The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Extension Office X, in collaboration with the City Cooperative Office of LGU Valencia, successfully conducted a two-day training on Mainstreaming Gender and Development (GAD) and Cooperative Governance and Management on April 23–24, 2025 at Uno Hotel, Valencia City. This initiative aims to reinforce the implementation of Memorandum Circular No. 2013-22, titled “Guidelines on Mainstreaming Gender and Development in Cooperatives,” and to capacitate cooperatives in the formulation of their GAD plans utilizing the prescribed assessment tool.

The activity was facilitated by Mr. Nizar R. Pangalian, CDA GAD Focal Person, with the support of Ms. Charmee Marie B. Joson, GAD Trainer, Mr. Samsoddin M. Radia, CDS assigned in Valencia City and Ms. Marites P. Tan, CDS II. The sessions covered the fundamentals of gender sensitivity, GAD planning and key governance principles necessary to promote inclusive and accountable leadership in cooperatives.

A significant component of the training was the workshop on the Assessment Tool for Measuring the Progress of Gender Equality in Primary Cooperatives. Cooperative participants were given the opportunity to evaluate their organizational practices, structures and policies through the lens of gender inclusivity. The outputs generated during the workshop reflected their strong commitment to enhancing gender-responsive programs and institutional development within their respective cooperatives. Representatives from various cooperatives actively participated in the training, including FICCO, Lamac MPC, King MPC, Silangan MPC, Agdao MPC, AIM Coop, Mediatrix MPC, Peramo MPC, Maco MPC, Panabo MPC, Tagum Coop, MAK MPC and other cooperatives.

CDA Region 10 extends its gratitude to the City Cooperative Office of LGU Valencia for its invaluable support in organizing and facilitating the activity, particularly Ms. Emma Permahin, Head of the Organizational and Management Division, and Ms. Vanessa Anne M. Alvarez, Interim Department Head of City Cooperative Office-LGU Valencia.

Through this initiative, CDA Region 10 continues to promote gender equality and good governance as integral pillars of cooperative development, empowering cooperatives to become more inclusive, participatory and responsive to the needs of their members and communities.