July 19, 2023 – In an exciting development for the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in the MIMAROPA region, Acting Regional Director Alberto A. Sabarias, with regional officer Ms. Eva Loraine R. Cataje, Senior CDS for Cooperative Research, Information and Training Section (CRITS), and Mr. Reyzard R. Oliveros, Provincial Program Coordinator of Occidental Mindoro, paid a visit to the donated land by the Municipal Government of Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. They came to see where the much-anticipated CDA-MIMAROPA Regional Training Center will be built on donated land.

The land, measuring 1,000 square meters, is situated in Barangay Tuban, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. Mayor Walter “Bong” B. Marquez personally conducted a survey of the area, ensuring its suitability for the envisioned training center. During the visit, discussions also took place regarding the forthcoming groundbreaking ceremony and the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which are being planned for the near future.

The establishment of the CDA-MIMAROPA Regional Training Center marks a significant milestone in the promotion of cooperative development and empowerment within the region. This center will serve as a hub for training programs, workshops, and seminars aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of cooperative officers, staffs and members. By equipping individuals with the necessary tools and expertise, the CDA-MIMAROPA Regional Training Center seeks to foster sustainable cooperative growth and contribute to the region’s overall socio-economic progress.

Acting Regional Director Alberto A. Sabarias expressed his gratitude to the Municipal Government of Sablayan for their generous donation, emphasizing the vital role the training center will play in advancing cooperative development efforts in Occidental Mindoro. He lauded the collaborative spirit demonstrated by Mayor Walter “Bong” B. Marquez and the local government, highlighting their commitment to fostering a prosperous cooperative sector.

Director Sabarias’ thoughts were mirrored by Ms. Eva Loraine R. Cataje, Senior CDS for CRITS, who emphasized the value of knowledge-sharing and capacity-building in cooperative firms. She stressed how the CDA-MIMAROPA Regional Training Center will serve as a catalyst for best practices, innovation, and networking among the region’s cooperatives.

The CDA-MIMAROPA Regional Training Center is prepared to set the standard for cooperative excellence with the ground-breaking ceremony and the signing of the MOA. The cooperative sector in Occidental Mindoro and the rest of MIMAROPA can look forward to a better future that will be characterized by improved knowledge, skills, and member collaboration.

Cooperative enthusiasts and stakeholders are looking forward to the opportunities that the Training Center will bring when it rises. The opening of this center represents a steadfast dedication to cooperative development and paves the way for a more thriving and long-lasting cooperative movement in the MIMAROPA area, which will eventually benefit communities and promote inclusive progress. #