21/05/2026
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐ฐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ
The Cooperative Development Authority marks another significant step toward strengthening the cooperative movement in Central Visayas following the successful meeting and election of officers for the Regional Cooperative Development Council (RCDC) Region 7 on May 19, 2026. This unites key stakeholders including the Local Government Units (LGUs), Partner Agencies, Secondary Cooperatives, and Cooperative Development Councils across the Region.
The activity was formally opened with a welcome message from the Chairperson of RCDC, who is also the Regional Director of the DSWD Region 7, Director Shallaine Marie S. Lucero. She underscored the vital role of the RCDC in advancing and empowering the cooperative sector. She encouraged council members to maximize the platform in delivering responsive programs and services for cooperatives while continuing to support CDA initiatives geared toward sustainable growth and development of cooperatives in the region.
A key highlight of the gathering was the presentation and discussion of Memorandum Circular 2022-03, otherwise known as the โGuidelines on the Structure, Organization, and Operation of the Cooperative Development Councils,โ facilitated by Ms. Gracia Nenita B. Banogon, Sr. CDS for CRITS. The discussion emphasized the legal framework, functions, and organizational structure of cooperative councils at the regional level. Participants actively exchanged insights on the roles and responsibilities of council officers, the importance of preserving the non-partisan nature of cooperatives, and the necessity of ensuring sustainable funding mechanisms for council's operations and programs.
CDA Region VII Regional Director Cristina H. Villamil expressed her appreciation to all participating agencies and organizations for their continued commitment to cooperative development. She also commended the Province of Bohol for achieving the complete designation and appointment of Cooperative Development Officers across all local government units, citing it as a model for other LGUs in the region. Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration among Provincial Cooperative Development Councils to further reinforce Cooperative Development Offices and Councils at the City and Municipal levels.
The activity also featured discussions on the Philippine Cooperative Development Plan 2025โ2028. The plan identifies resiliency, innovation, and advocacy as key strategic directions aimed at strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of the cooperative sector.
Another major highlight of the event was the election of officers for 2026-2028. Elected officials included Dr. Emedio L. Bustillo as Chairperson representing the Provincial Cooperative Development Council of Cebu Province, Dr. Juneth F. Miranda as Vice-Chairperson representing the Lyceum of Cebu (Academe), National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) as the Secretary, Lapu-Lapu Federation of Cooperatives (LCFC) as the Treasurer, and Mr. Raneiro Escultor as Auditor representing the RCO of EAU Cluster. Following the election proceedings, the newly elected officers formally took their oath of office before CDA Region VII Regional Director Cristina H. Villamil, signifying their commitment to advancing the cooperative agenda in the region.
The program concluded with a closing message from CDA Assistant Regional Director Gloria V. Barrido, who expressed gratitude to all attendees for their active participation and conveyed optimism for stronger collaboration and continued progress in cooperative development throughout the region.
Through strengthened leadership, inter-agency cooperation, and shared commitment, the RCDC Region 7 continues to pave the way for a more empowered, resilient, and progressive cooperative sector in Central Visayas. (SEB)