The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region 10 successfully conducted a four-day virtual mandatory training from February 4 to 7, 2025, aimed at enhancing the knowledge and competencies of cooperative officers, particularly those from micro and small cooperatives. The training provided an opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of cooperative principles, governance, and management.
The training, conducted in compliance with CDA Memorandum Circular No. 2015-09, which outlines the revised guidelines for cooperative officer training requirements, was divided into two modules: Fundamentals of Cooperatives on February 4–5, 2025 and Cooperative Governance and Management on February 6–7, 2025. The event garnered significant participation, with 845 attendees on the first two days and 713 participants in the latter sessions.
Training Sessions and Key Discussions
On the first day, Ms. Juhna A. Balundo served as the resource speaker, discussing the Concepts, Principles, and Values of Cooperatives. She elaborated on the distinguishing characteristics of cooperatives compared to other organizations and emphasized their vital role in national development. In the afternoon session, Mr. Nizar R. Pangalian provided an in-depth discussion on the Salient Provisions of Republic Act No. 9520 otherwise known as the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008, along with an overview of the CDA’s powers, functions, and responsibilities.
The second day proceeded with the continuation of the Salient Provisions of the Code, led by Ms. Gilda A. Kempis, who focused on the operational aspects of cooperatives. Her discussion covered parliamentary procedures, capital, property, and funds management, as well as compliance with mandatory reporting requirements. Afterwards, Ms. Maryann D. Gabutan provided a brief yet insightful explanation of the Republic Act. No. 10744, otherwise known as the Credit Surety Fund Cooperative Act. In the afternoon, Ms. Balundo returned to discuss the Planning and Policy-Making Process in Cooperatives.
On the third day, Mr. Mark Neil T. Ga initiated discussions on Cooperative Governance, covering essential governance principles and the cooperative organizational structure. In the afternoon, Mr. Cris Lu Q. Salem led a session on Cooperative Management, emphasizing the distinction between governance and management in cooperatives, as well as the board-manager relationship.
The final day featured Mr. Pangalian’s lecture on the Computation of Allocation and Distribution of Net Surplus, ensuring that cooperative officers understood proper financial allocation. This was followed by Mr. Salem’s discussion on Performance Measurement Tools, including Coop-PESOS, Coop-PISO, STEPS, GMAR/PAR, and the Balanced Scorecard. To reinforce learning, he conducted exercises and workshops on performance measurement computations.
The successful implementation of this four-day mandatory training underscores CDA Region 10’s commitment to strengthening cooperative leadership and promoting a culture of continuous learning among cooperative officers. The comprehensive sessions equipped participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance the governance and management of their respective cooperatives, ultimately contributing to the growth and sustainability of the cooperative sector.
