On May 26–28, 2025, forty coconut farmers’ cooperatives from Butuan City and Agusan del Norte convened for a three-day Reorientation on Cooperative Values and Principles and Entrepreneurial and Business Development Training. Participants applauded and chanted as the session got underway, creating a lively and energizing atmosphere for the training.
Regional Director Dr. Monatao Honeya R. Alawi warmly welcomed the participants and conveyed her sincere appreciation. She stressed the value of education and expressed her hope that the training would enhance the cooperatives’ knowledge and operational capacity.
The seminar featured respected speakers from the cooperative sector. Mr. Leopoldo B. Cabiad, a retired CDA Caraga employee and former Senior CDS of CPDAS, led the session on Cooperative Values and Principles, reminding participants of the core principles that guide their organizations.
For two days, Mr. Ronel Victor dela Cruz facilitated the Entrepreneurial and Business Development Training, emphasizing its importance in cooperative sustainability and growth. He shared practical strategies and encouraged cooperatives to re-echo their learnings within their respective organizations to maximize the impact of the training.
Before the training concluded, the Cooperative Project and Development Assistance Section (CPDAS) also presented key programs, including the Koop Kapatid Program and Coop-Biz, which aim to strengthen linkages and business opportunities among cooperatives. These initiatives provided further insights into collaboration and enterprise development within the cooperative movement.
As the training wrapped up, the cooperatives expressed deep appreciation to the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) for initiating such a meaningful and empowering event. Many participants shared that they are returning to their organizations inspired, better equipped, and committed to applying what they have learned to uplift their cooperatives.
This initiative marks a strong step toward building stronger, smarter, and more sustainable coconut farmers’ cooperatives in the region.
