CDA Assistant Secretary Virgilio Lazaga, MD –BOD, Honored as “Champion of Cooperative Development and Public Service” by OFW KAKAMMPI
November 30, 2025 | Pasay City, Philippines In a powerful celebration of leadership, compassion, and service to the Filipino people, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Assistant Secretary for the Agri-Sector, Dr. Virgilio Lazaga, was awarded the prestigious “Champion of Cooperative Development and Public Service” recognition by KAKAMMPI (Kapisanan ng mga Kamag-anak at Migranteng Manggagawang Pilipino, Inc.) during a heartfelt ceremony held this November 2025 at Selah Pods, Pasay City.
The award stands as a testament to Dr. Lazaga’s exemplary leadership, steadfast dedication, and distinguished public service—qualities that have strengthened cooperative development nationwide while empowering communities, especially those directly impacted by migration, agriculture, and climate-related challenges.
A Champion for Filipino Communities
Asst. Sec. Lazaga has long been admired for his
vision of a cooperative-driven Philippines where every Filipino—especially
farmers, fisherfolk, and OFW families—has access to opportunities for
sustainable livelihood. His work in the Agri-Sector under the CDA has sparked the
expansion of climate-smart, community-based cooperatives that uplift local
economies while enhancing resilience in vulnerable communities.
KAKAMMPI
honored him not only for his administrative accomplishments but for his heart:
“His leadership reflects the spirit of bayanihan—building strong,
sustainable communities through collective action.”
KAKAMMPI: Empowering Filipino Migrant Families
Since 1983
Founded in 1983, KAKAMMPI is a pioneering
non-profit organization dedicated to serving Overseas Filipino Workers
(OFWs) and their families. At the event, the organization reiterated its
bold vision:
“To see the day that working overseas is a matter
of choice rather than necessity.”
Recognizing the urgent link between migration and
climate change, KAKAMMPI continues to expand programs that protect OFWs from
environmental vulnerabilities and socio-economic pressures.
Building Stronger Communities Through Programs and
Advocacy
During the ceremony, KAKAMMPI highlighted its
diverse and impactful programs:
- Child
Learning & Development Centers for OFWs’ children and vulnerable families
- Family
Wellness and Reintegration Programs
- Gender
Responsiveness Initiatives supporting women OFWs
- Economic
Reintegration through Micro-finance and Cooperatives
- Advocacy
& Case Documentation for labor rights and welfare
- Organizational
Development and Global Partnerships
These initiatives reflect KAKAMMPI’s commitment to
holistic support—addressing not only the economic but also the emotional,
social, and environmental challenges faced by OFWs.
A Shared Mission for an Empowered Filipino Nation
In his message, Dr. Lazaga expressed deep gratitude
for the recognition and emphasized the power of unity:
“Cooperatives
transform lives. When government, communities, and organizations like KAKAMMPI
come together, we build pathways where no Filipino is left behind.”
The event
concluded with a renewed call for collaboration—urging stakeholders, partners,
and the public to support programs that uplift OFWs, strengthen local
cooperatives, and build climate-resilient communities throughout the
Philippines.
Get Involved with KAKAMMPI
KAKAMMPI
invites the public and partners to join its mission by:
- Donating to sustain
climate-resilient and welfare programs
- Volunteering expertise and time
- Spreading awareness on the intersection of
migration and climate change
Through
collective action, the dream becomes real:
A future where Filipinos thrive—whether at home or abroad.
Congratulations once more to CDA Assistant
Secretary Virgilio Lazaga, MD-BOD
a true Champion of Cooperative Development and Public Service.
