CotSU Project WISEE Culmination Inspires Women to Lead Change and Innovation

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Day 1 | Project WISEE: Women Innovating for Social and Economic Empowerment

 With the leadership of the university President, Dr. Sema G. Dilna, and the Office of the Extension Director, Dr. Samsia A. Ibrahim, the Social Work Department launched Project WISEE Day 1 with the Potri Women’s Agri-Marketing Cooperative in Barangay Mataya, Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte, on April 3, 2026.

 The highlight of the program focused on a forum on access to social services and networks. Key partner agencies presented programs that support livelihood, enterprise growth, and cooperative sustainability.

 MSSD-SLP, represented by Bai Sahara Ulangkaya, presented sustainable livelihood programs to support livelihoods. CSEA, represented by Lininding Pangandaman, discussed opportunities in social enterprise development. MTIT, represented by Karl Gibran Ulangkaya, shared initiatives on industry and trade promotion. LGU Buldon and MAFAR, represented by Hamdi Mamoribid, MMO, explained the local government and agricultural support available to the cooperative.

 The session gave cooperative members direct access to government support systems and practical guidance on how to link with these services.

 The project team is led by Dr. Norkaina C. Samama, Project Leader, with members Dr. Marwisa S. Salam, Dr. Chelo M. Bunao, and Instr. Noraida M. Akad, Instr. Jeahan A. Haron, Instr. Marof A. Nul, Asst. Prof. Zajarah M. Duma, Instr. Akmad Hassan, and Instr. Jehann C. Abid.

 Amina Dangco, the President of the Potri Women’s Agri-Marketing Cooperative, expressed her appreciation to the Project Team and partner agencies for the opportunity to connect with support services and strengthen the cooperative’s operations.

 Project WISEE supports the commitment of Cotabato State University to:

 SDG 1: No Poverty

 The activity not only sets a clear direction for stronger partnerships and sustained support for women-led initiatives but also inspires continued collaboration and empowers women in the community to become agents of meaningful progress.

        
 
        
 
        
 
        
 
        
 
       

 

Day 2 | Project WISEE: Women Innovating for Social and Economic Empowerment

April 5, 2026 | Barangay Mataya, Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte

The Office of Extension Services of Cotabato State University, through the Social Work Community Extension Team, conducted Day 2 of Project WISEE with the Potri Women’s Agri Marketing Cooperative.

The morning session focused on entrepreneurial leadership training for community-based enterprises, facilitated by Dr. Norkaina C. Samama, project leader. Specifically, the session translated key findings from her research project into practical strategies for managing and sustaining community enterprises. In particular, it emphasized the role of entrepreneurial leadership in predicting the sustainability of community-based enterprises, such as cooperatives. The training highlights included (1) strengthening leadership roles in the social enterprise and (2) improving decision-making in enterprise operations.

In the afternoon, Instructor Noraida Akad facilitated a workshop on building social capital. The workshop focuses on (1) strengthening trust and cooperation among members, (2) expanding networks for support and collaboration, and (3) enhancing collective action for enterprise growth.

The sessions equipped participants with concrete leadership and collaboration skills to support the cooperative’s long-term sustainability, serving as a critical agent for women’s social and economic empowerment.

CotSU drives evidence-based community interventions that deliver measurable impact and advance the Sustainable Development Goals through inclusive, community-led action. 

        
 
        
 
        
 
        

 

Day 3 | Project WISEE: Women Innovating for Social and Economic Empowerment

 April 7, 2026 | Barangay Mataya, Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte

The Social Work Community Extension Team headed by Dr. Norkaina C. Samama successfully conducted Day 3 of Project WISEE with the Potri Women’s Agri-Marketing Cooperative.

The session focused on strategic planning for organizational capability building facilitated by Dr. Marwisa Salam, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. With the guidance of Dr. Salam, the participants defined a clear vision and mission for the cooperative, developed an action plan with specific steps and timelines, and established a shared direction for decision-making and operations.

