In a defining moment for the Philippine cooperative movement, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) planted the banner of Cooperativism on Pag-asa Island, Municipality of Kalayaan, Palawan—one of the most remote yet symbolically powerful corners of our Republic. On July 15, 2025, the CDA formally registered three pioneering local cooperatives, affirming that even in the farthest reaches of the archipelago, no Filipino shall be left behind.
Braving unpredictable weather and logistical challenges, the CDA delegation delivered more than Certificates of Registration—it delivered hope, dignity, and the promise of inclusion. The historic registration of the Kalayaan Fishermen Cooperative, Spratly’s Brave and Strong Women Consumers Cooperative, and the Kalayaan Government Employees Credit Cooperative signaled a milestone in the country’s pursuit of inclusive growth. These cooperatives were not merely created; they were born out of a collective aspiration for self-reliance and community empowerment.
Kalayaan Mayor Beltzazar “Billy” S. Alindogan expressed his heartfelt appreciation: “Mas ramdam namin ang kalinga ng pamahalaan sa inyong pagparito”—“We felt more the support of the government in your presence today.” It was a moment of profound resonance as local residents witnessed, perhaps for the first time, a national agency organizing and empowering them through Cooperativism.
CDA Administrator Asec. Santiago S. Lim, visibly moved by the momentous occasion, echoed the message of inclusion, declaring, “Ang diwa ng kooperatiba ay walang iniiwan gaano man kalayo”—“The spirit of Cooperativism leaves no one behind, no matter the distance.” This message captures the heart of the CDA’s mission: to reach even the most isolated communities and bring them into the circle of economic participation and national pride.
Research supports this mission. A landmark study by the U.S.-based Overseas Cooperative Development Council’s International Cooperative Research Group (OCDC-ICRG) shows that cooperative members, on average, enjoy significantly higher income levels than non-members across developing countries, including the Philippines. This underscores that cooperatives are not just community organizations; they are proven tools for poverty alleviation, resilience, and inclusive national development.
Joining the Administrator in this historic mission were CDA Board Member Asec. Virgilio R. Lazaga, Deputy Administrator Ray R. Elevazo, and Regional Director Alberto A. Sabarias. Together, they turned over the CDA Banner to the people of Kalayaan, symbolizing the start of a sustained movement for shared hope and socioeconomic progress in the West Philippine Sea.
Setting foot on Pag-asa is not just about geography—it is about fulfilling a sacred duty to free our fellow Filipinos from the shackles of marginalization. This marks the beginning of a national crusade for freedom—freedom from poverty, isolation, and neglect. The Nation must persevere in ensuring that every Filipino, no matter how distant, has access to opportunity, dignity, and a better quality of life.
The CDA now calls on other national government agencies to actively support the growth and development of these three newly registered cooperatives. Whether through technical assistance, access to markets, funding support, or infrastructure coordination, we must come together in the spirit of whole-of-government service. In so doing, we affirm our collective duty to uphold the dignity of our kababayans in the Kalayaan Island Group and empower them to thrive, not merely survive.
Let this serve as an enduring invitation to every Filipino: Join the cooperative movement. Be a builder of communities. Be a bearer of hope. Because wherever there are Filipinos, there must also be Cooperatives.
Editor’s Note: Delegation from the CDA-Head Office for this historic moment are: (1) ASec. Virgilio R. Lazaga; (2) ASec. Santiago S. Lim; (3) Mr. Ray R. Elevazo; (4) Mr. Lester John B. Molina; (5) Ms. Elvira E. Pasagui; (6) Mr. Jerome M. Abella; (7) Ms. Beatriz Samanta M. Castro; and (8) Mr. Edmon J. Yaco. For the CDA-Region IV-B Extension Office: (9) Reg. Dir. Alberto A. Sabarias; (10) Atty. Richard E. Ilagan; (11) Mr. Jefhtee R. Panganiban; (12) Ms. Marian A. Concepcion; (13) Ms. Roxanne Gayzee B. Santiago; and (14) Mr. Christian B. De Ade.
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