Colombo, Sri Lanka —The Philippines proudly marks its presence on the global cooperative stage as the 17th International Cooperative Alliance Asia-Pacific (ICA-AP) Regional Assembly officially opens in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Representing the country with unity and purpose, the Philippine delegation showcases the strength, commitment, and continued growth of its cooperative sector. At the forefront of the delegation is CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative, led by Chairperson Father Elmo Manching and President/CEO Noel Raboy. Joining them is a distinguished roster of leaders including Board Members Congressman Rico Geron and Marlene Sindayen, Coop College CEO Donna Dizon, CIMAC CEO Bernadeth Bernadas, and SG Edwin Bustillos. Beyond CLIMBS, the Philippines is well represented through allied cooperative organizations, including NAFECOOP, Coop College, Coop Chamber, NATCCO Network, Agri-CoopH, NCCB, VICTO, ULSCC, 1CISP, and ACDI. Their combined presence demonstrates the country’s collective commitment to amplifying the cooperative identity in the region. Strengthening International Partnerships The Philippine delegation is also participating in a strategic seminar facilitated by ICA-AP. This engagement serves as a pivotal platform to reflect on emerging global challenges, exchange insights, and explore new pathways to strengthen cooperative governance, resilience, and sustainability across sectors. The event was further distinguished by the presence of ICA-AP President Dr. Chandrapal Singh Yadav and Regional Director Mr. Balasubramanian “Balu” Iyer. The CLIMBS Board and top management held fruitful discussions with these leaders—an opportunity that strengthened international collaboration and opened doors for future cooperative initiatives. Moving Forward With Purpose Through participation in this assembly, the Philippine cooperative movement affirms its role in advancing inclusive development, financial resilience, and grassroots empowerment. By learning from global best practices and fostering meaningful partnerships, Filipino cooperatives continue to enhance their capacity to serve members, strengthen governance, and drive community-led development. As the Assembly unfolds, the delegation remains committed to contributing actively to discussions, exchanging perspectives, and championing the values of cooperation—solidarity, equity, democracy, and shared prosperity.
