The 29th General Assembly of the Federation of Peoples’ Sustainable Development Cooperative (FPSDC), shall be held on May 27, 2025 at Quest Hotel, Clark, Pampanga.
It will be followed by a Co-op Trading Hub visit in Mabalacat Pampanga on May 28, 2025
and then a Lakbay Aral to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam on May 29, 2025 to June 1, 2025
2025 THEME - From Setbacks to Breakthroughs: The Transformative Power of the Cooperative in Fostering Sustainable Development.
ADVISORY 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY & CO-OP TRADING HUB VISIT
TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
All participants are requested to purchase their travel tickets (plane, bus, boat etc.) as early as possible to avail of discounts. Please check the schedule of activities so you can properly arrange the time of your flights, land transportation etc.
All transportation costs such as plane, bus, boat and taxi fares shall be to the account of the participants.
However, FPSDC shall cover 70% of the Governing Board (GB)’s and 50% of the Committee’s transportation cost (economy plane fare, boat fare, or land fare) in going to and from Clark Pampanga City.
Please be advised that the deadline for booking tickets for the Governing Board of Directors (GB) and Committee Members is April 4, 2025. Any bookings made after this date shall be subject to a maximum counterpart contribution of Php 4,500 for GB members and Php 3,000 for Committee Officers, or the actual ticket cost, whichever is lower.
(To facilitate immediate reimbursement of plane/boat/bus fare, the GB and committee member-participants are requested to bring with them a photocopy of their tickets and give them to FPSDC staff (Mye or She) upon registration on May 27, 2025.
FPSDC is providing a transportation arrangement from any NAIA Terminals to the venue in Quest Hotel and vice versa.
DINING ARRANGEMENTS
FPSDC shall provide for all meals within the duration of the meeting. However, orders outside of the meal package arranged by FPSDC shall be to the account of the participants.
Below is the schedule of arranged meal packages:
May 26, 2025 | Monday
Arrival of participants at Quest Hotel
(no meals)May 27, 2025 | Tuesday
Arrival at Quest Hotel, Clark, Pampanga City
(breakfast included in hotel room / L / D)May 28, 2025 | Wednesday
Co-op Trading Hub Visit
(breakfast included in hotel room / L / x )May 29, 2025 | Thursday
Lakbay Aral : Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam - Please see Lakbay Aral Advisory
ACCOMMODATION & OTHER EXPENSES
To defray the cost of accommodation and other expenses (GA materials, kit, GA shirt etc.) during the conduct of the General Assembly, a minimal registration fee amounting to Pesos Eighteen Thousand only (P18,000.00) will be collected from the participants. You may opt to charge said registration fee from the CETF you remitted to FPSDC, if any.
Any incidental costs outside of what was arranged by FPSDC shall be individually settled before check-out.
MEETING MATERIALS
- The materials for the meeting will be electronically sent to your respective organizations prior to the GA for your advance reading. Hard copies will also be provided and can be claimed from the FPSDC Secretariat during registration.
CO-OP TRADING HUB VISIT
Rationale
The Co-op Trading Hub in Mabalacat, Pampanga, represents a significant step towards strengthening the cooperative movement and fostering sustainable agriculture. FPSDC members should visit the hub for the following reasons:
Strengthening Cooperative Trade and Fair Pricing
The hub serves as a direct market for cooperative-produced vegetables, fruits, dairy, poultry, fish, and other agricultural products. By engaging with the hub, FPSDC members can witness firsthand how cooperatives are eliminating middle traders, ensuring that both producers and consumers benefit from fair trade prices—offering lower costs than supermarkets while maintaining profitability for farmers.
Empowering Local Producers and Reducing Import Dependence
By sourcing from the Co-op Trading Hub, buyers actively support local farmers and fisherfolk, reducing reliance on imported agricultural products. This initiative helps strengthen food security, create livelihood opportunities, and encourage sustainable local food systems.
Expanding Market Access for Member Cooperatives
FPSDC members—especially those engaged in agriculture—can explore potential opportunities to supply their own produce to the hub. The trading hub serves not just the Mabalacat Pampanga community but also the Ayalaland Technopark Community and Metro Manila, expanding market reach for cooperative products.
Promoting Sustainable and Ethical Consumerism
The hub aligns with FPSDC’s mission of sustainable development by promoting ethical consumerism. Visitors can see how cooperatives are at the forefront of a community-driven, socially responsible trading system that prioritizes fair wages, ethical sourcing, and environmental sustainability.
Strengthening FPSDC’s Cooperative Network and Partnerships
A visit to the hub allows FPSDC members to network with other cooperatives, explore collaboration opportunities, and exchange best practices in cooperative trading. It fosters solidarity within the cooperative sector, leading to stronger collective action towards economic empowerment.
Visiting the Co-op Trading Hub is more than just exploring a marketplace—it is a commitment to cooperative growth, fair trade, and local economic sustainability. By engaging with the hub, FPSDC members can play an active role in enhancing cooperative enterprises, supporting local farmers, and promoting sustainable trade practices that align with FPSDC’s mission and vision.
OTHER ARRANGEMENTS
Other arrangements outside of what will be provided for by FPSDC must be communicated with the FPSDC staff ahead of time.
Other important details will be provided to all participants as soon as possible.