In a remarkable stride toward strengthening cooperative development, Region III has successfully implemented the CDA Certification Program for Cooperative Development Officers (CDOs) and its technical personnel in all its provinces. This milestone marks a major breakthrough since the program’s implementation in 2024.
The most recent leg of the program was held in Aurora Province on April 22–25 and May 6–9, 2025, completing the regional rollout. The province saw the enthusiastic participation of 14 CDOs, with 13 receiving their Certificate of Completion and 12 earning their official Certificate of Authority (CoA)—affirming their capacity to serve as trainers in the cooperative sector.
Across Region III, a total of 122 CDOs have now been certified and issued CoA, broken down as follows:
Aurora – 12
Bataan – 13
Bulacan – 25
Nueva Ecija – 31
Pampanga – 12
Tarlac – 25
Zambales – 4
Additionally, nine (9) of these certified officers are pool or trainers of previously accredited Local Cooperative Development Offices (LCDO), sharing their expertise with peers and enriching the training experience with on-the-ground insights.
A Curriculum Built for Impact
The CDA Certification Program was meticulously designed to empower CDOs through a comprehensive curriculum that highlights three core modules:
Fundamentals of Cooperatives
This module laid the groundwork by exploring cooperative principles, structures, and the values that guide the global cooperative movement. Participants deepened their appreciation of the history and philosophy that drive member-owned organizations. Relevant provisions of RA 9520 and its implementing rules and regulations are identified and explained.
Governance and Management of Cooperatives
Focusing on transparency and ethical leadership, this module emphasized legal frameworks and best practices in cooperative governance. It also tackled the distinct responsibilities of the board, management, and general membership in building a sustainable cooperative.
Training Methodology
Acknowledging the role of CDOs as community educators, this module equipped participants with essential teaching techniques and adult learning strategies. The goal: to mold CDOs into confident trainers capable of spreading cooperative knowledge at the grassroots.
Expert facilitators from the Cooperative Development Authority brought the curriculum to life through engaging workshops, interactive discussions, and real-world case studies—ensuring that learning was both meaningful and applicable.
With Region III leading the charge, the CDA Certification Program sets a national benchmark for capacity-building at the local government level—empowering CDOs to become agents of change in the cooperative sector.
