ICOPED Director Karen Custodio Elected Secretary at STaRCDC General Assembly, Institute Presents Achievements and Future Plans

The Institute of Cooperatives and Bio-Enterprise Development (ICOPED) Director Karen Q. Custodio and University Extension Specialist Adriann M. Quilloy attended the General Assembly Meeting of the Southern Tagalog Regional Cooperative Development Council (STaRCDC) on May 15, 2024 at the Convention Center of the Provincial Capitol of Lucena City, Quezon. 

As a member of STaRCDC, ICOPED presented its recent accomplishments and plans to the Council. The Institute’s recent achievements included successful training activities, youth leadership and enterprise development programs, and cooperative and bio-enterprise development research projects. ICOPED’s plans for this year focus on expanding these initiatives and enhancing the overall impact of cooperative activities in the Philippines. 

The meeting also saw the election of new officers, with Director Custodio elected as the new Secretary of the Council. Ms. Celia Atienza (PCLEDO Batangas) is the Chairperson, and Mr. Gener Abordo (Tayabas CDO) is the new Vice Chairperson, replacing ICOPED’s former Director, Liezel Cruz. Other officers include Ms. Geraldine Tiamson (TAGCODEC) as the Treasurer and Mr. Adonis Calimlim (Rizal PCDC) as the Auditor. The election of new officers is expected to bring fresh perspectives and renewed vigor to the Council's efforts in fostering cooperative growth and development.

STaRCDC is a multi-sectoral body created to provide a system for policy consultation and coordination of cooperative programs and projects at the national, regional, provincial, city, and municipal levels under the supervision of the Cooperative Development Authority. ICOPED has a longstanding relationship with STRCDC and continues collaborating with them to advance the Philippine cooperative movement. This collaboration has been instrumental in implementing various initiatives to strengthen cooperative enterprises.

(YMLDizon & KQCustodio)