The Cooperative Development Authority – Cordillera Administrative Region Extension Office (CDA – CAR EO), under the leadership of Acting Regional Director Felicidad R. Cenon, PhD., successfully held the culminating activity of the 2026 Global Money Week (GMW) Celebration on March 20, 2026, at the Fortune Hongkong Seafood Restaurant in Baguio City.
Graced by CDA Board Chairperson Undersecretary Alexander B. Raquepo, the event was organized by the Authority’s Credit Surety Fund Section (CSFS) in partnership with the Cordillera Administrative Region Cooperative Union (CARCU). It brought together youth representatives from laboratory cooperatives across the Cordilleras, alongside their respective guardian cooperatives, as well as primary cooperatives planning to establish their own laboratory cooperatives.
The participating cooperatives in the GMW 2026 Culminating Activity included:
- Abra Diocesan Teachers and Employees Multipurpose Cooperative
- Baguio-Benguet Community Credit Cooperative
- BAVESCO Laboratory Cooperative
- Bokod Sulphur Spring Multipurpose Cooperative
- Central Kapangan Multipurpose Cooperative
- Cordillera Administrative Region Cooperative Union
- Cordillera Administrative Region Credit Cooperative
- Laboratory Cooperative of All Saints Credit Cooperative
- Laboratory Cooperative of Moog Baguio Credit Cooperative
- Marie Eugenie Cooperative Development Center
- Taloy Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Laboratory Cooperative
- Thanksgiving Multipurpose Laboratory Cooperative
In his message to the youth participants, USec. Raquepo highlighted the vital role of young leaders from laboratory cooperatives, emphasizing that their experiences serve as a dynamic training ground, preparing them for more active and meaningful involvement in their respective guardian cooperatives. He also encouraged guardian cooperatives to view their young members not as passive observers, but as engaged stakeholders whose energy and ideas are crucial to the cooperative movement. The meaningful participation he envisions signals a new era for cooperatives – one where the energy of youth is harmonized with the experience of veteran members, driving growth, resilience, and sustainability even in the face of change and challenges.
The activity also featured a concise yet highly engaging seminar-workshop on Financial Literacy and Leadership for the youth participants, facilitated by Ms. Maribel S. Pasngadan, Manager of the Moog-Baguio Credit Cooperative and an Accredited Trainer from CARCU. Aligned with the mission of Global Money Week to promote financial awareness among youth, the session provided a dynamic platform to underscore the importance of financial literacy, responsible money management, and leadership development. Participants actively engaged in discussions, workshops, and interactive activities, equipping themselves with practical knowledge and skills for informed financial decision-making. Members from the guardian cooperatives also shared valuable guidance, reinforcing the lessons learned and fostering a collaborative environment where experience meets youthful energy.
After presenting their outputs, Ms. Pasngadan commended the participants for surpassing expectations, noting that they had nearly presented full-fledged business plans – reflecting the competence and skills they have developed.
A highlight of the event was the sharing of testimonials and experiences by Ms. Bhea Laura Tictic of BAVESCO Laboratory Cooperative and Mr. Leo Escalona of the Laboratory Cooperative of Moog-Baguio Credit Cooperative. Their stories showcased their journeys toward financial empowerment and personal growth, underscoring the pivotal role of cooperatives in nurturing financially literate, socially responsible, and future-ready young leaders.
Awards were also presented to the regional winners of the TikTok Video Making Contest and the Poster Making Contest. The winning TikTok entry was submitted by The Abra Diocesan Teachers and Employees Multipurpose Cooperative (ADTEMPCO), while the poster created by Ms. Kristine Cae B. Lucas of the ADTEMPCO Laboratory Cooperative was declared the overall winner. Both entries represented the region in the national competitions organized by the CDA Head Office.
In her closing message, Director Cenon emphasized the importance of sustaining financial education initiatives, particularly among the youth, as they are the future leaders of the cooperative movement. As the event concluded, she reminded participants that while Global Money Week 2026 was ending, its mission was only beginning. Director Cenon reaffirmed CDA–CAR EO’s commitment to advancing financial inclusion, ensuring that every young person in the region is equipped with the knowledge and tools to build a resilient and empowered future.
The successful conduct of the culminating activity marked a strong conclusion to the region’s observance of Global Money Week 2026, showcasing the teamwork of cooperatives and partner institutions in building a financially empowered community.
Assisting Director Cenon in the event were Mr. Julio B. Decaleng, CRITS Sr. CDS; Mr. Mark Erick E. Menzi, CDS II; Ms. Nellie C. Tanglib, CDS II; Mr. Jamshyd A. Galutan, CDS I; and Ms. Margie L. Lagenio, AA II. Their support helped ensure the program successfully achieved its objectives.
