The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) made a strong impression at the recently concluded DTI LEGIS20C: A Clear Vision for Trade and Industry, an internal consultation spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Liaison Office for Legislative Affairs (DTI-LOLA). Held last June 2, 2025, at the 1898 Hotel in Makati City, the event gathered key DTI Functional Groups and attached agencies to shape the Department’s Priority Legislative Agenda for the 20th Congress.
The consultation tackled legislative proposals anchored on national development priorities on innovation, MSME growth, consumer protection, and ease of doing business. LEGIS20C also reflected DTI’s inclusive approach by considering external inputs and legislative intelligence reports, with the aim of crafting policies responsive to the country’s evolving economic landscape.
Representing the CDA, the Legal Affairs Service, headed by Deputy Administrator Atty. Leah B. Banagui-Han, spotlighted the proposed revision of the CDA Charter as its flagship legislative agenda. The proposal seeks to modernize and strengthen the agency’s mandate and is envisioned to complement ongoing efforts in the 19th Congress to revise Republic Act No. 9520 or the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008. Notably, both the CDA Charter and the Cooperative Code were originally passed as “twin bills”—RA No. 6938 and RA No. 6939—in 1990, marking this reform push as both timely and historic.
In a moment of recognition, the CDA was honored with the Visual Impact Award for Best Infographic Poster, applauded for its clarity, engagement, and compelling visual presentation of trade and industry data. The CDA also emerged as a runner-up in four other major categories: Master Visionary Award (Best Presenter), Crystal Vision Award (Best Vision Board), People’s Vision Award (People’s Choice Award), and Visionary Excellence Award (Best Overall Presentation), further cementing its reputation as a forward-looking agency committed to impactful legislative work. The award-winning Infographic and Vision Board were crafted by Ms. Phoebe Tolete (Legal Assistant III), Ms. Kristine Celispara (Admin. Assistant III) and Ms. Pia Canlas (GIP Intern) of the Legal Division, whose creative efforts brought the agency’s legislative agenda to life.
Through its active participation in LEGIS20C, the CDA reaffirms its commitment to cooperative development and national progress in shaping policies not only with vision, but with the clarity, creativity, and conviction that the times demand. #
LD-005-2025-06-13
