Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU hosts 2026 Nat’l Coop Youth Summit

By Criztalene Victorio

Aspiring cooperative managers and professionals from across Luzon convened at SM City Laoag on October 23 for the 2026 National Cooperative Youth Summit (CYS), hosted by Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) to strengthen leadership in the sector.

Held in celebration of National Cooperative Month, the activity aimed to connect students with industry mentors and business leaders, encourage collaboration in elevating cooperative community programs, and equip students with the knowledge and skills to become effective leaders in the local economic fields.

The participants included cooperative management students from five higher education institutions: Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Nueva Vizcaya State University, Ilocos State Community College, University of the Northern Philippines, and MMSU.

During the opening message, MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr. thanked the participating state universities and colleges for their involvement in the event. Since MMSU offers a Bachelor of Science in Cooperative Management (BSCM) program, the president expressed the university’s support in enhancing the curriculum and providing a holistic experience to prepare graduates for future leadership roles in the cooperative sector.

As one of the professors of the BSCM program at MMSU and chairperson of CYS 2026, Mr. Hadjie Argel emphasized the importance of applying classroom theories as a good way to gain practical experience. “Through this activity, students learning in the four corners of the classroom will be a platform to be inspired as ethical and proactive leaders in the cooperative movement,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prof. Emil James Tanagon, OIC-Dean of the College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy (CBEA), reminded students to value the degree they are pursuing, emphasizing that they are not merely preparing to manage cooperatives but also to lead institutions that can transform lives.

Complementing these messages, the morning session featured three lectures focusing on youth empowerment, effective leadership, and youth participation in the cooperative movement.

In the first lecture, Dr. Patrick John Rico opened the session by discussing the importance of empowering young people to contribute to cooperative growth. He emphasized the need to equip and empower the youth before they take on roles in the cooperative sector.

Continuing the session, Dr. Divina Quemi walked participants through best practices for cooperative leaders, sharing approaches that can help guide organizations and better serve their members.

Wrapping the morning activities, Mr. Willie Jake Sib-at on the final lecture, tackled the role of youth leadership in the cooperative movement. He discussed the role of young people in advancing cooperation and economic progress.

In the afternoon, participants continued their youth-sharing sessions and interactive activities, including quiz buzz, puzzle it out, and lightning round, allowing knowledge exchange, teamwork and active participation among attendees.

Through the summit, participants deepened their understanding of the cooperative sector and strengthened their shared commitment in community development.