PANGASINAN, Philippines — In a proactive effort to strengthen the cooperative sector and ensure adherence to the latest regulatory frameworks, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Team West Pangasinan officially launched the Compliance Caravan cum Cooperative Localized Assistance Support Program (CLASP). The multi-leg event, which commenced in early February 2026, serves as a vital platform for providing technical assistance and policy updates to cooperatives across Districts 1, 2, and 3.
Strategic Regional Engagement
The caravan kicked off on February 4, 2026, in Mangatarem, where 15 cooperative officers representing eight local cooperatives participated. The initiative was made possible through the collaboration of the Local Government Unit (LGU) and CDS II Ms. Maricris Toledo.
The momentum continued on February 5, 2026, in Alaminos City, marking the largest assembly of the series thus far. A total of 53 officers from 30 cooperatives—spanning the municipalities of Alaminos City, Burgos, Anda, Infanta, Labrador, Sual, Agno, Dasol, and Bolinao—convened to align their operations with national standards. Also present was Ms. Jacqueline Bona, CDS I from Agno, along with Ms. Marichelle Torio, CDS II from Labrador. This leg was organized in partnership with the LGU Alaminos City, through the City Cooperatives Development Office headed by Dr. Solomon Tablang.
Subsequent sessions were held in Aguilar on February 6, attended by 7 cooperatives and 17 officers in coordination with the Municipal Agriculture Office under Ms. Roda Villanueva (CDO Designate), and in Calasiao on February 10. The Calasiao session, hosted by the Calasiao Plant and Related Companies Employees Multipurpose Cooperative, drew 28 officers from the municipalities of Calasiao, Mapandan, Malasiqui, Basista, Aguilar, Bayambang, and Binmaley.
Key Regulatory Updates and Policy Discussions
The program featured comprehensive lectures on recent Memorandum Circulars (MC) and operational guidelines essential for cooperative sustainability:
- Reporting and Certification: Detailed discussions on MC 2025-02, focusing on the revised guidelines for report submissions and the issuance, suspension, or revocation of the Certificate of Compliance (COC).
- Financial Standards: An in-depth look at MC 2025-12 regarding financial performance standards for lending cooperatives via the Enhanced PESOS.
- Institutional Growth: Updates on MC 2023-18, which outlines incentives for the merger and consolidation of micro and small cooperatives, and MC 2024-05 on the registration of amendments to Articles of Cooperation and Bylaws.
- Support and Digitalization: Briefings on the Koop Kapatid Program (MC 2023-02), CDA Financial Assistance guidelines, and the presentation of Co-opBIZ, a digital initiative for cooperative marketing.
The Team Behind the Initiative
The Compliance Caravan is spearheaded by a dedicated team from the CDA, ensuring that every facet of cooperative management—from registration to examination—is addressed:
- Sr. CDS Renee Faye Carino (Head, Supervision Examination Section)
- Mr. Jomar Palsimon (CDS II, SES)
- Ms. Jocelyn Vasquez (CDS II, Registration)
- Ms. Junica Shiera Manicdao (CDS II, Cooperative Planning, Development and Assistance Section)
- Mr. Walter Mendoza (CDS II, Districts 1, 2, and 3), who serves as the organizer and facilitator.
The CDA emphasizes that the mission to empower West Pangasinan is ongoing. With several municipalities still on the itinerary, the team remains committed to fostering a compliant and highly competitive cooperative movement in the province.
