The CDA Regional Office XI, in coordination with the Region XI Cooperative Development Council (RCDC XI), hosted an online forum, dubbed as “Revisiting/Cascading of the Philippine Cooperative Development Plan (PCDP) and Orientation on the Assessment Matrix” last October 8, 2020 via Zoom meeting from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.

CDA Davao RO’s Supervising CDS Antonio C. Escobar made the thorough presentation of the PCDP, which the CDA Central Office started presenting in 2018. As we are halfway the term, it is but imperative to make an assessment on the accomplishments made by CDA and all the partner-stakeholders in cooperative development in Region XI. This can be done through the Assessment Matrix to be filled up by our partners in the region. Mr. Escobar explained the content of the matrix for the partners to identify, as applicable to their respective functions.

Most of the Cooperative Development Officers in the provinces of Davao Region were present during the forum, where they shared significant inputs to further understand the items for assessment. There were also some suggestions, like incorporating risk reduction measures to better manage any untoward cases like this time of pandemic. Engr. Felix L. Tabasa, the Chairperson of RCDC XI also shared about the programs as he was originally involved in the development of the PCDP, being an officer of the League of Cooperative Development Officers of the Philippines (LCDOP) and the National Cooperative Development Council (NCDC).

It was agreed that the stakeholders in cooperative development in the region will take part in filling-up of the assessment matrix as per the timeline presented by Mr. Escobar.  Copy of the PCDP and the assessment matrix will be sent to the participants of the forum.

CDA Regional Director Elma R. Oguis gave the closing remarks and thanked all those who participated in the forum. She further encouraged everyone for their active participation in filling-up the matrix to better assess the present condition of cooperative development in the region, and in the country in general. With this output, we can better address the issues and challenges for a better cooperative movement.