On July 24, 2024, a pivotal event unfolded at the Marinduque State University’s Audio Visual Room, marking the commencement of a significant four-day Training of Trainers program. This initiative was guided by the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and Marinduque State University (MarSU), formalized through MSC-BOT Res. No. 100-F, s. 2023. The training aimed to enhance the capabilities of Accredited Training Providers (CTPROs) in line with the objectives of the CDA Accreditation Program.

The event was a testament to the strategic partnership between CDA and MarSU, supported by funding from the Provincial Government of Marinduque (PGM). The training was meticulously organized by the Marinduque Union of Cooperatives (MUC) in collaboration with the CDA and MarSU, affirming the collaborative spirit outlined in the MOA.

The program was inaugurated with opening messages from distinguished guests, each highlighting the importance of the training and the role of the partnership. Mr. Randy Ayala represented Governor Presbitero J. Velasco Jr.; Dir. Alberto A. Sabarias, Acting Regional Director of CDA; and Prof. Dr. Diosdado P. Zulueta, University President of MarSU, was represented by Atty. Crispin Francis M. Jandusay, the University’s Vice-President for Administration and Finance. Their remarks underscored the collective commitment to advancing cooperative development through this training initiative.

The MOA between CDA and MarSU outlined MarSU’s role as an accredited training provider under the framework of the Cooperative Development Authority’s programs. This accreditation, detailed in MSC-BOT Res. No. 100-F, s. 2023, was pivotal in setting the stage for the training sessions. The agreement emphasized MarSU’s responsibility in delivering high-quality training programs designed to bolster the skills and knowledge of cooperatives and their leaders.

During the four-day training, participants from various sectors, including the Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Trade and Industry, MUC, MDDCO, and MarSU’s College of Engineering and College of Business and Accountancy, engaged in a series of comprehensive modules. These sessions were designed to upgrade their knowledge and skills in managing and delivering training programs for cooperatives.

Guided by MarSU’s Pool of Facilitators and Resource Persons, including Dr. Michael V. Capiña and Dr. Verna Liza L. Capiña from the College of Business and Accountancy; Dr. Rosalyn J. Dasco and Dr. Ernesto L. Largado from the College of Arts and Social Sciences; Mr. Julie P. Rodelas from the College of Agriculture; Ms. Clarivel M. Miranda from the College of Education; and Dr. Anne Grace M. Labatete from the College of Governance, the training provided an in-depth exploration of effective training techniques and cooperative management principles.

The modules covered during the training were crafted to enhance the participants’ abilities to conduct and manage cooperative training programs efficiently. This included developing effective training materials, implementing best practices in adult education, and fostering a collaborative learning environment. The program’s design was a direct reflection of the objectives set forth in the MOA, aimed at creating a robust network of trained professionals capable of elevating cooperative development efforts.

As the training concluded on July 27, 2024, the impact of the collaboration between CDA and MarSU was evident. Participants left with a profound understanding of their roles as trainers and a renewed commitment to advancing cooperative development. The partnership, as outlined in the MOA, successfully fulfilled its goal of enhancing the capabilities of Accredited Training Providers, setting a high standard for future training initiatives.

The Training of Trainers program at MarSU not only demonstrated the effectiveness of the CDA-MarSU MOA but also highlighted the potential of strategic collaborations in driving cooperative development forward. The shared vision of the CDA, MarSU, and the Provincial Government of Marinduque continues to pave the way for impactful and sustainable growth in the cooperative sector.