CANDON CITY, ILOCOS SUR – Strengthening the managerial and communication skills of cooperative leaders, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), through its Cooperative Project and Development Assistance Section (CPDAS), spearheaded a two-day Business Correspondence Training for Coconut Farmer Cooperatives on August 26–27, 2025, at Ban-aw Resort, Candon City, Ilocos Sur.
The training brought together thirty-five (35) participants from fifteen (15) Coconut Farmer Cooperatives (CFCs) across the provinces of Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur. The activity forms part of CDA’s continuing efforts to capacitate cooperatives under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) by providing technical skills essential for efficient governance, documentation, and communication.
The two-day learning activity was anchored by Ms. Janice Salviejo Antonio, Administrative Officer and HR Manager, and currently the Board Secretary of Sta. Cruz Savings and Development Cooperative (SACDECO). Drawing from her wealth of experience, Ms. Antonio provided an in-depth discussion on drafting business letters, office memoranda, minutes of meetings, and board resolutions.
She underscored the importance of clarity, accuracy, and professionalism in written communication, noting that well-prepared documents reflect the credibility of a cooperative. Ms. Antonio also highlighted the difference between a memorandum and an office order, and shared practical tips for effective writing. To deepen understanding, she engaged participants in hands-on workshops where they drafted their own letters and memoranda, worked in groups, and presented outputs for peer and mentor feedback.
Meanwhile, Sr. CDS Van Ian F. Enriquez delivered an insightful lecture on “How to Conduct a Successful Meeting.” His session emphasized the proper procedures in convening and facilitating meetings, ensuring participation, and documenting proceedings effectively.
The participants showed eagerness to learn by actively engaging in exercises, discussions, and presentations. They were given opportunities to apply their learning by drafting and finalizing sample communications, which were later reviewed and improved upon through guided feedback.
The Business Correspondence Training forms part of CDA’s broader initiative to build the capacity of cooperatives and ensure that farmer-members are equipped with the necessary tools to manage their organizations effectively. Also, to reaffirm CDA’s commitment to guiding Coconut Farmer Cooperatives toward becoming more sustainable and self-reliant institutions that can better serve their members and communities. (Joy P. Basingel)
