Apayao celebrates Coop Month in Santa Marcela; 6 cooperatives across the province participated

Santa Marcela, Apayao- In observance of Presidential Proclamation No. 493 s 2003, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)-Apayao field office on Friday held the Cooperative Month celebration at the EKB gymnasium in Santa Marcela, participated in by six (6)cooperatives province-wide.

These cooperatives comprised Calayucay Agriculture Cooperative, Cadaclan Agriculture Cooperative, Casiggamman Agriculture Cooperative, Forward Better Imelda Agriculture Cooperative, Zimigi-ziwanan Tribal Council MPC, and Santa Marcela Rice Cluster Farmers Agriculture Cooperative.

With this year's theme, "Cooperatives: Stronger together today for a brighter Tomorrow," said celebration featured a Pre-membership Education Seminar for interested registrants in order to become eligible for benefits and interventions under the program.

CDA Legal Officer Atty. Ma. Lourdes C. Agmata, during her talk, informed participants the celebration was held to encourage public involvement and awareness about cooperatives, its significance in nation building, and its contributions to sustainable economic development. She mentioned that one of the major aims of the program is to invite more people to become coop members, especially those involved in agriculture in the localities.

She added that the program exists in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and LGUs, which centers on the growth and empowerment of local farmers, providing them with opportunities to enhance their livelihood which later contributes to the economic development of the community.

CDS Sean Ray Z. Ortanez said Santa Marcela Rice Cluster Farmers Agriculture Cooperative has already 582 members, while the others are yet to add more.

Parts of the event included awarding of interventions to cooperative beneficiaries, and Information Education Campaigns (IECs) from DA and NIA.

Meantime, Mayor Evelyn B. Martinez, represented by SAO Oscar Ramos, conveyed her gratitude to CDA's initiatives for advancing inclusive growth and promoting social development among cooperatives members.