By Jerome Alangui-Muguet Polonio, Ph.D.
One Vision, One Mission through Cooperativism: La Trinidad Cooperatives Unite for Inclusive Growth and Stronger Partnerships
More than one hundred (100) cooperative leaders, officers, and members representing thirty-seven (37) cooperatives across the Municipality of La Trinidad gathered in a strong and unified convergence during the La Trinidad 2025 Cooperative Congress, held on December 15, 2025, at the La Trinidad Municipal Gymnasium. Anchored on the timely and unifying theme, “One Vision, One Mission through Cooperativism,” the Congress reaffirmed the vital role of cooperatives as engines of inclusive growth, community resilience, and participatory local governance.
The Congress came at a crucial period when cooperatives are increasingly expected to contribute to economic recovery, food security, employment generation, enterprise development, and social protection. As the recognized vegetable trading hub of the Cordillera, La Trinidad continues to rely heavily on strong, well-governed, and responsive cooperatives as key partners in uplifting farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, and communities.
Opening the Congress: A Call for Unity and Legislative Support-
The Congress formally opened with the Opening Remarks of Hon. Horacio Ramos Jr., Chairperson of the Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Cooperatives, who underscored the importance of unity, dialogue, and cooperation among cooperatives and government institutions.
Hon. Ramos emphasized that cooperatives are not merely beneficiaries of government programs but are strategic partners in local development, stressing that effective legislation, enabling ordinances, and participatory governance are essential in nurturing a vibrant cooperative sector. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Sangguniang Bayan to continue crafting and supporting policies that strengthen cooperatives and protect their members’ interests.
Messages of Support from Local Leaders:
In his Message of Support, Vice Mayor Hon. Guiller Galwan expressed the municipal leadership’s strong backing for the cooperative movement, recognizing cooperatives as pillars of grassroots economic empowerment. He highlighted the importance of sustaining open communication between cooperatives and the local government to ensure that programs and policies remain responsive to the real needs of members and communities.
Vice Mayor Galwan emphasized that cooperatives help translate development plans into concrete benefits for ordinary citizens, particularly farmers, workers, women, and small entrepreneurs.
Mayor’s Message: Cooperatives as Builders of Communities-
Delivering the Message of the Municipal Mayor, Hon. Rhoderick C. Awingan reaffirmed the indispensable role of cooperatives in the municipality’s development agenda.
“Cooperatives are not only contributors to our local economy; they are builders of communities. When cooperatives are strong, families are secure, livelihoods are protected, and development becomes inclusive and sustainable,” the Mayor stressed.
He further assured participants of the continued support of the Municipal Government of La Trinidad through enabling policies, capacity-building initiatives, and strategic partnerships with national government agencies, particularly the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).
State of Cooperatives in La Trinidad and CDA Updates:
An important highlight of the Congress was the Update on the Status of Cooperatives in La Trinidad, delivered on behalf of CDA-CAR Director Dr. Felicidad Cenon by her Senior Cooperative Development Specialist (CDS).
The update provided an overview of the number, types, and operational conditions of cooperatives in the municipality, emphasizing the importance of compliance, good governance, financial discipline, and active member participation. The CDA encouraged cooperatives to continuously professionalize their operations while remaining grounded in cooperative values and principles.
Strengthening Legal Support: CDA–LGU MOA on Legal Affairs-
This was followed by a comprehensive presentation and explanation of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Cooperative Development Authority and the Local Government Unit of La Trinidad, delivered by CDA Legal Officer Atty. Maria Lourdes Agmata.
Atty. Agmata explained that the MOA focuses on strengthening legal support mechanisms for cooperatives, particularly through:
· Sharing and strengthening the Mediation and Conciliation Committees (MCCs)
· Joint conduct of trainings and seminars on cooperative laws, governance, and dispute resolution
· Establishment of a Mediation Hub to provide accessible, timely, and cost-effective conflict resolution services
· Enhanced coordination on legal assistance, compliance, and preventive mechanisms to avoid disputes
She emphasized that the partnership aims to promote harmony within cooperatives, protect members’ rights, and resolve conflicts amicably—thereby strengthening the sustainability of cooperatives in La Trinidad.
Keynote Message: Provincial Support for Cooperativism-
Delivering the Keynote Message, Hon. Romeo K. Salda, Board Member of the Province of Benguet and Chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Cooperatives, highlighted the provincial government’s firm commitment to advancing cooperativism.
Hon. Salda stressed that cooperatives are critical allies in achieving provincial development goals, especially in agriculture, livelihood generation, and social inclusion. He encouraged cooperatives to continue working closely with LGUs and provincial institutions, assuring them of legislative support and policy backing at the provincial level.
Stakeholders’ Dialogue and Kapihan: Strengthening Voices and Partnerships-
A meaningful Stakeholders’ Dialogue and Kapihan followed, providing a platform for cooperative leaders, government representatives, and partners to exchange views, raise concerns, and propose solutions to pressing issues affecting cooperatives.
Key discussion points included access to markets and capital, capacity-building needs, regulatory concerns, inter-cooperative collaboration, and climate-related challenges affecting agriculture and enterprises. The dialogue reinforced the value of continuous consultation and participatory governance in strengthening the cooperative sector.
Closing the Congress: A Call to Sustain Collaboration-
The Congress was formally closed by Municipal Administrator Atty. Franco Bawang Jr., who commended the active participation of cooperatives and stakeholders throughout the event.
In his closing message, Atty. Bawang emphasized the importance of sustaining dialogue, institutional partnerships, and collective action beyond the Congress. He encouraged cooperatives to continue working closely with the municipal government and national agencies to translate commitments into concrete programs and lasting impact.
Moving Forward Together:
The La Trinidad 2025 Cooperative Congress was more than a gathering—it was a reaffirmation of unity, shared responsibility, and collective resolve. It highlighted that despite diversity in size, sector, and focus, cooperatives in La Trinidad are bound by one vision and one mission: to uplift lives, strengthen communities, and contribute meaningfully to inclusive and sustainable development.
As participants departed with renewed inspiration, the message was clear: through cooperativism, and by working together, La Trinidad can continue to move forward—stronger, more united, and more resilient.
Merry Christmas, and may cooperatives continue to keep going, keep moving forward, and keep soaring higher!
