The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) recently concluded a training program aimed at equipping its personnel with mediation and conciliation skills to effectively address consumer protection issues related to financial products and services.

The five-day training, held from September 2-6, 2024 at the Madison 101 Hotel in Quezon City, brought together 34 technical personnel from CDA regional offices.

Participants were provided with comprehensive training materials covering various aspects of mediation and conciliation, including the legal framework, negotiation techniques, and drafting of settlement agreements. The training methodology involved a combination of lectures, workshops, and simulations to ensure practical application of the learned skills.

The CDA emphasized the importance of this training given the diverse range of financial products and services offered by cooperatives and the potential for disputes to arise between cooperatives and their members. By mastering mediation and conciliation techniques, CDA personnel can play a crucial role in resolving conflicts amicably and protecting the rights of financial consumers.

The training was widely regarded as a success, with participants expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity to learn new skills and contribute to the effective implementation of the Financial Consumer Protection Act (FCPA).