For the members of the Kioya Sinai Agriculture Cooperative (KIOSINACO), building a stronger cooperative is not simply about creating an organization. It is about turning the experience, knowledge, and collective effort of farmers into something that can continue to serve the community for years to come.
That journey took another step forward on September 7, 2026, as KIOSINACO formally inducted its new Board of Directors and welcomed new members during its Board of Directors Oath-Taking Ceremony and Pre-Membership Education Seminar (PMES) held at the Training Hall of the REAFP Model A Facility in Sinai, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.
The activity brought together cooperative members, prospective members, farmers, local government representatives, and community organizations for a half-day program focused on leadership, membership, and the responsibilities that come with running a cooperative.
But for KIOSINACO, the gathering represented something bigger: a continuation of a journey that began with community livelihood initiatives and is now moving toward stronger local enterprise and ownership.
FROM LIVELIHOOD SUPPORT TO A GROWING COOPERATIVE
KIOSINACO is one of the successful community groups supported through ECOWEB’s GreenFiber Project, where farmers and community members gained experience in organizing, livelihood development, and sustainable enterprise.
The gains made through GreenFiber provided an important foundation for the cooperative to grow. Today, KIOSINACO is among the community groups continuing its journey under ECOSEAD – Enhancing Conservation, Ownership, and Social Enterprises in Ancestral Domain.
Implemented by ECOWEB and funded by Bread for the World (BROT), ECOSEAD builds on community experience by supporting Indigenous communities in strengthening ancestral domain governance, protecting natural resources, and developing sustainable and community-led livelihood opportunities.
For KIOSINACO, this means moving beyond simply having a livelihood activity. It means strengthening the structures, leadership, and participation needed to make community enterprise more sustainable.
The cooperative’s story also reflects an important lesson shared during the ceremony. Hon. Francisco P. Garlit, SB Member and Chairman on Cooperatives, spoke about his experience in Barangay Ilihan, where a cooperative that began at the micro level eventually grew into a small cooperative that continues to operate successfully.
His message underscored the potential of community organizations to grow gradually when members remain committed and work together.
NEW LEADERSHIP, RENEWED COMMITMENT
The day began with the formal introduction and induction of KIOSINACO’s new Board of Directors: Virgilio C. Escora, Jr., Chairperson; Rowelito D. Italio, Vice Chairperson; and BOD Members Divine Grace M. Case and Angelyn A. Estabaya. The oath was administered by Hon. Garlit, marking the formal start of the Board’s new term.
Following the ceremony, each member of the newly inducted Board shared a commitment to dedicate their time, effort, and capabilities to the cooperative. For Chairperson Virgilio C. Escora, Jr. and the new Board, the responsibility goes beyond holding a position. It means helping guide a cooperative whose future depends on the participation and trust of its members.
The Municipal Cooperative Development Office also reaffirmed its support. Roy S. Samson (CDS-II) shared the municipality’s commitment to providing KIOSINACO with technical assistance and support, while highlighting the experiences of successful cooperatives in Sibagat.
GROWING THROUGH INFORMED MEMBERSHIP
The second half of the activity turned the focus toward another important part of cooperative growth: its members. Facilitated by Charlie M. Trozo, the Pre-Membership Education Seminar introduced prospective members to the principles, values, purpose, and nature of cooperatives. Participants also learned about KIOSINACO’s organizational structure, programs and services, as well as the rights and responsibilities of cooperative members.
The discussions emphasized that a cooperative is only as strong as the participation of the people who make it up. That message translated into a concrete outcome by the end of the session: four new members officially joined KIOSINACO, each paying the ₱500 membership fee and contributing ₱2,000 in paid-up capital. Their membership represents more than additional numbers. It adds new voices, participation, and resources to a cooperative that is continuing to build its foundation.
“The cooperative’s growth is a continuing process. What began through community livelihood support is now being strengthened through leadership, participation, and collective ownership.”
LOOKING AHEAD
The story of KIOSINACO is ultimately a story of continuity. The cooperative is building on the experience and gains developed through GreenFiber while entering a new chapter through ECOSEAD – one that places greater emphasis on organizational strength, sustainable social enterprises, community ownership, and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
As its new Board assumes its responsibilities and new members join its ranks, KIOSINACO is taking another step toward becoming a stronger community institution. For the farmers and families who make up the cooperative, the work continues – not only to sustain livelihoods today, but to build an enterprise that can remain rooted in the community and contribute to its future.
From GreenFiber to ECOSEAD, KIOSINACO’s journey shows what can happen when communities are given the space, support, and opportunity to build something of their own.
By Kin Barkly Tibang
