CDA Agri-Summit 2025 Kicks Off in Pampanga “ Strengthening the Agricultural Cooperative Ecosystem: Innovation, Integration, and Impact”
NPO
•
June 27, 2025
Angeles City,
Pampanga — June 26, 2025 — The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA),
through the Agriculture Cooperatives Sector led by Assistant Secretary Dr. Virgilio R. Lazaga, formally launched
the 2nd CDA Agri-Summit at the
Century Hotel, Angeles City, Pampanga. With the theme “Strengthening the Agricultural Cooperative Ecosystem: Innovation,
Integration, and Impact,” the three-day event from June 26 to 28 gathers
national stakeholders to reinforce the critical role of agricultural
cooperatives in achieving food security, rural development, and sustainable
agriculture.
The summit serves as a strategic response to
the President’s directive on food sufficiency and climate-resilient food
systems, emphasizing the need for policy synergy, inclusive partnerships, and
capacity building among agri-cooperatives across the country.
The opening ceremony was marked by the
official declaration of the summit by Asec. Lazaga, along with messages of
support from Pampanga Governor Lilia
Pineda, Rep. Elizaldy Co,
and Col. Himansu, Director of
NEDAC. A message was also delivered by Mr.
Jake Pineda, representing the Office of Rep. Co. Key highlights on Day 1 included a summit
overview by Deputy Administrator Ray
Elevazo of the Institutional Development Service, a keynote address
from CDA Chairman Usec. Alexander Raquepo,
and a presentation of resolutions and accomplishments from the 2024 Agri-Summit
led by Dr. Divina Quemi,
President of SAO, and Ms. Josie Villaver,
Supervising Senior CDS of PPDD.
The afternoon featured a series of
presentations from both government and private sector partners offering
valuable programs and services to empower agricultural cooperatives. Among the
featured agencies and speakers were:
- Agricultural
Credit Policy Council (ACPC) – Ronnel C. Olicia
- Philippine
Coconut Authority (PCA) – Jimbo Mallari
- Department
of Agriculture (DA) – ACEDS – Gary Dela Paz
- BB88
Advertising & Digital Solutions Inc. (RIFACoop-CCNPh-IPMAP) –
Henry V. Bayubay
- Agribusiness
and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) – Irish Ativo
- Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) – Gomel Gabuna
- Commission
on Climate Change (CCC) – Rye Montanes
- Philippine
Fiber Industry Development Authority (PHILFIDA) – Engr. Barcelona
- Sagip Saka
& Intellectual Property Office – Engr. Lars Lerry Panganiban
Each speaker outlined programs aligned with the summit’s goals, offering practical solutions and collaborative opportunities for agri-cooperatives.
The day concluded with an open forum, allowing
participants and stakeholders to reflect, ask questions, and engage with the
presenters in meaningful dialogue aimed at refining action plans and
strengthening multi-sector collaboration.
— NPO
News Team | Region III
