On December 16, 2024 at CDA Building, Longlong, Puguis, Benguet a significant milestone in cooperative development was achieved as representatives from SOCODEVI (Société de Coopération pour le Développement International), the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), and the GERC (Gender Equality Resource Center) convened for a collaborative meeting aimed at advancing shared objectives and fostering innovative solutions for sustainable development with regards coffee production in the Cordillera Administrative Region and Nueva Vizcaya.

The meeting focused on the following key objectives:

1. Enhancing Cooperative Governance: Discussions emphasized strengthening cooperative structures to ensure greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability in operations;
2. Promoting Gender Equality: The GERC highlighted strategies to integrate gender perspectives into cooperative development, ensuring equal opportunities and representation for women and marginalized groups;
3. Sustainability and Innovation: SOCODEVI presented initiatives to adopt sustainable practices and leverage innovative technologies within cooperatives to improve productivity and community impact; and
4. Capacity Building: All parties underscored the importance of providing training and resources to empower cooperative members and leaders, enabling them to address emerging challenges effectively.

The meeting showcased a collaborative spirit and mutual commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable development in the field of coffee production. Some key highlights include SOCODEVI shared insights from its global experience in cooperative development, presenting case studies of successful projects that have improved livelihoods and fostered community resilience.CDA on the other hand, outlined ongoing efforts to create a conducive regulatory environment for cooperatives, ensuring they remain competitive and aligned with national development goals.

This collaborative meeting between SOCODEVI, CDA, and GERC marks the first step in advancing cooperative development. By combining their expertise and resources, these organizations are poised to create impactful solutions that enhance community resilience, foster economic growth, and promote social equity. As these partnerships continue to evolve, their collective efforts will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in the cooperative sector. -FGF