As part of the continuing roll-out of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) MIMAROPA conducted a six-day regional training and mobilization activity from June 16 to 21, 2025 at Magsaysay Hillside Resort, Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro. The activity brought together coconut farmers’ associations and cooperative officers from across MIMAROPA to participate in targeted learning interventions focused on cooperative formation, governance, and financial management.
Day 1 – June 16, 2025
The week began with the arrival of CDA MIMAROPA staff, who convened a day in advance to conduct site preparations, review training modules, and finalize logistical arrangements. The team, composed of:
- Reyzard Oliveros, Cooperative Development Specialist (CDS) – Occidental Mindoro
- Roxanne Gayzee B. Santiago, CDS II – Oriental Mindoro
- Fatima A. Casaul, CDS II – Romblon
- Mark M. Manrique, CDS II – Cooperative Project Development and Assistance Section
- Eva Loraine R. Cataje, Chief – Cooperative Research, Information, and Training Section
- Helen S. Servañez, Chief – Registration Section
- Support staff from CDA MIMAROPA Regional Office
worked cohesively to ensure the venue was fully equipped, training materials were in order, and all logistical needs were addressed prior to the arrival of participants.
Special mention is due to Mr. Reyzard Oliveros, the local CDS for Occidental Mindoro, who played a pivotal role in coordinating with local stakeholders, securing ground-level support, and bridging logistical arrangements with the host municipality. His familiarity with the local context and dedication greatly contributed to the seamless conduct of the program.
Day 2 – June 17, 2025
Participants from various municipalities across MIMAROPA—particularly unregistered coconut farmers’ associations—arrived at the venue and were promptly assisted by the CDA team for orientation and registration.
A Pre-Registration Seminar (PRS) was held to educate these associations on the legal, financial, and operational aspects of becoming formally recognized cooperatives. The session was facilitated by Mr. Mark M. Manrique, who emphasized the benefits of institutionalization under the CDA, eligibility for CFIDP programs, and the pathway to sustainable development.
CDA staff guided the groups in understanding their organizational requirements and offered one-on-one support in completing essential documents for cooperative registration. The interactive nature of the session encouraged active participation, fostering confidence among community leaders to pursue legal recognition.
Day 3 – June 18, 2025
The day commenced with the departure of the PRS participants following the completion of their orientation. By mid-morning, officers and stakeholders from registered cooperatives began arriving at the venue to participate in the core training on Parliamentary Procedure, facilitated by Mr. Jefhtee Panganiban. The session provided participants with a comprehensive introduction to proper meeting decorum, motion-making, voting procedures, and the ethical conduct of deliberations within a cooperative framework.
To reinforce learning, simulated board meetings and general assemblies were conducted, offering a hands-on understanding of parliamentary rules. These activities emphasized the critical values of inclusivity, order, and transparency in cooperative governance and decision-making.
Day 4 – June 19,
The morning featured the conclusion of the Parliamentary Procedure workshop, which included drills on writing compliant and functional minutes of meetings. Realistic scenarios were used to test accuracy in documentation, enabling cooperative secretaries and board members to enhance their organizational records.
In the afternoon, attention shifted to Basic Accounting for Non-Accountants. The training was conducted by Ms. Eva Loraine R. Cataje, who guided participants through the principles of financial literacy and cooperative-specific accounting systems.
The session aimed to equip cooperative officers with tools to:
- Understand the accounting cycle
- Maintain accurate books of accounts
- Strengthen internal controls
- Prepare and interpret financial statements
- Apply the Revised Standard Chart of Accounts under MC 2022-24
Day 5 – June 20, 2025
Participants continued their accounting training with practical exercises on journal entries, ledger posting, trial balance preparation, and the crafting of financial reports. Using sample transactions from a fictional cooperative, they were able to connect concepts to real-world cooperative operations.
By the afternoon, a commencement program was held to recognize the completion of the three-day technical training. Select participants shared their experiences, expressing how the training filled critical knowledge gaps and inspired them to adopt more transparent and disciplined practices in their cooperatives.
In his heartfelt closing message, Mr. Reyzard Oliveros emphasized the transformative power of education and the central role of leadership in cooperative development. He thanked all participants for their active engagement and praised the staff for their tireless efforts.
