Cooperatives have not just become a path towards economic progress, they have also become a path towards peace.
That was the assertion of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) as it shared to members of local media in Laguna province its accomplishments during the recent “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” forum of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) last December 3.
During the forum, the CDA, along with former members of the New People’s Army, shared how forming cooperatives has played a vital role in implementing the government’s continued campaign to curb Communist insurgency in the province.
One of these rebel returnees was Raffy Baylosis, chairperson of the Pinagsamang Lakas at Maunlad na Consumer’s Cooperative (PLMCC), who returned to the government fold in 2020.
With the assistance of the 2nd Civil-Military Operations Battalion, Philippine Army, and the CDA, he and 20 other FRs—19 men and two women—established the PLMCC, officially registered in June 2024.
Through the CDA’s "Koop Kapatid" program, the PLMCC received a P200,000 cash grant from Genesis Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative to launch a community "sari-sari" store in Pulong Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa City.
This initiative reflects the CDA’s commitment to creating robust support systems for cooperative growth and development.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 4A (Calabarzon) further supported the group by providing P479,000 worth of materials and equipment for bread, sardine, and jam production.
The cooperative's members also received specialized training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), equipping them with the skills to thrive in their new endeavors.
The PLMCC is also exploring future opportunities, including a bid to manage the employee canteen at Coca-Cola.
Baylosis expressed optimism for the future and encouraged others still involved in armed conflict to consider similar opportunities.
"I urge my former colleagues in the underground movement to abandon the futile struggle and embrace the abundant opportunities provided by the government to lead peaceful and productive lives with their families," Baylosis said.
Meanwhile, CDA Calabarzon Regional Director Salvador Valeroso highlighted the broader impact of these initiatives.
He said four cooperatives, comprising indigenous peoples, former rebels, and other marginalized communities, have been formed under the CDA’s program across the region. These groups have received technical and financial support from relevant agencies to foster socio-economic recovery.
“These efforts integrate former rebels and indigenous peoples into the cooperative movement, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to local development,” Valeroso said.
(With report from PNA)
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