Colombo, Sri Lanka —
A Filipino has once again brought honor to the nation as Maj Gen Gilbert S. Llanto (Ret) was elected as one of the 11 Board Members of the International Cooperative Alliance–Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP) during the 17th ICA-AP Regional Assembly and Board Elections held at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
MGEN Llanto garnered 144 votes, placing 7th overall among all candidates from across the region.
His election is a significant milestone, as ICA-AP rules allow only one representative per country to run and serve on the Regional Board. MGEN Llanto’s candidacy was officially nominated by the Union of Legitimate Service Contracting Cooperatives (ULSCC) and received unanimous endorsement from the 14 ICA-member cooperatives constituting the Philippine Constituency.
MGEN Llanto is a decorated military officer and a pioneering leader in the cooperative sector.
As Chairperson of ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative, the Philippines’ largest cooperative, and President of the National Alliance of Cooperatives, he champions the cooperative sector’s voice in policy development.
He also heads the Sectoral Apex Organization for the Human Services Cluster, which brings together health, housing, labor, and workers cooperatives to advance people-centered services. His advanced degrees in security and management, combined with his values-driven leadership, make him well-suited to serve on the regional Board.
His vision for the ICA-AP emphasizes the transformative power of cooperatives.
MGEN Llanto believes that cooperatives must not only serve communities but transform them—especially in critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy, housing, and education.
Through his leadership roles in ACDI MPC and the National Alliance of Cooperatives, he has mobilized leaders, influenced policies, and built platforms that empower people and strengthen community resilience.
The 17th ICA-AP Regional Assembly, held from November 24 to 28, 2025, followed ICA-AP’s two-step election process. Delegates first elected 11 Board Members to serve a four-year term, after which the President and two Vice-Presidents were selected from among the elected members. Only candidates whose organizations were fully compliant with ICA membership requirements were eligible.
With his strong vote count and successful election, MGEN Gilbert S. Llanto elevates the Philippines’ presence on the regional cooperative stage.
His leadership on the ICA-AP Regional Board is expected to expand cross-border partnerships, strengthen cooperative development initiatives, and promote the cooperative brand as a force for dignity, sustainability, and hope across Asia and the Pacific
