CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cooperative leaders, delegates, partners, and stakeholders from across the Philippines and abroad gathered as CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative successfully held its 54th General Assembly on April 28–29, 2026 at Nustar Resort and Casino, Cebu City. Anchored on the theme, “Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World,” the two-day gathering served as a meaningful platform for collaboration, learning, and strategic direction-setting for the cooperative sector.
The assembly opened with an Educational Forum featuring respected local and international experts who shared insights on cooperative education, innovation, climate resilience, sustainability, and inclusive finance. Fr. Elmo P. Manching, Chairperson of Co-op College PH and CLIMBS, emphasized that while the venues and scale of the General Assembly may evolve over the years, its purpose and passion for cooperative development remain unchanged. He described the gathering as an opportunity for cooperative leaders to “refuel,” learn from relevant issues, and strengthen their efforts toward inclusive development. Meanwhile, Mr. Noel D. Raboy, Trustee of Co-op College PH and President & CEO of CLIMBS, highlighted the importance of climate resilience, innovation, and collective action, reaffirming CLIMBS’ commitment to empowering communities through sustainable and people-centered solutions.
Among the distinguished keynote speakers was Prof. Shogo Takegawa, Chairperson of the ICA-AP Committee on Cooperatives in Educational Institutions, who highlighted the importance of transformative cooperative education in building sustainable futures across the Asia-Pacific region. Dir. Ellen Joyce L. Suficiencia of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas also shared valuable insights on strengthening inclusive and sustainable financial ecosystems through digital and green finance initiatives for cooperatives.
The forum further featured presentations from global and local experts including Dr. Sonja Novkovic, Dr. Angelita F. Sumaway-Villaruel, Ms. Liz McIvor, Mr. Park Myung-Jin, Mr. Dato Kamarudin Ismail, Ms. Donna Balsamo-Barnedo, Prof. Matthew Escobido, and Mr. Janssen Martinez. Discussions explored cooperative heritage, circular economy strategies, innovation, climate resilience, policy systems, and sustainable enterprise development—underscoring the vital role of cooperatives in building resilient and inclusive communities.
Following the Educational Forum, Day 1 also featured the CAC Summit, where top-performing CAC cooperatives were recognized for their contributions to expanding accessible insurance protection for underserved communities nationwide through the Coop Assurance Centers (CACs). The day concluded with an elegant Awards Night that celebrated the milestones and achievements of cooperatives and partners, recognizing their dedication, resilience, and continued contribution to the cooperative movement.
Day 2 marked the official business proper of the 54th General Assembly, where delegates convened to discuss key accomplishments, performance highlights, strategic priorities, and future directions for CLIMBS. The gathering strengthened unity among member-cooperatives and reflected the democratic and participatory spirit of the cooperative movement, with delegates actively engaging in discussions and collective decision-making.
One of the major highlights of the event was the launch of CLIMBS Bank, a landmark initiative that reinforces the role of cooperatives in building a more inclusive and people-centered financial system. By establishing a cooperative bank, CLIMBS aims to bridge financial gaps often experienced by underserved communities, providing accessible banking services, affordable financing, and sustainable financial opportunities rooted in cooperative values. The initiative reflects how cooperatives can actively contribute to strengthening the broader financial ecosystem by promoting financial inclusion, community empowerment, and equitable economic growth.
Another significant milestone was the official launch of CLIMBS’ pioneering Takaful offering, made possible through the Insurance Commission’s formal approval of its Private Car Certificate, marking a major step forward in recognizing ethical and Shariah-compliant insurance solutions in the Philippines. Grounded in mutual cooperation, solidarity, and shared responsibility, this milestone reflects CLIMBS’ commitment to providing faith-aligned and values-driven insurance solutions for every Filipino. The launch became even more meaningful with the presence of Insurance Commissioner Atty. Reynaldo A. Regalado during the General Assembly, highlighting the significance of this development within the Philippine insurance industry.
The success of the 54th General Assembly was made possible through the support and participation of delegates, member-cooperatives, speakers, partners, sponsors, and guests from various sectors. As CLIMBS moves forward from this milestone gathering, the cooperative remains steadfast in its mission of empowering communities, advancing cooperative development, and championing sustainable solutions that uplift lives and create a better future for generations to come.