Batangas co-ops chart three-year growth plan

LIPA CITY, Batangas — Cooperative leaders from across CALABARZON adopted a three-year strategic development plan during the 20th Southern Tagalog Cooperative Congress held at the Lipa City Convention Center from 7 to 9 October.

The Southern Tagalog Cooperative Development Council's Strategic Plan for 2026–2028 was presented and adopted at the conclusion of the gathering, which focused on strengthening cooperative institutions and expanding their contribution to regional economic growth.

The Batangas provincial government, which hosted the congress through its Provincial Cooperative and Livelihood Enterprise Development Office (PCLEDO), reported that it had extended P17.5 million in cooperative loan assistance from July 2025 to June 2026.

The province also provided P2.05 million in individual livelihood assistance during the same period.

According to the provincial government, Batangas has three cooperatives that have reached the billion-peso level, the highest number reported among provinces in CALABARZON.

Batangas also recorded the region's highest number of cooperatives issued Certificates of Compliance, the provincial government said.

Governor Vilma Santos-Recto emphasized the importance of pooling resources, knowledge and capabilities to strengthen cooperative organizations and expand their services to communities.

The three-day congress brought together cooperative leaders, local government representatives and national agencies to discuss institutional development, financing opportunities and stronger coordination across the sector.

Representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Science and Technology and Department of Labor and Employment presented programs supporting cooperative development.

Financing opportunities involving the Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines and Small Business Corporation were also discussed.

PCLEDO head Celia Atienza called for stronger cooperative development councils at the provincial, city and municipal levels, stressing their role in connecting local cooperative initiatives with national government programs.

The congress concluded with plenary discussions involving the Cooperative Development Authority and the adoption of the regional strategic plan.

The provincial government's 12 October announcement did not specify the plan's funding commitments, implementation timetable or measurable targets for individual provinces.

The adopted plan is intended to guide cooperative development initiatives across Southern Tagalog through 2028.