Continuing its nationwide regional roadshows, the Coop Chamber held the 13th session of its Regional Coop Chamber Assembly in the Ilocos Region, gathering more than 50 cooperative leaders for a day of capacity building and organizational development. The event took place at the Fiesta Garden Hotel in Bantay, Ilocos Sur.
Fr. Benjie Rullepa, Regional Governor and leader of Sta. Cruz Savings and Development Cooperative (SACDECO), warmly welcomed the delegates and guests, emphasizing the importance of unity and shared purpose among cooperatives.
Ms. Michelle Corro of the National Federation of Cooperative Primaries in the Philippines (NAFECOOP) presented an overview of NAFECOOP’s ongoing initiatives supporting the Coop Chamber’s mission. Atty. Wilma Binbinon from the Co-operative College of the Philippines shared her insights on strengthening cooperative identity and promoting resilience anchored in cooperative values.
Highlighting the government’s perspective, National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Division Chief Alfredo Antonio discussed current poverty incidence data and anti-poverty programs designed to uplift communities. Coop Chamber Secretary General Edwin Bustillos also shared proposed inputs from cooperatives for inclusion in the Philippine Development Plan, which is currently under review by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development.
In support of regional development planning, DEPDev Regional Office I – Ilocos provided cooperatives with a matrix template to collect feedback and recommendations for integration into the regional development agenda.
Delivering the keynote message, Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Chairperson Alex Raquepo underscored the CDA’s initiatives to address critical issues facing cooperatives and its commitment to advancing cooperative sustainability nationwide. In his closing remarks, Coop Chamber Chairperson Noel Raboy highlighted the Chamber’s vital role in resolving sectoral challenges and empowering cooperatives through collaboration, solidarity, and adherence to universal cooperative principles.
The assembly culminated with the election of the Ilocos Region’s new Council of Leaders:
- Regional Governor: Sta. Cruz Savings and Development Cooperative
- Regional Vice Governor: Bayanihan Hundred Islands Agrarian Reform Cooperative
- Regional Secretary: Suyo Multipurpose Cooperative
- Regional Treasurer: San Basilio Multipurpose Cooperative
Regional Council Members:
- Alilem Multi-Purpose Cooperative
- Free Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative
- Saytan Savings and Credit Cooperative
- Sto. Domingo Development Cooperative
- Sugpon Multipurpose Cooperative
With this strong leadership team and renewed commitment to capacity building, the Coop Chamber and Ilocos Region cooperatives are poised to advance sustainable development and inclusive economic growth in the region.
