The Provincial Cooperative Development Office (PCDO), with the full support of the Iloilo Provincial Government, took part as one of the convenors of the Region VI Cooperatives’ EduBiz Congress 2.0 held on October 28–29, 2025, at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel, Iloilo City.
The two-day event, themed “Cooperatives: Sustaining Excellence Amidst Challenges for a Better Tomorrow,” was organized by the Regional Cooperative Development Council (RCDC) in collaboration with the Iloilo City Cooperative Development Council (ICCDC), the Cooperative Development Authority Region VI (CDA-R6), and the Iloilo Provincial Employees Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (IPECMPC).
The congress brought together over 400 cooperative stakeholders from across Western Visayas, including barangay officials, members of Sangguniang Bayan, Panlungsod, and Panlalawigan committees on cooperative development, Cooperative Development Officers, and officers of primary and secondary cooperatives.
During the opening program, Atty. Arturo C. Cangrejo, Provincial Government Department Head of PCDO Iloilo, welcomed the participants and underscored the province’s commitment to advancing cooperative growth as a vehicle for inclusive development.
The sessions featured insights from national cooperative leaders including CDA Region VI Regional Director Dr. Antonio C. Escobar, CDA Chairperson Usec. Alexander B. Raquepo, and COOP-NATCCO Partylist Representative Hon. Felimon M. Espares, who served as the keynote speaker.
The afternoon session, Usapang Kooperatiba, focused on the Philippine Cooperative Development Plan 2025–2028, updates on the amendments to RA 9520 by Hon. Espares, and a discussion on “Heroism in the Cooperative” by S.G. Kim Robert De Leon of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.
The second day featured a Products and Services Forum with representatives from national government agencies including CDA, DTI, TESDA, DOST, BSP, DBP, LBP, RCBC, DA, DAR, and PCA, followed by the Regional Cooperative Whiz Contest (Cooperative Category) participated in by delegates from Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, and Iloilo City.
Through the participation of the PCDO and the Iloilo Provincial Government, Iloilo continues to play a key role in promoting a strong, empowered, and future-ready cooperative community across Western Visayas.
📷Provincial Cooperatives Development Office Iloilo
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