Quezon City, Philippines — Organized by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), in partnership with the National Cooperative Development Council (NCDC), a National Convention of Cooperative Development Councils cum General Assembly Meeting and Election of Officers was conducted from July 21–22, 2026. The convention brought together key cooperative leaders, government representatives, and sectoral stakeholders to review major achievements, align strategic policies, and set the future direction of the cooperative movement.
The assembly opened on Day 1 with strong messages of leadership and unity. CDA Administrator, Dr. Emmanuel M. Santiaguel, stressed the importance of directly engaging Local Chief Executives (LCEs) and Local Government Units (LGUs) to secure greater operational and financial support for the CDCs. Dr. Santiaguel highlighted the enforcement of Republic Act 11535, targeting the establishment of full-fledged Cooperative Development Offices (CDOs) across all provinces, cities, and municipalities by 2027. Supporting this call, CDA Board Member, Asec. Abdulsalam Guinomla, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding local cooperative development offices as crucial hubs for community livelihoods. National Alliance of Cooperatives (NAC) Chairperson Retired Major General Gilbert Llanto and CDA Chairperson, Undersecretary Alexander Raquepo emphasized solidarity, noting that every cooperative member holds a voice in advancing a peaceful and united movement.
During the business sessions, CDA Deputy Administrator Ray Elevazo presented the roles and responsibilities of CDCs for cooperative development as stated in the Memorandum Circular (MC) 2023-06 titled Consultation, Collaboration, and Coordination Framework of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).
One of the highlights of the convention was the presentation of the proposed amendments to MC 2022-03, titled Guidelines on the Structure, Organization and Operation of Cooperative Development Councils (CDCs). The draft revisions aim to standardize the CDC hierarchy from the municipal up to the national level and strengthen policy consultation and program alignment across all tiers of government.
A summary of key accomplishments of the NCDC was reported by outgoing Chairperson Lucia G. Furo:
- Spearheaded the cascading and localization of the Philippine Cooperative Development Plan (PCDP 2025–2028) for integration into the LGUs’ 2026 Annual Investment Plans. Continually lobbied for the inclusion of the Cooperative Development Office (CDO) creation and cooperative metrics in the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) scorecards of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
- Represented the council in the Joint Technical Working Group (TWG) with the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), the Board of Accountancy (BOA), and the CDA to align with Philippine Financial Reporting Standard (PFRS).
- Hosted collaborative workshops and TWG meetings to conduct region-wide dialogues across Visayas, Mindanao, and Luzon for a unified cooperative movement.
- Promoted cooperative education and youth participation under the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) umbrella. Partnered with PUP, Ateneo’s Institute for Popular Culture. Proposed integration of Cooperative Education in school curriculum. Proposal for the CDA to lay groundwork for a Coop Museum and historical documentation.
- Served as a resource person for LGU-CDC formation at Provincial Cooperative Livelihood and Enterprise Development Office (PCLEDO) (March 2025). Active participation of NCDC leadership in the 2025 Cooperative Month Kickoff, presenter during the CDA National Gawad Parangal, and the TWG for Enhanced PESOS and STEPS (April 2025–June 2026).
Following the presentation of accomplishments, the body formally passed key resolutions:
- NCDC General Assembly Resolution No. 07-01 (s. 2026): Approving the adoption of the Philippine Cooperative Development Plan (PCDP) 2025–2028.
- NCDC General Assembly Resolution No. 07-02 (s. 2026): Enjoining CDCs at all levels—regional, provincial, city, and municipal—to advocate for the localization of PCDP 2025–2028 with LGUs and Regional Development Councils.
On July 22, 2026, the election of the NCDC Officers for the 2026–2028 term was conducted. Facilitated by Deputy Administrator Ray R. Elevazo, CDA Regional Directors Atty. Frederick Joe N. Robles, and Atty. Jovilyn M. Gaffud-Marquez, the Election Committee comprised representatives from CDA’s Cooperative Research, Information and Training Division (CRITD) represented by Ms. Cherryl Catrina B. Marders, Acting Chief and Chairperson of the Election Committee, together with Ms. Emme Grace P. Alverne and Policy Development Division (PPDD) represented by Mx. Maria Clarissa L. Salonga, as members of the Election Committee. For transparency and efficiency, the nomination and election took place during the assembly session. The newly elected NCDC officers for 2026–2028 are:
- Chairperson: Ms. Celia L. Atienza from RCDC Region IV-A
- Vice Chairperson: Fr. Anton C.T. Pascual from RCDC NCR
- Secretary: Dr. Hilda F. San Gabriel from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines
- Treasurer: Councilor Ann Marjorie N. Revelo-Cerro from RCDC IX
- Auditor: Mr. Margarito Modesto Margarico, Jr., from RCDC VI
As outgoing Chair Lucy Furo signed off after two terms of dedicated service, the CDA and NCDC reaffirmed their joint commitment to empowering grassroots cooperatives, advocating for vital legislation, and ensuring sustainable growth across the sector.
