Cooperative leaders from across Caraga Region came together this weekend for the Caraga Regional Assembly, convened by the Coop Chamber at the Red Palm Suites and Restaurant in Butuan City. The event brought together representatives of cooperatives spanning agriculture, credit and finance, consumers, public utilities, and multipurpose clusters.
Now on its 10th session, the Assembly was co-sponsored by the National Federation of Cooperative Primaries in the Philippines (NaFeCoop) and centered on the theme “Sustaining the Gains and Advancing the Coop Agenda for a Better World.”
The program commenced with opening remarks by Caraga Regional Governor Rolando Arquion of the BAUG CARP Beneficiaries Multipurpose Cooperative, who emphasized the importance of unity and continuity in strengthening the cooperative movement across the region.
Ms. Antonette Fabrigas of NaFeCoop shared insights on the growing partnership between the Coop Chamber and the federation, highlighting how this complementation is vital in building a pathway for cooperatives to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable society.
During the capacity-building sessions, Mr. Ruel Arsua of the Co-operative College of the Philippines discussed the fundamental principles and values that define the cooperative identity, underscoring their relevance in today’s economic landscape.
Assistant Secretary Mary Rose Villaflor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission presented the latest poverty statistics and shared the agency’s initiatives anchored on a whole-of-nation approach to poverty reduction. DEPDev Caraga Senior Economic Development Specialist Amethyst Joy Galos outlined the Regional Development Plan and identified opportunities for cooperatives to play a more active role in regional growth.
In an inspirational address, Coop Chamber Chairperson Noel Raboy highlighted the Chamber’s advocacy for good governance, sound policy development, and the recognition of cooperatives as essential instruments for economic development. He also stressed the importance of institutionalizing the cooperative vote as part of a vision to empower cooperatives and their members.
Secretary General Edwin Bustillos initiated a dialogue on cooperative inputs to the Philippine Development Plan, outlining key recommendations for inclusion during the Plan’s midterm review. Executive Director Bryan Villasana provided an overview of the Coop Chamber and updates on its executive and legislative agenda, further encouraging cooperatives to engage in shaping policies that impact the sector.
As part of its organizational strengthening, the Assembly elected the Council of Leaders, who will serve for the next three years:
- Regional Governor: BAUG CARP Beneficiaries Multipurpose Cooperative
- Regional Vice Governor: PERA Multipurpose Cooperative
- Regional Secretary: ALIPAO Multipurpose Cooperative
- Regional Treasurer: SOCORRO Empowered Peoples Multipurpose Cooperative
- Regional Council Members:
- Taligaman Beneficiaries Agrarian Reform Cooperative
- Bitan Agan Farmers Agriculture Cooperative
- LEND Multipurpose Cooperative
- Dolumat Transport Cooperative
- Diversified Agribusiness Farmers Agriculture Cooperative
The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to cooperation, solidarity, and shared purpose in advancing the welfare of cooperatives and the communities they serve.
