HOPE IN COOPERATIVES. Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Calabarzon Regional Director Salvador Valeroso cites the transformative programs of CDA that make cooperatives a beacon of hope and a driving force for inclusive growth, helping former rebels and marginalized communities rebuild their lives and contribute to a brighter future. (Photo by Zen Trinidad)

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna — Hope and transformation are flourishing, as former rebels, supported by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and other government agencies, find new paths to productivity and peace through cooperatives.

During the “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” forum at the Monte Vista Hotsprings and Conference Resort in this city, Raffy Baylosis, chairperson of the Pinagsamang Lakas at Maunlad na Consumer’s Cooperative (PLMCC), shared an inspiring story of change.

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A former member of the New People’s Army (NPA), Baylosis has transitioned from armed struggle to leadership in cooperative development, through government programs aimed at empowering former rebels, now referred to as “friends rescued” (FR).

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Baylosis, who once led the Liga ng Southern Tagalog and joined the 2017 labor strike at Coca-Cola Beverage Philippines Inc. in Santa Rosa City, chose to return to a peaceful life in 2020 along with other NPA members.

With the assistance of the 2nd Civil-Military Operations Battalion, the Philippine Army, and the CDA, he and 20 other FRs—19 men and two women—established the PLMCC, officially registered in June 2024.

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Through the CDA’s “Koop Kapatid” program, the PLMCC received a P200,000 cash grant from Genesis Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative to launch a community “sari-sari” store in Pulong Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa City. This initiative reflects the CDA’s commitment to creating robust support systems for cooperative growth and development.

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The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 4A (Calabarzon) further supported the group by providing materials and equipment worth P479,000 for bread, sardines, and jam production.

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The cooperative’s members received specialized training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), equipping them with the skills to thrive in their new endeavors.

Baylosis expressed optimism for the future and encouraged others still involved in armed conflict to consider similar opportunities.

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“I urge my former colleagues in the underground movement to abandon the futile struggle and embrace the abundant opportunities provided by the government to lead peaceful and productive lives with their families,” Baylosis said.

Meanwhile, CDA Calabarzon Regional Director Salvador Valeroso highlighted the broader impact of these initiatives.

He said four cooperatives, comprising indigenous peoples, former rebels, and other marginalized communities, have been formed under the CDA’s program across the region. These groups have received technical and financial support from relevant agencies to foster socio-economic recovery.

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“These efforts integrate former rebels and indigenous peoples into the cooperative movement, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to local development,” Valeroso said. Through these transformative programs, he saidking game, cooperatives are proving to be a beacon of hope and a driving force for inclusive growth, helping former rebels and marginalized communities rebuild their lives and contribute to a brighter future. (PNA)

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