June 15–19, 2026; Astoria Palawan, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Pursuant to Republic Act No. 11524, otherwise known as the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) MIMAROPA, in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), successfully conducted the CFIDP Year 5 Implementation Training for Cooperatives and Coconut Farmers in Palawan Province from June 15 to 19, 2026 at Astoria Palawan, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
The activity aimed to strengthen coconut farmers’ organizations and cooperatives through cooperative registration, governance enhancement, internal control systems, and enterprise development initiatives under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).
On June 15, 2026, the activity commenced with the conduct of a Pre-Registration Seminar (PRS) facilitated by Mr. Adrian S. Sinocruz for five (5) proposed cooperatives, composed of fifteen (15) members each, for a total of seventy-five (75) participants. The seminar provided participants with a comprehensive orientation on cooperative principles, registration requirements, organizational structures, and the rights and responsibilities of cooperative members and officers. The session served as a preparatory activity for the eventual registration of the proposed cooperatives under the Cooperative Development Authority.
Following the conduct of the PRS, the registration process of the proposed cooperatives was facilitated by Ms. Helen S. Servañez, Senior Cooperative Development Specialist of the Registration Section, who provided technical assistance and guidance on documentary requirements and registration procedures. This enabled the proposed cooperatives to immediately begin the process of securing their legal personality and cooperative status.
On June 16–17, 2026, the participants attended the Internal Control Training for Cooperatives, facilitated by Ms. Eva Loraine R. Cataje, Senior Cooperative Development Specialist of the Cooperative Research, Information and Training Section (CRITS). The training focused on the importance of establishing effective internal control systems to ensure accountability, transparency, efficiency of operations, safeguarding of assets, and compliance with cooperative laws, rules, and regulations. Participants were introduced to key internal control principles, risk assessment mechanisms, segregation of duties, financial controls, monitoring systems, and governance practices essential for the sustainable management of cooperatives.
The training formally opened with a message from Regional Director Alberto A. Sabarias, who emphasized the significance of strengthening cooperatives as instruments for economic empowerment and sustainable development among coconut farmers. He likewise underscored the commitment of CDA MIMAROPA in providing continuous capacity-building interventions to support the goals of the CFIDP.
The opening program was further highlighted by solidarity messages from distinguished guests and partners who expressed their support for the development of coconut farmers and cooperatives in Palawan. These included Hon. Gil P. Acosta Jr., Representative of the Third District of Palawan, popularly known as “Kabarangay”; Mr. Joseph Dasco, representing Senator Erwin Tulfo; Engr. Arlo Solano of the Philippine Coconut Authority – Palawan; and Usec. Alexander B. Raquepo, Chairperson of the Cooperative Development Authority. Their messages emphasized the importance of cooperative development, financial inclusion, good governance, and collaborative efforts in improving the lives of coconut farmers and rural communities.
On the afternoon of June 17, 2026, the Enterprise Development Training commenced and continued until June 18, 2026. The training was facilitated by Mr. Jefhtee R. Panganiban, Senior Cooperative Development Specialist of the Cooperative Project Development and Assistance Section (CPDAS). The sessions focused on enhancing the entrepreneurial capabilities of cooperatives through discussions on enterprise planning, market opportunities, value-adding initiatives, business sustainability, and project management. Participants engaged in workshops and group activities designed to assist them in developing viable enterprise concepts and strategies that could contribute to the growth and sustainability of their cooperatives.
The Enterprise Development Training also encouraged participants to explore innovative approaches in maximizing coconut-based resources and identifying potential business opportunities that could generate additional income and employment within their communities. Through collaborative exercises and presentations, the cooperatives were able to formulate initial enterprise development plans tailored to their respective organizational capacities and local economic conditions.
Prior to the conclusion of the session, Ms. Marian A. Concepcion provided a short orientation and promotional discussion on CSF Cooperatives. She highlighted the opportunities for micro cooperatives to become members of the CSF Cooperative. The discussion enhanced the participants’ understanding of the true essence, value, and responsibilities of cooperative membership.
At the conclusion of the training on June 18, 2026, a brief closing program was conducted wherein participants expressed their appreciation for the knowledge and technical assistance provided by the Cooperative Development Authority and its partner agencies. The participating cooperative officers and members subsequently departed for their respective municipalities and communities equipped with enhanced competencies in cooperative governance, internal control systems, and enterprise development.
On June 19, 2026, CDA MIMAROPA personnel conducted a comprehensive Assessment and Evaluation of the Entire Activity. The session was led by Ms. Marian A. Concepcion, Provincial Coordinator for Palawan Province, who facilitated the consolidation of accomplishments, assessment of training outputs, documentation of best practices, identification of challenges encountered, and formulation of recommendations for future CFIDP implementation activities.
During the assessment, the team reviewed the results of the Pre-Registration Seminar, Internal Control Training, Enterprise Development Training, and registration facilitation activities. The discussion highlighted the positive feedback received from participants, the successful completion of training objectives, and the progress made by the proposed cooperatives toward registration. The assessment also served as a venue for the CDA personnel to evaluate operational arrangements, resource utilization, and inter-sectional coordination to further improve the delivery of future CFIDP interventions.
Following the completion of the assessment and evaluation activities, the entire CDA MIMAROPA delegation departed from Astoria Palawan and returned to their respective duty stations.
The successful conduct of the CFIDP Year 5 Implementation Training for Cooperatives and Coconut Farmers in Palawan Province significantly contributed to the strengthening of coconut farmers’ organizations and cooperatives through cooperative registration facilitation, internal control enhancement, and enterprise development. The activity further reinforced the commitment of the Cooperative Development Authority and its partners in achieving the objectives of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan and promoting resilient, accountable, and sustainable cooperatives in the Province of Palawan.
