The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) – Region XIII Extension Office, through its Cooperative Research, Information and Training Section (CRITS) led by Senior CDS Niño Rosil C. Bantayan, successfully conducted the 3rd Batch of the Training of Trainers (TOT) for Cooperative Development Officers (CDOs) on November 25–28 and December 1–4, 2025 at Gloreto Luxury Hotel, Butuan City.
The activity forms part of the implementation of Memorandum Circular No. 2023-12, which establishes the CDA Certification Program for CDOs and mandates the standardization of training delivery, enhancement of competencies, and development of qualified CDO trainers across all Local Government Units (LGUs).
The TOT provided participants with the required knowledge on cooperative laws and regulations and equipped them with essential competencies in training design, facilitation, and adult learning methodologies in line with certification requirements.
A total of twelve participants joined the TOT:
- Benjie P. Duque, PCDO Designate – Agusan del Norte (Province Level)
- Lydia A. Apatan, MCDO Designate – Nasipit, Agusan del Norte
- Zaida T. Badajos, CDS II – Santiago, Agusan del Norte
- Eduardo Apresto, Jr., MCDO Designate – San Francisco, Agusan del Sur
- Antonio C. Peñaflor, Jr., MCDO Designate – Mainit, Surigao del Norte
- Oscar Domiños, MCDO Designate – Burgos, Surigao del Norte
- Claudy Lorraine Orejas, MCDO Designate – Pilar, Surigao del Norte
- Carren M. Tupal, CDS I – Tandag City, Surigao del Sur
- Flora Mae M. Lasco, MCDO Designate – Tubajon, Province of Dinagat Islands
- Alyn G. Salavedra – Mendoza, MCDO Designate – Loreto, Province of Dinagat Islands
- Loejun Y. Patual, MCDO Designate – San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands
- Anna Liza O. Lacierda, PCDO Technical Staff – Province of Dinagat Islands
All participating CDOs successfully passed the program and received their Certificate of Training Completion and Certificate of Authority as Trainers, as required under MC 2023-12. PCDO Technical Staff Anna Liza O. Lacierda received a Certificate of Completion, and CDS I Carren M. Tupal received a Certificate of Participation, as they are not designated CDOs and therefore do not yet qualify for the issuance of a Certificate of Authority.
The successful conduct of the Training of Trainers was made possible through the unwavering support and leadership of CDA Caraga Regional Director, Dr. Monatao Honeya R. Alawi, along with the continued commitment of the Cooperative Development Authority in strengthening the CDO Certification Program.
The activity was likewise supported by the participating Local Government Units (LGUs), whose authorization and cooperation enabled their CDOs and representatives to attend and complete the training.
The TOT concluded with enhanced competencies and strengthened partnerships that will further contribute to effective cooperative development and the full implementation of MC 2023-12.
