By Jerome Alangui-Muguet Polonio, Ph.D. 
As we stand at the threshold of 2026, we are reminded of the powerful words of ICA Director-General Jeroen Douglas: “We find ourselves at a historic crossroads. We are witnessing a tectonic shift in the global landscape: a move away from traditional multilateralism toward a fractured multipolarism. In a world where geopolitical regionalisation threatens to overshadow global unity, many feel the echoes of early warnings: a world where the ‘Force of Power’ seeks to replace the ‘Force of Law.’”
This message is not only a global call—it is a local one. For the cooperatives of the Cordillera region and the wider Philippine cooperative movement, it is a reminder that our strength lies not in power, but in values.
The Cooperative Spirit in a Changing World
The cooperative movement has always been rooted in solidarity, democracy, and shared prosperity. In times when global unity is challenged, cooperatives stand as living proof that communities can thrive when guided by principles rather than power.
Here in the Cordillera, cooperatives have long embodied resilience. From agricultural cooperatives that sustain livelihoods, to savings and credit cooperatives that empower families, to cultural cooperatives that preserve indigenous heritage—our communities have shown that cooperation is not just an economic model, but a way of life.
Our Values: The Foundation of Our Future
The decade ahead will test our resolve. As Director-General Douglas reminds us, the world is shifting, and the temptation to yield to the “Force of Power” is strong. But cooperatives must remain steadfast in their values:
· Democracy and Participation – ensuring every member has a voice.
· Equity and Solidarity – lifting each other up, especially the marginalized.
· Sustainability – protecting our land, culture, and future generations.
These values are not abstract ideals; they are the daily practices that make cooperatives the backbone of inclusive development in the Philippines.
Our Future: Building Together
2026 marks not just another year—it is the beginning of a decade where cooperatives can lead the way in shaping a fairer society. For the Cordillera, this means strengthening indigenous-led cooperatives, expanding access to cooperative education, and ensuring that cooperative enterprises remain resilient in the face of economic and environmental challenges.
For the Philippines as a whole, it means embracing the cooperative model as a national strategy for inclusive growth. Cooperatives can be the antidote to inequality, the bridge between tradition and modernity, and the safeguard of democratic values in uncertain times.
Our Decade: A Call to Action
This is our decade. A decade to reaffirm that the cooperative way is not just relevant—it is essential. A decade to prove that values can withstand the pressures of power. A decade to show that when communities unite, they can build futures that are just, sustainable, and hopeful.
As we move forward, let us carry the wisdom of ICA Director-General Jeroen Douglas with us. Let us remember that while the world may fracture, cooperatives can heal. While power may dominate, values can endure.
The Cordillera cooperatives, together with the Philippine cooperative movement, must rise to this challenge.
2026 is not just a year—it is the beginning of our values, our future, our decade.
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