IYC 2025: The Philippines celebrates the International Year of Cooperatives

The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), in partnership with the Philippine cooperative sector and the Quezon City Local

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Government, successfully launched the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) on January 31, 2025, at the Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC).

This significant milestone celebrated the enduring spirit of cooperativism under the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World.”

With nearly 5,000 participants from cooperatives nationwide, the launch began with a vibrant parade around the QMC. Dressed in white and blue polo shirts and waving flaglets, participants gathered at Liwasang Aurora for a Catholic Mass officiated by the Union of Catholic Church Cooperatives (UCC).

Rev. Fr. Anton CT. Pascual energized the crowd with the rallying cry, “Sigaw ng Kooperatiba, Kayang-kaya pag SamaSama,” reflecting the event’s spirit of unity.

Ms. Anabelle Espino, chairperson of the QC Union of Cooperatives (QCUC), led the recitation of the Cooperative Pledge. This was followed by a message of support from Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, who stated, “Nasa