Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay, August 29, 2024 — In a significant move towards enhancing the cooperative sector in the municipality, the Municipal Cooperative Development Council (MCDC) was officially established in Olutanga on August 29, 2024. The creation of the MCDC, pursuant to Memorandum Circular 2022-03, marks a pivotal step in fostering collaboration among various stakeholders involved in the cooperative movement.
The MCDC is a multi-sectoral body designed to provide a structured system for policy consultation and coordination of cooperative programs. It will serve as a crucial mechanism for collaboration between the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Olutanga, National Government Agencies (NGAs), and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The council’s primary role will be to implement and oversee cooperative programs in the area, ensuring that they align with the needs and aspirations of the local cooperative sector.
Key Attendees and Messages of Support
The event saw the participation of seven local cooperatives and representatives from two National Government Agencies—the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The program began with an opening message from Vicente Amparado, the Municipal Cooperative Development Officer (MCDO) of Olutanga, who emphasized the importance of the council in empowering local cooperatives and enhancing their contributions to the community.
Hon. Jonnybert Gumba, Vice Mayor of Olutanga, expressed his full support for the initiative, highlighting the vital role of cooperatives in driving economic growth and social development in the municipality. Municipal Administrator Hon. Annaly Mae Ruste followed, assuring the MCDO of the LGU’s commitment to supporting the council, including the allocation of a budget and office space for the MCDC in Fiscal Year 2025. Hon. Jimmy Siso, Chairperson of the Committee on Cooperatives for Olutanga, also conveyed his optimism about the positive impact the council will have on the local cooperative sector.
Atty. Socrates P. Villota, CPA, the Provincial Cooperative Officer of Zamboanga Sibugay, reinforced the significance of this development, stressing the importance of synergy between the various stakeholders in ensuring the success of cooperative programs in the municipality.
The event concluded with a message of support and solidarity from Regional Director Ruben L. Cunanan, JD, of CDA Region IX. Director Cunanan commended the collaborative efforts that led to the formation of the MCDC and reiterated the CDA’s commitment to working closely with the LGU and other partners to promote the growth and sustainability of cooperatives in Olutanga.
Courtesy Call in Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay
Following the MCDC event, Director Cunanan, along with the CDA IX Zamboanga Sibugay Unit Office team, paid a courtesy call to the Mayor of Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay, Hon. Ardin “Alvie” B. Musa, Al-Hadj. The meeting focused on discussing the cooperative programs in the municipality and exploring potential partnerships between the CDA and the LGU of Alicia. The dialogue aimed at bridging stronger ties and ensuring that cooperative programs are effectively implemented and benefit the local communities in Alicia.
The establishment of the MCDC in Olutanga and the proactive discussions in Alicia underscore the ongoing efforts to strengthen the cooperative sector in Zamboanga Sibugay. These initiatives are expected to pave the way for more dynamic and resilient cooperatives that can contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the region.
by: Mr. Nursalim B. Simpal, CDS II
