The Recognition Day brought together cooperatives, local government units, national government agencies, private organizations, and other institutions whose collaboration and support have helped advance the CDA’s programs and initiatives for cooperatives. More than a celebration, the event highlighted the value of sustained partnerships and collective efforts in strengthening the cooperative movement.
Republic Act No. 11364, or the Cooperative Development Authority Charter of 2019, was signed into law on August 8, 2019, replacing RA No. 6939 and strengthening the mandate and organizational structure of the CDA. The law expanded the CDA’s developmental, regulatory, and quasi-judicial powers and established it as the lead government agency responsible for promoting the viability and growth of cooperatives as instruments of equity, social justice, and economic development. Through RA No. 11364, the CDA was further positioned to work in partnership with the cooperative sector, government agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders in advancing a stronger, more responsive, and sustainable cooperative movement.
From Cooperative Leader to Regulator: A Journey of Commitment and Accountability
In his message to the partners of the CDA and cooperatives, Undersecretary Alexander Raquepo, CDA Chairperson, reflected on his journey from being a cooperative leader who once questioned CDA regulations to becoming a regulator, emphasizing that this experience deepened his appreciation of compliance, accountability, and the responsibility of cooperatives in handling people’s money. He underscored CDA’s continuing commitment to strengthening cooperatives and expressed that the Authority considers their development, trustworthiness, and success as part of its own success, while recognizing the vital support of LGUs, partner agencies, cooperative leaders, and the CDA family. As CDA celebrates its Charter anniversary, he called on everyone to build on the occasion as a springboard for more responsive and effective service to the cooperative sector, affirming, “Let this Charter anniversary be our springboard to deliver better, more responsive and more adequate services to the cooperative sector.”
Honoring a Constitutional Legacy for Cooperatives
One of the highlights of the ceremony was honoring the major contribution of one of the framers of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Dr. Florangel Rosario-Braid, who played an instrumental role in securing the inclusion of the word “Cooperative” in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, affirming the vital role of cooperatives as instruments of equity, social justice, and economic development. This landmark achievement provided the constitutional foundation for the advancement of the cooperative sector and paved the way for the creation and strengthening of institutions, policies, and programs that continue to empower millions of Filipinos. The award was received by Mr. Ferdinand Braid, the son of Dr. Braid.
Recognizing Legislative Champions of the Cooperative Movement
The event was also graced with the presence of Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and Congressman Felimon Espares, who were awarded as Supportive Legislators for their steadfast support and invaluable contributions to the CDA and the Philippine cooperative movement. Their support has significantly advanced policies and programs that strengthen cooperatives, promote inclusive and sustainable development, expand opportunities for cooperative members, and reinforce the vital role of cooperatives in nation-building.
CDA and LLDA Forge Partnership for Cooperative Development
The celebration also featured the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the CDA and the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), signed by CDA Chairperson Usec. Alexander B. Raquepo and LLDA General Manager Leopoldo V. Parumog. Through the MOA, the CDA and LLDA will collaborate in developing and implementing joint work plans concerning cooperatives in Laguna Lake, sharing relevant data and information, conducting periodic coordination meetings, promoting transparency and accountability, and ensuring alignment with national and local development plans.
