FARMERS’ ASSOCIATION CONVERSION TO COOP BEGINS

In line with the President’s Presidential Directive No. PBBM 2024-1133 dated 13 August 2024, directing the Department of Agriculture (DA) to collaborate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in strengthening coordination and engagement with Local Government Units (LGUs) in the development of Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs), the Department of agriculture, Regional Office Cordillera in collaboration with the  Cooperative Development Authority, Cordillera Extension office through its field office in the Province of Kalinga, conducted on January 29, 2026 at Appas Gymnasium, Tabuk City, a cooperative information drive aimed at orienting and informing various farmers’ associations on the benefits of cooperatives as an economic and social enterprises with the end in view of transforming the various DA assisted farmers and fisherfolks associations into cooperative under the auspices of RA 9520.

Ms May Lawagan Bumatay, CDS II assigned for the Province of Kalinga, extensively discussed the salient provisions of the cooperative law, RA 9520, the requirements for registration as well as the process of conversion from association to cooperative and the roles of partner agencies such as the DA, DILG, and LGUs in promoting and enhancing the viability and growth of cooperatives. The activity was attended by a total of twenty-eight (28) farmers’ associations from different municipalities in the Province of Kalinga. Through this initiative, participants gained a better understanding of cooperative principles, government support mechanisms, and the opportunities available to them upon becoming a duly registered cooperatives. Ultimately, the information drive aimed to promote stronger, more sustainable farmers’ organizations that can actively contribute to local agricultural development and economic growth in the province.

By: May L. Bumatay
CDS II- Kalinga