The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region I Extension Office successfully conducted the Orientation on Republic Act No. 11765, or the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act, together with discussions on related issuances, particularly the Guidelines on the Establishment of the Financial Consumer Protection Assistance Management System (FCPAMS) by CDA-Regulated Entities (CDAREs).
The activity aimed to strengthen the capacity of cooperatives in safeguarding the rights and welfare of their member-consumers while ensuring compliance with national policies on financial consumer protection. The orientation was conducted in partnership with the Ilocos Norte Union Cooperative and Ilocos Sur Union Cooperative, highlighting the strong collaboration among cooperative institutions in advancing responsible financial services.
Ilocos Norte Union Cooperative
Ilocos Sur Union Cooperative
The first orientation was held on February 25, 2026, at the PNP Ladies, Civilian and Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative Conference Hall in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. The activity gathered more than 40 participants, composed of Board of Directors and Managers from 11 Medium and Large cooperatives across the province.
During the program, Mr. Benjamin Y. Campañano, Chairperson of Ilocos Norte Union Cooperative, delivered the welcome message. In his remarks, he reaffirmed the union’s commitment to supporting member-cooperatives and providing the necessary assistance to help them comply with the newly issued guidelines. He emphasized that adherence to these policies is essential in protecting cooperative members who also serve as financial consumers, ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in the delivery of financial services.
The following day, February 26, 2026, the same orientation was conducted in Ban-aw Resort, Candon City, Ilocos Sur, in partnership with the Ilocos Sur Union Cooperative and the Local Government Unit of Candon City through the City Cooperative Development Office, led by Ms. Grace L. Ramos, City Cooperative Development Officer.
The Ilocos Sur session gathered more than 60 participants, consisting of Board of Directors and Managers from 25 Medium and Large Cooperatives in the province. The message from Mr. Efraim Dayap, Chairperson of Ilocos Sur Union Cooperative, was delivered on his behalf by Ms. Grace L. Ramos, who emphasized the importance of strengthening consumer protection mechanisms within cooperatives.
Field Cooperative Development Specialists from the provinces of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur were also present to provide support during the back-to-back activities. Representing Ilocos Norte were Ms. Rosievic R. Medina and Mr. Richard T. Gacisan, while Mr. Florentino B. Lorenzana and Ms. Joy P. Basingel represented Ilocos Sur.
Atty. Frederick Joe N. Robles, Regional Director of CDA Region I, also attended the activities and delivered an inspiring message encouraging cooperatives to remain proactive in strengthening governance, accountability, and internal systems that promote consumer protection and responsible financial management.
The orientation proper featured distinguished Resource Speakers from the CDA Central Office. Ms. Jo Ann C. Gamboa, Chief of the Inspection and Examination Division of the Credit Surety Fund (CSF) Service, delivered a comprehensive discussion on Republic Act No. 11765, highlighting the rights of financial consumers and the responsibilities of financial service providers, including cooperatives, in ensuring fair and ethical financial practices.
Meanwhile, Atty. Elizabeth O. Batonan, Deputy Administrator of the CSF Service, discussed the Guidelines on the Establishment of the Financial Consumer Protection Assistance Management System (FCPAMS) for CDA-Regulated Entities. She underscored the importance of establishing effective internal mechanisms within cooperatives to properly address consumer complaints, strengthen accountability, and promote transparency in financial transactions.
The activities concluded with closing remarks delivered by Mr. Ciriaco Ragual during the Ilocos Norte orientation and Mr. Sherwin M. Arcipe during the Ilocos Sur session. Both speakers encouraged participants to apply the knowledge and insights gained from the orientation in strengthening their cooperative operations and consumer protection practices.
In addition, Assistant Secretary Luz H. Yringco, Head of the Finance Cooperatives Cluster, conveyed a message emphasizing the crucial role of cooperatives in promoting responsible financial services while ensuring that the rights and welfare of their members remain protected.
Through these initiatives, CDA Region I continues to reinforce its commitment to empowering cooperatives with the knowledge, systems, and best practices necessary to comply with regulatory requirements and to uphold the principles of financial consumer protection for the benefit of cooperative members and the communities they serve.
Prepared by:
Rocelyn C. Banayat
CDS II
Credit Surety Fund Section
