Blog

Continuing on its ninth session, the Coop Chamber convenes the Western Visayas Regional Assembly today at the Smallville21 Hotel in Iloilo City.

This milestone event is co-sponsored by the National Federation of Cooperative Primaries in the Philippines, underscoring a shared commitment to strengthening and empowering cooperatives in Region VI.

The Assembly brought together cooperative leaders, managers, and advocates from across the Western Visayas provinces, providing them with an important opportunity to network, share experiences, and learn from leading resource speakers.

The program featured a capacity-building and cooperative development forum, with sessions led by:
✅ Mr. Ruel Arsua of the Co-operative College of the Philippines, who shared insights on cooperative education and strengthening governance structures.
✅ Assistant Secretary Joey Villaflor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, who discussed national policies and initiatives supporting cooperatives as vehicles for poverty alleviation and inclusive growth.

The Assembly was formally opened by Western Visayas Coop Chamber Regional Governor Mary Jane Ganarias, representing the Guimaras Brethren Multipurpose Cooperative. She emphasized the importance of collaboration, solidarity, and innovation among cooperatives in the region.

Coop Chamber Vice Chairperson Marlene Sindayen of Novadeci Cooperative provided an overview of the Coop Chamber’s history, mission, and organizational framework, highlighting the Chamber’s role as a platform for collective action and advocacy nationwide.

One of the highlights of the Assembly was the election of the Council of Leaders, who will serve as the coordinating body for the Western Visayas region. The elected leaders are:

• Regional Governor: Guimaras Brethren Multipurpose Cooperative
• Council Members:
  • Pandan Multipurpose Cooperative (PMPC)
  • Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus Multipurpose Cooperative
  • Caticlan Boracay Transport Multipurpose Cooperative
  • Antique Provincial Government Employees’ Multipurpose Cooperative
  • Iloilo Provincial Government Employees and Community Multipurpose Cooperative

In addition to the formal elections, the Assembly welcomed 22 newly-interested cooperatives who expressed their intention to join the Coop Chamber. It was agreed that these groups will first complete and submit the necessary documentary requirements before their membership is finalized and their representatives can be formally included in the Council.

This Assembly marks another significant step in uniting and capacitating cooperatives across Western Visayas, reaffirming the sector’s commitment to stronger collaboration, good governance, and sustainable development.