In a significant stride toward enhancing cooperative governance, the first Cooperative Development Officers’ (CDO) Certification Program in the region was successfully conducted from July 2-5, 9-10, and August 7-8, 2024, at the OPAG Conference Hall, Sevilla Road, San Fernando City, La Union. This comprehensive eight-day training program was attended by twenty-two (22) cooperative officers from various municipalities across the province.
The majority of these participants were designated Cooperative Development Officers in their respective municipalities, playing a crucial role in fostering cooperative growth at the local level. The program aimed to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively lead and manage cooperative initiatives within their communities.
The certification program was a collaborative effort, with strong support from the Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through Hon. Cynthia Angelica M. Bacurnay, SPM Chair on Cooperatives, and sponsorship from five major cooperatives in the city. Their generous contributions ensured that participants were well-provided with meals and snacks throughout the training sessions. This initiative was also made possible through the concerted efforts of the Provincial Government of La Union, particularly the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG), a long-standing partner in cooperative development within the province.
The primary objective of the CDO Certification Program was to capacitate appointed and designated Cooperative Development Officers with the foundational knowledge and methodologies required to conduct key cooperative training sessions. These include the Fundamentals of Cooperatives, Governance, Management of Cooperatives, and Pre-Membership Seminar (PRS) for cooperatives. By the end of the program, the certified CDOs were authorized to facilitate these essential courses, thereby contributing to the growth and sustainability of cooperatives within their jurisdictions.
The success of the program can be attributed to the dedication and expertise of the resource speakers and technical staff, led by Sr. CDS Van Ian F. Enriquez, Sr. CDS Rene Faye DG Carino, PCDS Mylene M. Mazo, PCDS Constancia A. De Guzman, PCDS Rosevic Medina, and CDS II Joy Basingel, CDS İİ Junica Shiera F. Manicdao. Their in-depth knowledge and commitment to cooperative development were instrumental in delivering a high-quality training experience.
The successful implementation of the Cooperative Development Officers’ Certification Program marks a significant milestone in the region’s cooperative development agenda. This initiative not only strengthens the capacities of individual officers but also bolsters the overall cooperative movement, fostering a more vibrant and sustainable cooperative sector in the region. (Constancia A. De Guzman, CDS II/PCDS of La Union)