CotSU, through its Office of the Extension Services, is committed to supporting community-based social enterprises as an innovative mechanism for empowerment and poverty alleviation through capacity-building interventions.

        
 
        
 
        
 
          

 

Day 4 | Project WISEE: Women Innovating for Social and Economic Empowerment 

April 22, 2026 | Barangay Mataya, Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte

On Day 4 of Project WISEE, the University Extension Services Office, through the Social Work Community Extension Team, actively partnered with the Potri Women’s Agri-Marketing Cooperative to advance women’s social and economic empowerment.

The session provided gender-sensitivity training to address barriers to women’s empowerment in the cooperative. During training, members explored how patriarchy limits participation, leadership, and decision-making. Members analyzed gender roles in the household and organization and proposed actions to promote shared responsibility and inclusive leadership.

Moreover, members showcased their cooperative products during the training and linked gender equality to improved enterprise management and growth.

Assistant Professor Zajarah M. Duma facilitated the session, with Project Leader Norkaina C. Samama and Akmad Hassan co-facilitating.

The university champions women-led organizations, driving equality, participation, and inclusive development through evidence-based action.

        
 
        
 
        
 
        
 
            

 

 Day 5  |  CotSU Project WISEE Culmination Inspires Women to Lead Change and Innovation

The Social Work Community Extension Team successfully conducted the Culmination Program of Project WISEE: Women Innovating for Social and Economic Empowerment on May 6, 2026, at Brgy. Mataya, Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte. The event marked the successful completion of a series of community-based interventions focused on strengthening women’s empowerment, leadership, and socio-economic participation through capability-building activities and cooperative engagement.

The program brought together members of the Potri Women’s Agri-Marketing Cooperative, faculty extension workers, local officials, and community stakeholders to celebrate collective achievements and meaningful community partnerships. The activity opened with a Qur’an Reading followed by opening remarks from Amina Dangco, President of the Potri Women’s Agri-Marketing Cooperative, who emphasized the importance of unity, participation, and women-led community initiatives.

Project Leader Norkaina C. Samama reiterated the rationale of Project WISEE, emphasizing the importance of sustaining the project's gains beyond its implementation period by ensuring that the knowledge, skills, and values developed through the initiative continue to benefit not only individual members but also strengthen the cooperative, improve their families’ well-being, and create a meaningful impact within the wider community. She further challenged the women's cooperative members to transform from “target of change” into “agents of change” by sustaining community participation, strengthening collective empowerment, and continuing product innovation to advance social and economic development.

Ms. Armida Saranga, a member of the cooperative, shared her reflection during the program, stating that through Project WISEE, they realized that forming an organization and participating in activities alone are not enough without having a clear direction and vision for their future. She emphasized that while they already possess skills and resources, guidance, empowerment, and continuous learning are necessary to achieve greater goals. She also expressed the cooperative’s gratitude to Cotabato State University and Project WISEE for investing in it and believing in its potential to achieve more.

Messages of support were delivered by Dr. Samsia A. Ibrahim, PhD, Extension Services Director, and Dr. Mobarac Dimasindel, Director of the University's Quality Assurance Office. Dr. Ibrahim emphasized that Cotabato State University remains committed to providing relevant, timely, and evidence-based community extension projects to partner communities as part of the University’s continuing effort to localize and advance the Sustainable Development Goals at the grassroots level. Meanwhile, Dr. Dimasindel challenged the participants to become more visionary, proactive, and future-oriented in sustaining the project's gains and strengthening their role as empowered women leaders in the community.

The program also featured award presentations and recognition for participants, organizers, and stakeholders who actively contributed to Project WISEE's success. The activity concluded with a pledge of action and commitment from the participants, followed by the closing message of Noriada M. Akad, RSW, OIC SW Chairperson, who encouraged the community to continue fostering resilience, collaboration, and inclusive development.