The Northern Iloilo State University (𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐔) and the Cooperative Development Authority (𝐂𝐃𝐀) formally 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝐌𝐎𝐀) on September 23, 2025, at the Mini-Theater, NISU Main Campus, solidifying a partnership that positions the university as a recognized Training of Trainers provider for CDA’s accredited Training Provider Program. Under the agreement, NISU will establish a pool of resource speakers, provide training facilities, and reproduce learning materials to effectively deliver cooperative education and capacity-building initiatives.

 

𝐃𝐢𝐫. 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐨 𝐂. 𝐄𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐫, Regional Director of CDA Region VI, opened the ceremony by highlighting the timeliness of the collaboration. “Nowadays, the cooperatives are already aging; that is why we must educate our students,” he said, emphasizing that the partnership would enable NISU to help CDA in accrediting new micro and small cooperatives by training future trainers, which is an important step toward a strong and lasting partnership.

 

 

Representing University President Dr. Bobby D. Gerardo, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐆𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐚 𝐄. 𝐃𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐦𝐚 lauded the milestone, calling it a visionary step toward empowering the cooperative sector. “The signing of this Memorandum of Agreement between NISU and CDA symbolizes not only a partnership but also a vision—one that seeks to transform knowledge into action, and training into meaningful service,” she stated. She reaffirmed NISU’s commitment to extend its academic resources, research expertise, and community engagement programs in support of cooperative development and nation-building.

 

Meanwhile, 𝐂𝐃𝐀 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐦 𝐀. 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐥𝐚, in his message, underscored the broader impact of the partnership. “Nakakainspire na magkakasama tayo sa ganitong mahalagang okasyon. Ang MOA Signing na gagawin natin ngayon ay hindi lang simpleng dokumento, isa itong partnership na magbubukas ng mas maraming oportunidad para sa ating mga kooperatiba,” he said. He further connected the partnership to the vision articulated in the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, stressing that strengthening cooperatives is vital in advancing socio-economic development and ensuring a peaceful and prosperous life for every Filipino.

 

Also in attendance were Dr. Larry S. Deysolong, Vice President for Research and Extension, together with other NISU officials, and Atty. Roumelia B. Alpasán-Base, CDA Assistant Regional Director, along with other CDA officials who witnessed the ceremonial signing.

 

The event marked a significant step toward building a sustainable cooperative movement in the country, where NISU and CDA jointly work to harness education, training, and partnership as catalysts for progress and inclusive development.