The City Government of Isabela under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman through its City Cooperatives Development Office under CCDO Ahmad Tiplani and the Gender and Development (GAD) Unit headed by CIO and concurrent GAD Focal Mendry-Ann Lim, a Cooperative Pre-Registration Seminar was successfully conducted to empower community-based organizations. The activity gathered members of the Lampinigan Women’s Association, Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), Islander Farmers Association and Sumagdang Farmers Association for a full-day learning session aimed at strengthening local cooperative knowledge and practices on April 10.
The morning lecture was facilitated by CDS II Ryan C. Amilhussin of the Cooperative Development Authority IX. He shared valuable insights on the fundamentals of cooperativism, member roles and responsibilities, and strategies for sustaining community-led enterprises. Participants enthusiastically engaged in the discussions, particularly on how cooperative principles could be applied to improve livelihoods in their island community.
The afternoon session continued with CDS Amilhussin diving deeper into cooperative governance, transparency, and financial management. Interactive segments were incorporated to help participants apply their learning and share their own experiences and challenges.
This activity reflects Isabela City’s ongoing efforts to foster community resilience and sustainable development by strengthening grassroots organizations, ensuring that even the most remote communities are not left behind. (Words by R. Natividad-Sarael, CIO/Photos by A. Puti, IsaTV)