The CDA recognized the following cooperative development partners, as follows:
Legislators
| Sen. Imee R. Marcos |
| Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go |
| Sen. Robinhood C. Padilla |
| Cong. Felimon Espares |
Former officers of the National Cooperative Development Council
| Lucia G. Furo |
| Dr. Gervacio I. Piator |
| Ms. Hilda F. San Gabriel |
| Ms. Leilani N. Babista |
| Atty. Socrates Villota |
Current officers of the National Alliance of Cooperatives
| MGen. Gilbert S. Llanto, Ret |
| Fr. Antonio Cecilio T. Pascual |
| Atty. Mickel Borigas |
| Engr. Sylvia Paraguya |
National Government Agencies
| Department of Trade and Industry-Supply Chain and Logistics Group (DTI-SCLG) |
| Procurement Service- Department of Budget and Management (DDM) |
| Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) |
| Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) |
| Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) |
| Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) |
Local Chief Executives
| Hon. Mayor Modesto M. Operania | Municipal Mayor
Urbiztondo, Pangasinan |
Region I
|
| Hon. Mary Clare Judith Phyllis Jose-Quiambao | Municipal Mayor
Bayambang, Pangasinan |
Region I |
| Hon. Aurelio M. Umali
|
Governor of Nueva Ecija
Provincial Capitol, Palayan City |
Region III |
| Hon. Ricardo I. Padilla
|
Municipal Mayor
Bongabon, Nueva Ecija |
Region III |
| Hon. Rosanno “Ronnie” C. Valencia
|
Municipal Mayor
Daet, Camarines Norte |
Region V |
| Hon. Shunn Frederick S. Davoco
|
Municipal Mayor
Basud, Camarines Norte |
Region V |
| Hon. Alexander Lo Pajarillo
|
Municipal Mayor
Mercedes, Camarines Norte |
Region V |
| Hon. Carl Jason Rama
|
Municipal Mayor,
Kiblawan, Davao del Sur |
Region XI |
| Hon. Emerson L. Luego
|
Municipal Mayor
Mabini, Davao de Oro |
Region XI |
| Hon. Khymer Adan T. Olaso
|
City Mayor
Zamboanga City |
Region IX |
| Hon. Judy C. Amante
|
City Mayor
Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte |
Region XIII
|
| Hon. Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun
|
City Mayor
Butuan City, Agusan del Norte |
Region XIII
|
Cooperative Development Officers
| Ms. Princess M. Fajilan | Municipal Cooperative Development Office | Region I |
| Mr. Mark F. Espino | Municipal Cooperative Development Office | Region I |
| Ms. Jona-Lee P. Gayla | Municipal Cooperative Officer-Bongabon | Region III |
| Lorna Mae B. Vero
|
Provincial Cooperatives Development Officer, PCEDO, Provincial Government of Nueva Ecija | Region III
|
| Mr. Ronnel C. Yu | Municipal Cooperative Development Officer | Region V |
| Mr. Marte O. Olagera | Municipal Cooperative Development Officer | Region V |
| Ms. Arsenia Ordiales | Municipal Cooperative Development Officer | Region V |
| Mr. Marjem S. Serrano | Municipal Cooperative Development Office | Region XI |
| Ms. Ma Helen Dumingsil | Municipal Cooperative Development Office | Region XI |
| Mr. Wilbert S. Ignacio | City Cooperative Development Officer | Region IX |
| Engr. Louiel C. Bulang | City Cooperative Development Officer | Region XIII |
| Kiesha Glaze N. Guimare | City Cooperative Development Officer | Region XIII |
Private organizations
| Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) |
| SM Prime Holdings Inc. |
| Société de Coopération pour le Développement International (SOCODEVI) |
Sustaining a Strong and Transformative Cooperative Sector
Dr. Emmanuel Santiguel, CDA Administrator, delivered the closing message, reaffirming the CDA’s mandate under R.A. No. 11364 and its commitment to developmental and collaborative governance. He highlighted the contributions of Cooperative Development Officers, local chief executives, partner institutions, and cooperative leaders, emphasizing that cooperative development requires shared commitment, sound regulation, and strategic partnerships. Dr. Santiguel urged stakeholders to sustain this collective effort and “continue building a strong and transformative cooperative sector.”
Other CDA officials and officers present were: Assistant Secretaries Luz Yringco, Vergel Hilario, Abdulsalam Guionomla, and Jose Ferdinand Ortega. Present also were Deputy Administrators Ray Elevazo, Atty. Ma. Lourdes Pacao, Atty. Elizabeth Batonan, and Atty. Leah Banagui-Han, together with Service Director Joselito Hallazgo. Other organizations, stakeholders, CDA officers, and personnel also attended the event.
You may view the photos during the event here.
