Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Regional Cooperative Development Council (RCDC) IX convened its 2nd Quarter Meeting on June 9, 2025, at Sibugay Hotel, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss significant developments and upcoming initiatives for the cooperative sector in Region IX.

Cluster Head Benonie A. Galambao attended the meeting on behalf of Mario A. Baterna, contributing to the exchange of updates and strategies aimed at enhancing cooperative growth and sustainability across the region. 

Atty. Socrates P. Villota, CPA, Acting Provincial Cooperative Development Officer (PCDO) and Chairman of RCDC IX, delivered the welcome remarks, and was followed by the opening remarks of Hon. Richard D. Olegario, Vice-Governor Elect of Zamboanga Sibugay, who reaffirmed the provincial government’s support for cooperative-led community development.

A special message was delivered by Ruben L. Cunan, JD, Regional Director of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), who commended the council’s commitment and highlighted the CDA’s continued support in empowering cooperatives through policy, education, and innovation. 

Key agenda items discussed during the meeting included the post-activity report on the 5th Regional Cooperative Summit and the preparations for the upcoming 6th Regional Cooperative Summit. Updates and reports were also presented by various National Government Agencies (NGAs), each detailing their ongoing contributions to cooperative development. Additional matters relevant to the sector’s advancement were also addressed.

The meeting concluded with a call for stronger digital literacy among cooperatives and reinforced the value of sustained inter-agency collaboration to meet the evolving needs of cooperative members and communities.