Shaping Cooperative Future: CDA XII conducts Basic Cooperative Course for CDOs Certification Program in Cotabato
The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) XII has conducted a Basic Cooperative Course for the Cooperative Development Officers (CDOs) Certification Program on October 01-04 and October 14-18, 2024, at Eva’s Hotel in Kidapawan City. The different municipal and city cooperative development officers in the province of Cotabato participated in the training. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has sponsored this training initiative through their Senior Advisor of Mindanao, Mr. Lowel Sareno.
The certification program was implemented following the CDA Memorandum Circular 2023-12, which outlined the guidelines for the CDA Certification Program for CDOs and the compliance monitoring for certified CDOs. This program has underscored the CDA’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of cooperative development professionals and ensuring the consistent application of cooperative principles and practices across the country.
The Developmental Team of CDA XII led the training sessions, including Senior CDS Ruth N. Alendajao, and CDS IIs Adrian C. Carillo, Yvonne L. Templonuevo, Samantha Shen Louise T. Montealto, Ricel Mae Marte, and Imranah Benito. The program’s curriculum was comprehensive, starting with the fundamentals of cooperatives. Participants explored the origin, philosophy, and concepts of cooperatives. The course emphasized cooperative values, principles, and practices, highlighting the unique aspects that set cooperatives apart from other business models.
Most of the training focused on the legal framework governing cooperatives in the Philippines. Attendees studied the salient provisions of cooperative laws, including the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008 (RA 9520) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), the Cooperative Development Authority Charter of 2019 (RA 11364) and its IRR, and an overview of Omnibus Rules and Guidelines. The course also covered the Credit Surety Fund (CSF) Act (RA 10744), providing a holistic understanding of the legal landscape within which cooperatives operate.
Cooperative management and governance formed another crucial component of the activity in which participants learned about the principles and practices of good governance in cooperatives, including its definition, benefits, and characteristics. The course addressed the governance issues and formulation of strategies for preventing abuses in cooperative governance. Special attention was given to the board-manager relationship, the cooperative structure, and the duties and responsibilities of officers.
The operational aspects of cooperatives were thoroughly explored, with sessions on financial management, personnel management, marketing, and production or technical aspects. Participants learned about the allocation and distribution of net surplus and gained insights into ethical standards in cooperatives.
