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In Manila, the Network for the Development of Agriculture Cooperatives in Asia and the Pacific is set to hold its International Stakeholders Summit, bringing together cooperative groups and global partners to enhance collaboration in addressing food security, hunger, and poverty.

Speaking ahead of the event, NEDAC Vice Chair Virgilio Lazaga said the summit aims to strengthen coordination among agricultural cooperatives and international development institutions. The initiative supports the broader development agenda of the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., particularly in improving agricultural productivity and resilience.

Lazaga emphasized that collective action is essential to tackle persistent challenges, noting that stronger cooperation among nations and organizations is needed to effectively confront food insecurity, hunger, and poverty.

He also highlighted the Cooperative Development Authority’s “Koop Kapatid” program, which links large, financially strong cooperatives with smaller ones to build capacity and share resources. According to Lazaga, there are currently around 138 large-scale cooperatives nationwide ready to support smaller groups.

The CDA, he added, has approximately 13 million members across the country, with around 3 million engaged in the agricultural sector.

On the international front, Lazaga stressed the importance of translating commitments into concrete actions, urging member countries to move beyond discussions and implement cooperative-driven solutions.

He also called for increased government support for agriculture, particularly in infrastructure and post-harvest facilities, to help reduce losses among farmers.

The summit will gather key global organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization, International Labour Organization, UNESCO, and the United Nations Development Programme, to advance collaborative strategies for sustainable agricultural development.

NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR