With a shared vision of strengthening Cavite’s cooperative movement and sharpening its readiness for the opportunities of the coming years, the Provincial Government of Cavite (PGC), through the Office of the Provincial Cooperatives Development Officer (OPCDO), successfully convened the Cavite Cooperative Sector Convergence on the Alignment of Programs with the Philippine Cooperative Development Plan (PCDP) 2025–2028 on December 2, 2025, at the Dencito Campana Hall, City Hall of General Trias.
In partnership with the Imus Cooperative Federation and the Carmona Smart City Union Cooperative, the convergence gathered leaders, development officers, unions, federations, and partner agencies for a comprehensive and forward-looking discussion on harmonizing Cavite’s cooperative initiatives with national strategic priorities.
Setting the tone for unity and shared purpose, the Cooperative Pledge was led by Mr. Jose Arnel Castillo, CDS II of CDA Region IV-A. This was followed by warm and encouraging welcome remarks from Ms. Myrachel P. Cuadra, Officer-in-Charge of OPCDO, who underscored the province’s commitment to inclusive and responsive cooperative development.
Representing Mayor Luis “Jonjon” Ferrer, Atty. Alexander Abraham Colina delivered a message of support, affirming the City Government of General Trias’ strong backing for capacity-building initiatives that empower the cooperative sector.
To establish a common understanding of the day’s objectives, Ms. Dianne April V. Matel, Senior Cooperative Development Specialist, presented an insightful overview of the activity. The highlight of the morning was the presentation of the Philippine Cooperative Development Plan 2025–2028 by Ms. Mylene Datingaling, CDS II, CDA Region IV-A, who walked participants through the 11 Strategic Priority Areas, including policy formulation, talent and human capital development, financial sustainability, innovation, resiliency, and value chain participation. Her detailed discussion helped participants appreciate how these priorities can serve as the blueprint for a more agile and future-proof cooperative sector.
The open forum, moderated by Mr. Generoso F. Ramos Jr., City Cooperative Development Officer of Imus, opened the floor for clarifications and dynamic exchanges, further enriching the participants’ grasp of the PCDP.
The convergence deepened its collaborative spirit through two capability-enhancing workshops facilitated by Mr. Ramos. The first tackled the Alignment of Cooperative Programs with the PCDP Strategic Priorities, with participants grouped by sector—LGUs/CDOs, Unions and Federations, CDA, and PCDC. The workshop allowed stakeholders to identify key challenges, opportunities, and alignment actions, culminating in the presentation of sector outputs.
The second workshop focused on crafting the Cavite Cooperative Sector Alignment Matrix, paving the way for a unified provincial roadmap anchored on the PCDP. The synthesis and presentation of the consolidated alignment plan was led by Ms. Matel, who highlighted the cooperative sector’s shared direction moving forward.
In a symbolic affirmation of partnership and commitment, participants took part in a Commitment Signing and Pledge of Support, signaling their readiness to collaborate toward a stronger Cavite cooperative community.
Closing the convergence with an empowering message, Mr. Ismael Fampula, PCDS, CDA Region IV-A, commended the proactive efforts of Cavite cooperatives and encouraged continued synergy in implementing aligned, impactful, and sustainable programs.
With strengthened linkages, informed perspectives, and a united vision, the Cavite cooperative sector leaves the convergence more equipped—and more determined—to champion inclusive growth across the province. (R. Dones)