PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, July 12, 2026 — The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) MIMAROPA Regional Office successfully conducted a two-day virtual mandatory training for cooperatives in the Municipality of Kalayaan, Palawan, from July 11 to 12, reinforcing cooperative governance and management while commemorating the 10th anniversary of the historic July 12, 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Award that upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
The activity brought together officers and members of cooperatives in Kalayaan Island to complete the CDA’s required training, demonstrating the Authority’s continuing commitment to extending cooperative education and capacity-building initiatives to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
The first day of the training focused on the Fundamentals of Cooperatives, with Ms. Marian A. Concepcion, Provincial Coordinator for Palawan Province, serving as resource speaker. She discussed the cooperative identity, principles and values, legal framework, and the role of cooperatives in promoting sustainable socio-economic development within communities.
On the second day, Ms. Eva Loraine R. Cataje, Senior Cooperative Development Specialist of the Cooperative Research, Information and Training Section, delivered comprehensive discussions on Cooperative Governance and Management. Her presentation emphasized the distinct roles and responsibilities of cooperative officers, sound governance practices, management functions, board-management relationships, risk management, and compliance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9520 and CDA regulations.
Regional Director Alberto A. Sabarias graced the virtual activity and delivered an
inspirational message, emphasizing that strong and well-governed cooperatives are indispensable partners in achieving inclusive growth and resilient communities. He encouraged cooperative leaders to uphold transparency, accountability, and democratic governance while continuously enhancing their knowledge and competencies through education and training.
Director Sabarias likewise underscored the significance of holding the activity on the anniversary of the landmark Arbitral Tribunal ruling. He noted that while the decision affirmed the country’s maritime rights under international law, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of empowering Filipino communities—including those in the country’s frontier islands—through sustainable economic institutions such as cooperatives.
To assess participants’ learning, post-training examinations were administered at the conclusion of the sessions. Recognizing academic excellence and active participation, Regional Director Sabarias personally sponsored prizes for the participants who obtained the highest scores in the post-training quiz, drawing appreciation from the attendees and further encouraging excellence in cooperative education.
The successful conduct of the two-day virtual training reflects CDA MIMAROPA’s sustained efforts to ensure that mandatory cooperative education reaches even the country’s most remote island municipalities. Through initiatives such as this, the Authority continues to strengthen the capacity of cooperatives to become effective instruments of economic empowerment, good governance, and community development.
As the nation commemorates the 10th anniversary of the July 12, 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Award, the activity also highlighted the role of empowered and resilient communities in advancing national development. By equipping cooperatives in Kalayaan with the knowledge and skills necessary for sound governance and responsible management, the CDA reaffirms its commitment to fostering inclusive growth while supporting communities that stand at the forefront of the country’s maritime domain.
