The three-day Asia Credit Union Network of Emerging Leaders Youth Camp (ACUNEL Youth Camp), organized by the Philippine Federation of Credit Cooperatives (PFCCO), proved to be both engaging and enriching, providing meaningful learning experiences for young cooperative members from across the Visayas. The camp served as a dynamic platform for collaboration, leadership development, and shared learning among youth aged 18 to 35 years old. The activity happened in Baslay Highland Agricultural Cooperative from October 29- 31, 2025.
Participants from various cooperatives in the Visayas region came together, fostering unity and strengthening networks among young leaders. One of the key highlights of the camp was the emphasis on the vital role of youth in cooperative development—particularly in initiative-making and decision-making processes. The program underscored how young members, coming from different generations and life stages, bring fresh perspectives, innovation, and energy that are essential to the sustainability of cooperatives.
The camp featured a diverse range of activities and learning sessions designed to enhance leadership skills and cooperative awareness. Among the key topics discussed was the transformation from being followers to becoming effective leaders, encouraging participants to recognize their potential and take on more active roles within their respective cooperatives.
In addition, participants were introduced to Arabica coffee growing, highlighting opportunities in agribusiness and sustainable livelihood initiatives within the cooperative framework. This session provided practical insights into agricultural entrepreneurship and value-chain development.
Another important component of the camp was action planning, where participants worked collaboratively to develop concrete plans they could implement in their own cooperatives and communities. This activity strengthened their strategic thinking, teamwork, and commitment to translating learning into action. As a result, the establishment of the Ad Hoc Committee of the ACUNEL–MAVENCO Chapter was approved and is now being pursued to create innovative initiatives that actively involve the youth of MAVENCO.
Overall, the ACUNEL Youth Camp successfully equipped young cooperative members with the knowledge, skills, and motivation needed to become future leaders. By investing in youth empowerment and leadership development, PFCCO continues to strengthen the cooperative movement and ensure its relevance for generations to come.
