02/10/2026
CDA OPENS COOPERATIVE MONTH 2026 WITH STATE OF THE COOPERATIVE ADDRESS AND CDA EKSPO
QUEZON CITY — The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) officially opened the National Cooperative Month 2026 on October 01, 2026, gathering key leaders, government representatives, and cooperative advocates under the national theme, "Matibay na Kooperatiba: Nagkakaisang Pamayanan para sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran".
The grand opening commenced with welcoming remarks from CDA Board Member III, Assistant Secretary Abdulsalam A. Guinomla, followed by an inspiring keynote address delivered by Hon. Felimon M. Espares, Representative of NATCCO Partylist and Chairperson of the House Committee on Cooperatives Development. Highlighting the opening ceremonies was a special message from His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., reaffirming the national government’s commitment to empowering cooperatives as vital engines of inclusive economic growth and social transformation.
A central highlight of the afternoon was the State of the Cooperative Address (SOCA) delivered by CDA Chairperson, Undersecretary Alexander B. Raquepo. In his comprehensive address, Usec. Raquepo outlined the strong performance, strategic achievements, and future roadmap of the Philippine cooperative movement, emphasizing resilience, good governance, and enhanced member services.
The program also featured insightful discussions during the Koop Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas session led by the Deputy Administrator for the CDA Institutional Development Service (IDS), Mr. Ray R. Elevazo, together with the National Alliance of Cooperatives (NAC) President, MGen. Gilbert S. Llanto (Ret.), and the Chairperson of the National Cooperative Development Council (NCDC), Ms. Celia L. Atienza. The discussions centered on priority initiatives and directions of the leadership of NAC and NCDC.
The celebration gained further momentum with the formal opening of the CDA EKSPO: LIKHANG KOOPERATIBA 2026. EKSPO means Eksibisyon ng Kooperatiba, Sulong Kalakalan at Oportunidad, providing a venue for cooperatives to showcase and promote their products, creativity, enterprise capabilities, and local innovations. More importantly, the CDA EKSPO will help bring cooperative products closer to consumers, potential buyers, partners, and other stakeholders.
Wrapping up the official launching activity, Usec. Raquepo, together with the members of the CDA Board, MGen. Llanto, Ms. Atienza, and Dr. Quemi, officially declared the formal opening of Cooperative Month 2026, joined by 250 cooperative leaders and members present.
CDA Board Member III, ASec. Jesus Ferdinand P. Ortega, delivered a heartfelt closing message where he emphasized the importance of unity, cooperation, and collective action in strengthening communities. Asec. Ortega encouraged everyone to continue embracing the cooperative spirit and working together toward a stronger and more inclusive community.
As Cooperative Month 2026 unfolds across all regions, the CDA invites all cooperatives and stakeholders to participate actively in the month's festivities, trade fairs, and capability-building programs aimed at fostering a stronger, united cooperative movement.
