14 Graduates Empowered as Young Leaders and Entrepreneurs in ICOPED’s YLEAD Program Closing

Participants of the Institute of Cooperatives and Bio-Enterprise Development’s Youth Leadership and Enterprise Development Program graduated from the three-month program last May 30, 2024, at the ICOPED Auditorium, College of Economics and Management, University of the Philippines Los Baños. 

The ICOPED’s Youth Leadership and Enterprise Program, in partnership with the Federation of People’s Sustainable Development Cooperative (FPSDC), aimed to equip the youth with entrepreneurial and leadership skills to develop their enterprise. 


Dr. Maria Angeles O. Catelo, Dean of the College of Economics and Management, UPLB, opened the ceremony by encouraging the participants to be agents of social change and create a positive ripple effect in their cooperatives and communities. This was followed by a message by Ms. Christie Rowena C. Plantilla, CEO of FPSDC, thanking all the people and organizations who made the program possible. 

Mr. Ernesto Lucky Blanco, president of the YLEAD Council, delivered an inspiring speech that motivated the youth to continue serving their communities with honor, excellence, service, and compassion. Entrepreneurs Mr. Ben Francia from Habilin Farms and Mr. Nick Loque from Dontog Technofarms were also invited to share their insights and experiences in developing an agricultural enterprise during the program.

Dr. Karen Q. Custodio, ICOPED Director, conferred the youth trainees for graduation on FPSDC, and the Federation accepted them. Fourteen (14) youth participants graduated from the program and represented their respective cooperatives from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. 

• Ms. Loren L. Jose 

          (Taloy Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative - Benguet)

• Mr. Isabelito B. Carpio 

          (Abra Diocesan Teachers and Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative - Abra)

• Mr. Harley Kevin P. Embido

          (Camote Creation Farmers and Entrepreneurs Multipurpose cooperative - Albay)

• Ms. Kamille C. Piñon

          (Federation of People’s Sustainable Development Cooperative - NCR)

• Ms. Chariz R. Cariaga 

          (Federation of People’s Sustainable Development Cooperative - NCR)

• Ms. Biatriz Jami Louis R. Villanueva 

          (Federation of People’s Sustainable Development Cooperative - NCR)

• Mr.  Arjay dR. Naungayan

          (Sacred Heart Savings Cooperative -  Ilocos Sur)

• Mr. Val Eldrich B.Gelizon 

          (Fatima Multi-Purpose Cooperative - Leyte)

• Ms. Angela June I. Llanita 

          (Samar Multi-Purpose Cooperative - Samar)

• Ms. Jessa E. Alfanta 

        (Manuel Guianga and Sirib Growers and Employees Multipurpose Cooperative -          Davao City)

• Ms. Marielle Eve C.  Bargasa 

          (Self Reliant Multi-Purpose Cooperative - South Cotabato)

• Ms. Rejalyn A. Alabado 

          (Sta. Catalina Multi-Purpose Cooperative - North Cotabato)

• Mr. Jomar M. Dupende 

          (Integrated Livestock and Poultry Raisers Cooperative - Bukidnon)

• Mr. Ivan A. Emmanuel Pineda 

          (Sta. Catalina Credit Cooperative - North Cotabato)

Director Custodio officially closed the graduation ceremony by expressing her gratitude to the people behind the program, including ICOPED and FPSDC staff, and emphasizing its success. 

(YMLDizon & KQCustodio)