BONTOC, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE,Philippines  – Members of newly registered Irrigators’ Associations-turned-cooperatives are strengthening their knowledge and skills in cooperative governance and management through a series of training activities aimed at building stronger, more sustainable organizations.

The Mainit Aliwes Irrigators Cooperative underwent the Governance and Management of Cooperatives training on August 25, 2026, in Mainit, Mountain Province. Meanwhile, the Ug-ugbo Farmers, Fisherfolks and Irrigators Agriculture Cooperative is currently undergoing the same training in Sabangan. The Lukkat Irrigators Agriculture Cooperative is scheduled to participate in the training on August 31, 2026, in Talubin, Bontoc.

Ms. Aida P. Pati of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) serves as the resource speaker, with NIA irrigators’ Development Officers as facilitators.

One of the institutional programs of NIA, the transition from an Irrigators’ Association to a cooperative opens greater opportunities for members to go beyond irrigation system management and venture into sustainable agricultural enterprises. As cooperatives, members can collectively explore livelihood and business opportunities, improve access to markets and services, pool resources, and undertake income-generating activities that can contribute to increased and more sustainable earnings.

Through stronger governance and collective action, these cooperatives are being prepared to become not only partners in managing irrigation systems but also viable farmer-led enterprises that can create greater economic opportunities for their members and communities.