The Cooperative Development Authority Region III Extension Office and Don Honorio Ventura State University (DVHSU) solidified their partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on December 5, 2023 at Café Honorio, DVHSU Main Campus Extension Lot, Bacolor, Pampanga.

The objective of the Agreement is to strengthen CDA RIII EO and DVHSU partnership towards improving education and training of cooperatives in the country especially in Region 3 through the conduct of Training of Trainers (ToT) for trainers of accredited CTPROs and prospective applicants of CDA accreditation program.

Regional Director Marieta P. Hwang and Vice President Ranie B. Canlas, DIT for Research, Innovation, Training and Extension signed the MOA on behalf of CDA RIII EO and DHVSU, respectively. The ceremony was also witnessed by the CDA RIII EO Acting Assistant Regional Director, Carolina M. Miguel and Acting Chief of Cooperative Research, Information and Training Section, Ms. Jenalyn D. Ferrer together with Ms. Karen Krystel F. Ysais, CDS II,  Mr. Cresencio V. Pilao Jr., Provincial Cooperative Development Specialist of Pampanga and Mr. Francis R. Mangacu, CDS II. Also in attendance were Atty. David Robert C. Aquino, Dean of the DHVSU School of Law, Ms. Aileen P. De Leon, MIT, MOS, MTA, Manager of Professional Advancement Center together with the faculty members of College of Business Studies, Ms. Mharee Joie Shynne P. Gomez, MBA and Mr. Jose Joseph C. Soriano, MBA.

VP Canlas, in his opening remarks said that this partnership with CDA is one of the many reasons that they can share what they have in the university. The DHVSU is continuously developing their faculties and programs and he believes that their expertise has to be felt by the community. He also said that there are courses and programs in the university that are aligned with the trust and programs of the  CDA.

Director Hwang in her message of commitment firstly thanked the DHVSU for responding to the CDA in this partnership. She mentioned that there is only one State University in Region 3 with an existing MOA with CDA on this undertaking. Through this partnership, it will be very beneficial for the prospective trainers of the accredited training providers and cooperatives itself in Pampanga and in the nearby provinces. The DHVSU being a partner to educate the cooperatives will help lessen the problems faced by the cooperatives and the CDA due to lack of education. Lastly, Director Hwang commits to assist and provide DHVSU the necessary assistance in the implementation of the MOA.

In the discussion of the highlights of the partnership presented by Ms. Gomez, she mentioned that this partnership is very important to DHVSU and to the CDA in gearing towards improving the education of cooperatives. Through this partnership, it paves the way for an active and holistic approach towards a stronger system, structure, and support system for the cooperatives  to guide them towards sustainable growth and to maximize its benefits. This partnership is a manifestation towards the achievement of the collective aspirations of every Filipino that is to enjoy a life of matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay.

During the closing remarks delivered by Ms. DeLeon, she stressed out the importance of this partnership as it opens many doors for both DHVSU and the CDA. She assures CDA their full cooperation on this partnership. Further, she believes that through these efforts, there will be a better Pampanga and a better Philippines.