The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region 1 and Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Gina de Venecia met to discuss measures aimed at strengthening cooperatives and expanding economic opportunities in the district.

The meeting, held as a courtesy visit, was led by CDA Region 1 Regional Director Atty. Frederick Joe N. Robles. Discussions centered on programs that could help improve the capacity and sustainability of cooperatives through training, organizational development, and other support initiatives.

During the meeting, de Venecia said cooperatives should be supported beyond their formation to ensure they remain operational and financially sustainable while providing long-term livelihood opportunities for their members.

She also proposed integrating values formation into cooperative training programs, saying principles such as integrity, discipline, commitment, and social responsibility are important in sustaining cooperative organizations.

The lawmaker further suggested studying successful cooperative models in the Philippines and abroad, including Japan, to identify practices that could be adapted by local cooperatives.

The discussions also covered support for cooperatives representing farmers, fisherfolk, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women, workers, youth, and other sectors in the Fourth District.

The CDA is the government agency mandated to regulate and promote the development of cooperatives through policy implementation, technical assistance, and capacity-building programs.