The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Caraga Region, in collaboration with the Agusan del Norte Provincial Cooperative Development Office, successfully conducted a two-day orientation on the mandatory reports of Agusan del Norte cooperatives at Grand Palace Hotel, Butuan City. The event brought together 100 participants from various municipalities across Agusan del Norte, aiming to equip cooperatives with essential knowledge and skills for compliance and sustainability.
The orientation commenced with a prayer, seeking guidance for a better understanding of cooperative processes and the event’s overall success. Mr. Benjie P. Duque, the Provincial Cooperative Development Officer (Designate), warmly welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of compliance in cooperative operations.
Following this, Mr. Benjie M. Villaruben, Officer-in-Charge of the Provincial Agriculture Office, delivered an inspiring message on securing a Certificate of Compliance (COC). He highlighted that the COC is a key requirement for cooperatives to access financial grants and government support, reinforcing its role in strengthening cooperative growth and development. After his message, Venus Charity S. Cabrera, CDS II Development—Agusan del Norte, conducted a brief orientation on the CoopBiz Facebook page. This online digital platform, similar to Shopee and Lazada, enables cooperatives with products to expand their market reach globally.
Before the main orientation, Ms. Gezzel B. Quiao, CDS II of the Credit Surety Fund (CSF) Section, led an information session on the Financial Consumer Protection Act. She explained its legal framework, its impact on cooperatives, and the responsibilities of cooperative leaders in ensuring compliance. Additionally, she discussed MC 2024-07 | Guidelines Governing the Operations of Cooperatives Engaged in Credit Services, which emphasized the proper collection of payments, the importance of a credit policy, and ethical lending practices.
Before the lunch break on the first day, Mr. Francisco Y. Chan Jr., SP Board Member and Chair of the Committee on Cooperatives, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the conduct of the orientation. He shared his appreciation for the initiative, acknowledging the presence of various cooperatives from different municipalities of Agusan del Norte. He emphasized that such programs are crucial in strengthening cooperative development and fostering collaboration among cooperative organizations.
A key highlight of the orientation was the comprehensive discussion by Ms. Anna Danica C. Cabaltera on the simplified submission of mandatory reports. She placed particular emphasis on the application of these guidelines for micro cooperatives, ensuring that reporting procedures remain accessible and manageable for smaller organizations.
In the afternoon, participants actively took part in a workshop session, which continued into the second day. While the cooperatives continued the workshop, a meeting was also conducted regarding the revival of the Agusan del Norte Provincial Cooperative Development Council. During this meeting, attendees reviewed the previous ordinance, which was deemed obsolete and needed
to conform with MC 2022-03. Additionally, discussions were held on the election of officers since their term had already expired. It was decided that the election would be scheduled on April 30, 2025, at the Provincial Agriculture Office conference room from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
By the conclusion of the event, some cooperatives successfully secured their Certificate of Compliance (COC)—a testament to the effectiveness of the orientation.
The successful conduct of this two-day activity not only strengthened cooperative governance in Agusan del Norte but also empowered cooperatives with the knowledge needed to enhance their operations. The CDA Caraga Region and the Agusan del Norte Provincial Cooperative Development Office expressed their appreciation to all participants and resource speakers, reaffirming their commitment to supporting cooperatives in achieving sustainable growth and development.
