age. Ms. Erma L. Lagarto, Bank Officer from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Visayas Regional Office, delivered a discussion on practical guidance on saving, budgeting, responsible spending, and financial discipline among children and youth. Ms. Elizabeth O. Pretencio, General Manager of PHCCI Multipurpose Cooperative Tacloban, highlighted the important role of laboratory cooperatives as platforms for teaching financial responsibility among young members. She emphasized the value of developing a strong savings culture as a foundation for long-term financial stability. In addition, Mr. Jordan Madjus of CDA-CRITS conducted a session on “Youth Co-oppreneurship: Building Businesses Together.” He introduced the concept of co-oppreneurship, which combines entrepreneurship with cooperative principles, and discussed how young people can work together to establish and manage sustainable enterprises within the cooperative framework. He also emphasized the importance of teamwork, innovation, and shared responsibility, and encouraged the youth to explore opportunities within their communities and maximize their laboratory cooperatives as training grounds for future leaders and entrepreneurs.
To reinforce learning, the sessions were followed by interactive activities and games focused on financial management concepts. These activities encouraged active participation and allowed the participants to apply their knowledge in an engaging and practical manner. The participants also actively engaged with the speakers by asking questions and sharing their insights during the discussions. Overall, the activity successfully fostered financial awareness and strengthened the commitment of young cooperators toward practicing smart money habits – truly embodying the essence of Global Money Week 2026: “Smart Money Talks.”
