The Cooperative Management Student Organization (CMSO) of the University of Northern Philippines, together with selected Bachelor of Science in Cooperative Management (BSCM) students and core faculty members of the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA), participated in the First Cooperative Youth Summit held at SM City Laoag on October 23, 2026, as part of the nationwide observance of Cooperative Month.
Guided by the theme, “Next-Gen Leaders for a Cooperative Future,” the summit provided a platform for young participants to enhance their leadership capabilities, embrace innovation, foster collaboration, and cultivate social responsibility while deepening their understanding and appreciation of the cooperative movement and its role in sustainable community development.
The UNP delegation was led by Dr. Melvin Laureta, Bachelor of Science in Cooperative Management (BSCM) Program Head, and included core faculty members Dr. Eileen Rose Quilon, Dr. Shareen Navarro, Ms. Illah Diva Faypon, Mr. Ralph Marren Buccat, and Mr. Michael Anthony Agustin. Their participation reflected the university’s commitment to equip future cooperative professionals with the knowledge, leadership skills, and values necessary to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the cooperative sector
The landmark activity was spearheaded by the Cooperative Development Authority in collaboration with the Mariano Marcos State University–College of Business, Economics and Accountancy, University of Northern Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Nueva Vizcaya State University, and Ilocos Sur Community College, highlighting the importance of inter-institutional cooperation in preparing the next generation of leaders for the cooperative sector.
During the plenary sessions, distinguished resource speakers shared insights on the principles, sustainability, and future of the cooperative movement. Dr. Patrick John Bello emphasized the human-centered nature of cooperatives, reminding participants that “behind every number are real people.” Dr. Divina Quemi presented the FACTS framework—Financial services, Agri-business and marketing, Capacity building, Tourism, and Social services—as key areas for sustaining cooperative institutions and expanding their community impact.
Meanwhile, Mr. Willie Jake Sib-at urged young participants to take an active role in cooperative leadership, declaring that they should be “leaders today, not someday.” He challenged the delegates to consider, “Who will lead our coops when today’s leaders retire?”—a call for youth involvement in leadership succession and the long-term continuity of cooperatives. Mr. Enrique, in turn, presented the CDA’s key programs and services, likening the cooperative movement to the coconut tree, known as the “Tree of Life,” whose different parts nourish and sustain communities. Together, the discussions highlighted the value of people-centered leadership, institutional sustainability, youth participation, and collective responsibility in building a resilient cooperative sector.
Demonstrating academic competence, teamwork, and leadership beyond the classroom, the UNP delegates showcased their knowledge and skills in the summit’s major competitions. Representing the university in the Battle of the Coop Minds, a challenging quiz competition covering cooperative history, laws, and management principles, were Renalyn Joy Alasaas, Christy Ann Joy Borce, Reden Tapuro, Shiela Mae Santella, and Jenny Gonzales.
Adding to the university’s achievements, the UNP Cooperative Management Student Organization (CMSO) secured second place in CoopConnect: Youth Sharing Session, where participating student organizations presented their best practices, programs, projects, and activities. The award-winning presentation was delivered by John Rhey Mabbun, Christy Ann Joy Borce, and Jay Jomar Paino. This recognition reflects the CMSO’s continuing efforts to encourage Bachelor of Science in Cooperative Management students to become proactive, responsible, collaborative, and future-ready leaders who can contribute meaningfully to cooperative development and community advancement.
The summit concluded with motivating messages from key institutional leaders, namely Mr. Hadjie Argel, CYS 2026 Project Chairperson; Dr. Errol John Valdez, BSCM Program Coordinator; Prof. Emil James Tanagon, OIC-Dean of the College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy; and Dr. Virgillo Julius Manzano, President of Mariano Marcos State University. They urged Cooperative Management students to embrace their chosen field with pride, challenge self-imposed limitations, and cultivate the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills necessary to advance the cooperative sector.
For the UNP delegation, the summit provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas, building connections, and learning from fellow youth leaders representing various institutions. The engagement broadened their perspectives on transforming classroom knowledge into concrete initiatives that encourage youth participation in cooperative development. The event ended on a spirited note, with participants uniting behind the rallying cry, “Laban Puso, Laban Para sa Kooperatiba!”—a testament to their shared determination to champion the cooperative movement.
