The Managers’ and Chairpersons’ Forum were successfully conducted on January 22–24, 2026, at the prestigious Marco Polo Plaza Cebu. The three-day event brought together cooperative leaders, managers, and board chairpersons from various parts of the country, serving as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, leadership development, and strategic alignment within the cooperative sector.

A Venue for Leadership and Innovation

Set against the scenic hills of Cebu City, the venue provided an ideal environment for high-level discussions and collaborative engagement. Known for hosting conferences and large-scale events, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu offers modern facilities and spacious function rooms that accommodate both plenary sessions and breakout workshops.

The forum gathered participants in a professional yet dynamic setting, fostering meaningful interactions among cooperative leaders who share a common goal of strengthening their organizations and enhancing service delivery.

Objectives of the Forum

The Managers’ and Chairpersons’ Forum aimed to:

• Enhance leadership capabilities of cooperative managers and board leaders
• Provide updates on current trends, policies, and best practices in the cooperative sector
• Strengthen collaboration between management and governance bodies
• Promote innovation and sustainability in cooperative operations

Originally conceptualized as a Managers’ Forum, the activity was expanded to include chairpersons, recognizing the importance of aligning operational leadership with governance direction.

Key Highlights of the Three-Day Event

The forum featured a series of plenary sessions, workshops, and interactive discussions led by industry experts and cooperative practitioners. Topics discussed during the sessions included:

• Strategic leadership and governance in cooperatives
• Financial sustainability and risk management
• Digital transformation and modernization of cooperative services
• Strengthening member engagement and community impact

Participants were given opportunities to share their experiences, challenges, and success stories, encouraging peer learning and collaboration across different cooperatives.

Strengthening the Cooperative Movement

The forum also served as a venue to reinforce the shared vision of cooperatives as drivers of inclusive growth and community development. Through dialogue and knowledge-sharing, participants gained valuable insights that can be applied in their respective organizations.

Notably, the event was part of broader activities celebrating milestones within the cooperative sector, including initiatives aligned with the NATCCO Network’s Golden Year celebration, highlighting decades of service and commitment to cooperative development.

Building Partnerships and Networks

Beyond formal sessions, the forum provided networking opportunities that allowed participants to build partnerships and strengthen professional relationships. These interactions are essential in fostering collaboration among cooperatives, enabling them to share resources, ideas, and best practices.

Conclusion

The successful conduct of the Managers’ and Chairpersons’ Forum in Cebu underscores the continuing commitment of cooperative leaders to excellence, innovation, and service. By bringing together managers and chairpersons in one platform, the forum reinforced the importance of unified leadership in navigating challenges and achieving sustainable growth.

As cooperatives continue to play a crucial role in economic and social development, initiatives like this forum ensure that leaders remain equipped, informed, and inspired to serve their members and communities effectively.