Foremost, the Cooperative Development Authority would like to express our profound gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the Regional Consultation held last August 23-24,2017. More than 100 cooperative leaders from Regions I, II, III and CAR together with CDA, NEDA, local government units personnel gathered at the Fils Function Hall, Venus Parkview Hotel, Kisad Road, Baguio City for the Regional Consultation on the Crafting of the Philippine Cooperative Medium Term Development Plan. Selected leaders of top performing cooperatives were tapped that contribute; shared their experiences and thoughts on pressing issues related to the cooperative movement. The warm responses of the stakeholders show the journey towards unity and cooperation.
Highlights of the activity include Welcome Remarks and Rationale of the Activity by
CDA-CAR Extension Office Regional Director, Atty. Franco G. Bawang, Jr.; Presentation of the Sustainable Development Goals; Ambisyon Natin 2040; and CAR Regional Development Plan by NEDA Chief Economic Planning Specialist, Ms. Carmel P. Matabang; NEDA Region I Regional Development Plan by Ms. Mary Jane Cacanindin; NEDA Region II by Mr. Leomar Israel; and NEDA Region III Regional Development Plan by Regional by CDA Region III Director Marieta Hwang.
The National and Regional status of cooperative thru Cooperative Statistics was presented by CDA-Region I Director, Dr. Josefina B. Bitonio followed by ICA Blue Print, Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 by Administrator Mercedes T. Castillo and CDA Road Map by Director Marieta P. Hwang.
CDA Chief Planning Officer Teresita Leighlany T. Cariaso discussed on the Workshop Mechanics wherein the participants were divided into four groups namely: Agriculture and Agrarian Sector; Non-Agri/Non-Financial Sector; Service Sector and Financial Sector that discussed and produced outputs for inclusion in the PCMTDP.
The outputs were presented and enhanced through collaboration and comments by the participants, NEDA and CDA officials. Synthesis of the activity was delivered by CDA Region III OIC Regional Director, Mr. Artemio A. Guzman.
The activity culminated with impressions from NEDA Region II representative Mr. Leomar Israel and CDA Administrator, Dr. Eulogio T. Castillo that acknowledged the strength of cooperatives based on the statistics and outputs presented. They encouraged that cooperatives should exert effort to sustain and strengthen their operations to be at par with the ASEAN community. Atty. Renato T. Fernandez gave the closing remarks and extolled cooperatives for what they are doing including the hosting of consultations that help shape the future of cooperatives. In his parting statements, he envisions the possibility of the Philippines as a cooperative country.
Indeed, regional consultations serve as an avenue for people empowerment, data generation and opportunity to share related information. Sustainability can be attained when people consult, collaborate and cooperate through good communication.