Partnership and purpose converged as Abuyog Community College (ACC), in collaboration with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), successfully conducted a Cooperative Pre-Registration Seminar on March 11, 2026 at the Business Incubation Facility (BIF).

The seminar gathered representatives from various community organizations and associations interested in forming cooperatives.

Among the participants were members of Several Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) of Abuyog, Leyte, including Mahaplag, Leyte SLPA, the Young Entrepreneurs Society of Abuyog Community College (YESACC), and the Abuyog White Tricycle Operators (AWTO).

Institutional representatives from ACC and partner agencies also attended the activity, demonstrating a strong multi-sectoral commitment to community development and economic empowerment.

To begin the program, Dr. Asuncion M. Villote, Executive Vice President of ACC, emphasized the importance of cooperatives in strengthening communities and expanding economic opportunities through collective action.

She underscored that collaboration among institutions and grassroots organizations plays a vital role in creating sustainable livelihood initiatives.

Following this, Rose Pedere of DSWD delivered an inspirational message highlighting how cooperatives support the Sustainable Livelihood Program by fostering shared responsibility, financial inclusion, and long-term community development.

Meanwhile, the seminar’s resource speaker, Mr. Jesus Clyde F. Colis of the Cooperative Development Authority, provided an in-depth orientation on cooperative principles, membership responsibilities, and the legal procedures required for registration.

His discussion guided participants in understanding the structure and operational foundations necessary for establishing a cooperative.

Subsequently, the afternoon session shifted to practical application as participants began their online pre-registration process, with guidance from Mr. Colis and Ms. Marialyn Salamanca, ACC Records Officer and focal person for cooperative online registration. At the same time, participating groups mapped out their initial plans and next steps toward forming their respective cooperatives.

Ultimately, the seminar concluded with renewed enthusiasm among participating groups, including the Mahaplag Leyte SLPA, YESACC, and AWTO, who expressed strong interest in pursuing cooperative formation.

More importantly, the activity strengthened the partnership between ACC, CDA, and DSWD, reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing community livelihoods and promoting inclusive economic progress in Abuyog and neighboring communities.