The Annual Tax Incentives Report (ATIR) and Annual Benefits Report (ABR) Training and Workshop, spearheaded by the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) in collaboration with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) was held on February 22, 2024 at Chali Beach and Resort in Cagayan de Oro City. This Mindanao-wide event was participated by selected cooperatives from Regions 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, along with the CDA personnel in charge of cooperative regulation.

The program commenced with an encouraging message from Chairperson of the Cooperative Development Authority, Usec. Joseph B. Encabo. He emphasized the importance of transparency in cooperative reporting and set the tone for the day’s activity. Atty. Mark Lester Aure, OIC Executive Director of the National Tax Research Center, underscored how FIRB compliance fosters transparency and accountability, setting the foundation for cooperatives’ success. Mr. Aminoden A. Elias, CDA 10 Regional Director, articulated the significant role of taxes as the lifeblood of governmental operations, and that cooperatives should ensure the compliance of these tax incentive reports.

To provide attendees with a more comprehensive understanding of the regulatory framework, Atty. Ravienne Jeru Lim, from the FIRB Secretariat, explained the provisions of DOF-ATI Jao No. 001-2023. In addition, Ms. Angelie Fullero from the FIRB Secretariat, provided an overview of the ATIR and ABR, clarifying complex reporting structures.

The heart of the workshop was the practical demonstration which was presented by Mr. Allan Leo Paran who conducted a hands-on training and workshop on completing the ATIR and ABR Forms. Participants were provided with sample data, enabling them to understand the details of reporting with greater clarity and confidence.

The whole day activity provided all participants extensive knowledge and skills that are crucial and essential in filling out the said reports and thereby ensuring adherence by the cooperatives to the regulatory standards.