STA. LUCIA, ILOCOS SUR – The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Ilocos Sur Developmental Team, led by PCDS Florentino Lorenzana and CDS II Joy P. Basingel, in partnership with the Municipal Cooperative Development Officer, Mr. Garry Fernandez, successfully conducted a four-day training on the Fundamentals of Cooperatives (August 14–15, 2025) and Cooperative Governance and Management (September 4–5, 2025). The sessions were held at the office of the Federated NGO of Sta. Lucia Credit Cooperative, located at the Municipal Hall of Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur.
The training gathered forty-one (41) cooperative officers representing four cooperatives in the municipality: Federated NGO of Sta. Lucia Credit Cooperative, Metro Luba Coconut Farmers MPC, Sta. Lucia-Candon Irrigator Farmers Marketing Cooperative, and Bayanihan MPC.’
Resource speakers emphasized that a strong foundation in the fundamentals of cooperatives is essential for officers and members to appreciate the movement’s history, principles, and values. They stressed that understanding where cooperatives came from and why they exist keeps leaders and members grounded in their purpose of promoting mutual help and economic empowerment. Equally important, the speakers highlighted the role of good governance as the guiding framework for cooperative operations, underscoring transparency, accountability, participatory decision-making, and the relationship between the board and management. Officers, in particular, were reminded of their responsibility to act in the best interest of their members. Furthermore, strict adherence to cooperative laws, policies, and regulations was underscored as vital not only for legal compliance but also for ensuring long-term sustainability, financial stability, and organizational growth.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the training, sharing that they gained valuable knowledge that would improve their cooperative operations. They also acknowledged that the practical examples presented during the sessions could be directly applied to strengthen and enhance their organizations.
The activity received strong support from the Local Government Unit (LGU). Vice Mayor Eduardo Toquero and Councilor Kenneth B. Valdez graced the Fundamentals of Cooperatives training, while Councilor Reynaldo Acosta Jr., Chairman of the Committee on Livelihood and Cooperative, delivered the opening message for the Cooperative Governance and Management training. On the last day, Mayor Joseph Simon Valdez and Vice Mayor Toquero gave their inspirational messages, encouraging cooperative officers to strengthen their organizations and maximize LGU opportunities and support. (Florentino B. Lorenzana, PCDS Ilocos Sur)
