(The CDA-PhilMech Partnership in Y2021)
By Demelyn B. Gabales, CDS II
The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in partnership with Philippine Center For Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) implemented the “Entrepreneurial Capability Enhancement” of selected Farmers Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) last November 2021. The said program aims to enhance the FCAs’ capability to operate and manage the Farm Machinery Service Provider (FMSP) as a sustainable agricultural business enterprise.
CDA and PhilMech has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on Technical Cooperation in Postharvest and Agricultural Mechanization development.
The Philippine Center For Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), an attached agency of the Departrment of Agriculture is mandated to generate, extend and commercialize appropriate and problem oriented agriculture and fishery postharvest and mechanization technologies, practices and systems. RA No. 11203 vested PhilMech with the distribution of Rice Machineries to qualified FCAs and provide for the appropriate training and other related activities under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)- Mechanization and Rice Extension Services Programs.
The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) as lead agency in cooperative development, is mandated with promoting the viability and growth of cooperatives as instruments of equity, social justice and economic development in fulfillment of the mandate in Section 15, Article XII of the Constitution. In pursuance of its mandate, the CDA develops and conducts management and training programs to provide members of cooperatives with the entrepreneurial capabilities, managerial expertise, and technical skills required for the efficient operation of their cooperatives and associations.
In 2019, PhilMech provided different kinds of Farm Machineries to 51 Farmer’s, Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) in Caraga Region. This year (2021), these FCAs were the first to undergo “Basic Training Course on Cooperatives, Bookkeeping and Entrepreneurship”, a two-day training participated by (at least, 3 officers)– their President or Manager, Treasurer and Bookkeeper. The training aims to equip the participants with the basic knowledge and understanding on Cooperativism and Entrepreneurship, and to enhance skills on bookkeeping of farm machinery operation. In addition, participants were provided with training kits that include the manual, a calculator, and PhilMech’s Farm Machinery Utilization Record Books.
CDA Regional Director Genaro D. Pogata, Jr., during the opening of the activity gave his inspirational message to the recipients of the project. He emphasized the importance of Bookkeeping as they will be entrepreneurs in handling the Farm Machineries. Further, he also enjoined the FCAs to be part in cooperative movement by transforming their groups into cooperatives.
CDA Caraga Personnel who composed the Pool of Trainors were: Ms. Gezzel B. Quiao (CDS II, assigned in Credit Surety Fund Section) handled the topic on the “Importance and Basic of Bookkeeping”; Mr. Jeffrey D. Raya (CDS II, assigned in SDS) discussed the topic on “Entrepreneurship and Cooperativism”; and Ms. Demelyne B. Gabales (CDS II, assisting CPDAS) covered the orientation on the “Farm Machinery Utilization Record Book”. Mr. Leopoldo Cabiad, Senior CDS for CPDAS gave the introductions about CDA.
The five batches of trainings were conducted in coordination with the CDA Field CDSes in the different provinces. The participants underwent the lectures and discussion part of the training, and the practicum-workshops that followed.
In November 4-5, 2021, the venue of the Batch 1 Training was in Hygeia, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. It was participated with 31 participants from 11 FCAs that came from the municipalities of Veruela, Bunawan, Rosario, Prosperidad, San Francisco, La Paz, Esperanza, and Bayugan City.
Batch 2 training was held in Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City for the Agusan del Norte FCAs. It was participated by 37 participants from 9 FCAs (that include one FCA from Agusan del Sur who was unable to attend in the Batch 1 due to health concerns). These FCAs came from Butuan City, RTR, Cabadbaran, Las Nieves, Kitcharao and Buenavista.
Batch 3 training was conducted in Bonsai Riverview Inn, Bislig City for the Surigao del Sur FCAs (the first out of three batches in SDS).The 23 participants attending came from 9 FCAs of the Municipalities of Lianga, Barobo, Tagbina, Hinatuan, Lingig and Bislig City.
Batch 4 training venue was the Shacene Pension House in Tandag City. It was participated by 29 participants from the 10 FCAs in Surigao del Sur from areas of Tago, San Miguel, Bayabas, Cagwait, Marihatag and San Agustin.
The last Batch (5) was held in Villa Maria Luisa Hotel in Tandag City. It was participated by 37 participants from 12 FCAs in Surigao del Sur that came from Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Lanuza, Cortes and Tandag City.
“The Book of Success” refers to the series of Bookkeeping & Entrepreneurial Trainings conducted for the participants to realize that one important key for business success is to ensure that their business transactions are well recorded and accounted. The organization’s financial health is its sustenance and this can be well monitored via the accounting records. And if these financial records are kept and maintained, the trust and support of the members are also intact, since most members do trust the hand of the management that protects their interest and provides transparent and well-accounted business operation. ******
