10/06/2026
CDA, City Government of Imus, and iMUST Cooperative Federation Forge Partnership for 2026 LabYou National Conference
June 8, 2026: Imus City, Cavite โ A significant step toward strengthening youth participation in the cooperative movement was marked with the signing of a Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), the City Government of Imus, and the Innovative and Motivated United-Services for a Transparent (iMUST) Cooperative Federation during a ceremony held at the Imus City Hall on Monday.
The agreement formalizes the partnership of the three institutions in organizing and supporting the 2026 Laboratory and Youth (LabYou) National Conference, a nationwide gathering aimed at empowering young cooperative members and future leaders through education, leadership development, entrepreneurship, networking, and youth engagement programs.
The collaboration reflects the shared commitment of the CDA, the City Government of Imus, and the iMUST Cooperative Federation to strengthen Laboratory and Youth Cooperatives across the country. The initiative is aligned with the mandate of the CDA under Republic Act No. 11364 and the provisions of Republic Act No. 9520, which recognize the important role of Laboratory Cooperatives in instilling cooperative values among children and youth.
The Memorandum of Agreement was signed by CDA Chairperson Undersecretary Alexander B. Raquepo, Imus City Mayor Hon. Alex L. Advincula, and iMUST Cooperative Federation Chairperson Mr. Randy C. Sarinas. Witnessing the signing were CDA Board Member III and Head of the Education, Advocacy and Union Cluster Assistant Secretary Abdulsalam A. Guinomla, Provincial Cooperative Development Officer Myrachel P. Cuadra, City Cooperative Office OIC Sylvia C. Costante, and CDA R4A Dir. Salvador V. Valeroso.
The partnership seeks to enhance collaboration among government agencies and cooperative stakeholders in promoting youth cooperative development. It also aims to support the growth and sustainability of Laboratory and Youth Cooperatives nationwide by encouraging cooperative education, leadership training, and entrepreneurial opportunities for Filipino youth.
Under the agreement, the CDA will provide technical guidance, policy support, and nationwide promotion of conference activities through its regional and field offices. The City Government of Imus will assist in planning, coordination, venue arrangements, and stakeholder engagement, while the iMUST Cooperative Federation will oversee conference organization, participant coordination, registration management, and secretariat services.
One of the conference's highlights will be the showcasing of Imus City's successful Eskwela Kooperatiba Program, recognized as a model initiative in promoting cooperative values and participation among students and young people.
Expected participants in the conference include CDA officials and personnel, local government representatives, cooperative leaders, members of Laboratory and Youth Cooperatives, youth organizations, stakeholders, and members of the media.
Officials expressed optimism that the partnership will result in stronger institutional cooperation, enhanced support mechanisms for youth cooperatives, increased youth participation in cooperative development programs, and the successful implementation of the 2026 LabYou National Conference.
The MOA signing ceremony underscores the collective commitment of the participating organizations to cultivate the next generation of cooperative leaders and advocates, ensuring the long-term sustainability and continued growth of the cooperative movement in the Philippines. # # #
