Quezon City, Philippines | July 1, 2026 – The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) officially welcomed Assistant Secretary Jesus Ferdinand “Andy” De Perio Ortega as its newest Board Member III following his oath-taking and assumption of office held today at the CDA Head Office.
The oath of office was administered by CDA Chairman and Undersecretary Alexander B. Raquepo, marking another significant milestone in strengthening the Authority’s leadership in advancing the country’s cooperative movement. Following the ceremony, Assistant Secretary Ortega was warmly received by CDA officials, executives, and employees, who expressed their enthusiasm and confidence in his leadership.
In his inspirational message, Chairman Raquepo highlighted Assistant Secretary Ortega’s distinguished career in both the labor movement and public service, emphasizing that his extensive experience in transport governance, institutional leadership, and cooperative development will greatly contribute to the realization of the Authority’s strategic priorities.
“Assistant Secretary Andy Ortega brings with him decades of leadership, integrity, and genuine public service. His experience in building institutions, empowering organizations, and championing the welfare of workers and transport cooperatives makes him a valuable addition to the Cooperative Development Authority. We are confident that his expertise will further strengthen our mission of building resilient, innovative, and people-centered cooperatives across the country,” Chairman Raquepo said.
Assistant Secretary Ortega is a graduate of the University of the Philippines Manila and previously served as Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure of the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Before entering government service, he dedicated 35 years to Philippine Airlines (PAL) as a Flight Attendant while simultaneously serving for three decades as a labor leader of the Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (FASAP), where he rose from Union Representative to President. He likewise served as Chairman of the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC), where he played a key role in advancing the country’s transport modernization initiatives and strengthening transport cooperatives nationwide.
CDA Administrator Dr. Emmanuel Santiaguel likewise welcomed the newest Board Member and assured him of the full support of the CDA Management and its workforce.
“We are honored to welcome Assistant Secretary Ortega to the CDA family. The Management, together with all CDA officials and personnel, stands ready to provide our full cooperation and support as we continue working together to fulfill the Authority’s mandate of empowering Filipino cooperatives,” Dr. Santiaguel said.
In his acceptance message, Assistant Secretary Ortega expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended to him and reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to public service. He pledged to work closely and harmoniously with the CDA Board, Management, employees, and the cooperative sector in advancing programs and policies that will further strengthen the cooperative movement as a key driver of inclusive and sustainable national development.
“I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence bestowed upon me. I accept this responsibility with humility and a strong sense of purpose. I commit to working diligently alongside the CDA family and our cooperative stakeholders to ensure that we faithfully carry out the Authority’s mandate and continue uplifting the lives of our fellow Filipinos through cooperativism,” Assistant Secretary Ortega said.
The assumption of Assistant Secretary Ortega to the CDA Board further reinforces the Authority’s commitment to good governance, institutional excellence, and transformative leadership as it continues to promote cooperatives as vital partners in achieving inclusive economic growth, social equity, and sustainable development in the Philippines. Assistant Secretary Ortega will head the Public Utilities Cluster.
