Eastern Samar, Philippines – The Islands of Samar and Leyte Agriculture Cooperative (ISLACO) formally inaugurated its office and launched an operation on 12 November 2018 at Quinapondan, Eastern Samar. The launching celebration, with the theme: “Makabagong Kooperatiba para sa Kalikasan, Kapayapaan, at Kaunlaran,” was highlighted with the first actual deposits of capital shares and savings using online transaction from its two members.
 
 
The event was graced by the presence of Atty. Aison Garcia from the Office of the Vice President Leni Robredo, AsiaDHRRA Program Manager, Mr. Cezar Belangel, Eastern Samar Vice Governor Hon. Jonas Abuda , Quinapondan Mayor Hon. Raffy Asebias, NATCCO Chief Executive Officer Ms. Slvia Paraguya, PhilDHRRA Visayas Regional Coordinator Mr. Haley Atiezna, , CDA representative Mr. Lloyd Padilla, OMAGANHAN Cooperative Director Mr. Romulo Ocubillo, and, some 193 members of ISLACO.

ISLACO was established through the efforts of 11 farmers organizations supported under AsiaDHRRA’s Post-Haiyan Fund for Local Initiatives, in cooperation with PAKISAMA and PhilDHRRA, with support from Fondacion de France and AgriCord.