In the serene coasts of the Mindoro Islands, a spark of transformation was ignited—one that brought together dedication, community, and the enduring spirit of cooperation.
From June 23 to 28, 2025, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) embarked on a mission unlike any other: COOP BOSS – Cooperative Business Opportunity Sourcing Session. Under the banner “Accelerating Cooperative Regulation and Development in the Mindoro Islands,” this field-based initiative aimed to bring the government closer to the grassroots, offering a lifeline to coconut farmers’ cooperatives through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).
Day 1: June 23 – Lighting the Fire in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro
The event commenced with the arrival of dedicated CDA personnel at La Primera Grande Beach Resort in Roxas. Carrying not just documents and laptops, but a deep sense of purpose, the team included:
- CRITS: Ms. Eva Loraine Cataje, Sr. CDS
- CPDAS: Jefhtee R. Panganiban and Mark Manrique (Sr. CDS and CDS II)
- SES: Raquel Castañeda and Melvin A. Cabanes
- Registration Section: Ms. Helen Servañez and Ms. Roxanne Gayzze Santiago
Their presence was a symbol of commitment—to bring services not just to offices, but to where they were needed most.
Mr. Cristian De Ade led the first training on the Fundamentals of Cooperatives, engaging micro-cooperative members in practical learning and empowerment. For many participants, this was their first encounter with CDA’s full support—and it sparked renewed hope.
Day 2: June 24 – Building Stronger Leaders
The momentum continued with a focused session on Cooperative Governance and Management, skillfully facilitated by Ms. Aubrey Almazan. Cooperative officers absorbed tools and insights to become better stewards of their organizations.
By day’s end, the impact was already evident:
✅ 50 cooperative officers trained
✅ 19 Certificates of Compliance awarded to Oriental Mindoro cooperatives
These certificates weren’t just pieces of paper—they were symbols of legitimacy, of having met standards, and of being seen and supported by the national government.
Day 3: June 25 – Crossing the Island, Carrying the Mission
With their work in Roxas completed, the CDA team journeyed westward to Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, bringing with them the same dedication and energy. Their next destination: Visales Resort, a place that would soon witness yet another wave of empowerment.
The journey wasn’t just about geography—it was about reaching cooperatives who had long waited for this kind of personalized assistance and attention.
Day 4: June 26 – Behind the Scenes, Making Dreams Possible
Though no trainings were scheduled, the work didn’t stop. Instead, the day was spent assisting and evaluating cooperatives nominated for the prestigious Gawad Parangal. The CRITS team worked closely with cooperative officers, checking documents, offering guidance, and ensuring that these organizations could put their best foot forward.
Elsewhere, other CDA personnel continued face-to-face consultations—proof that support doesn’t always have to be loud or seen to be deeply meaningful.
Day 5: June 27 – Celebrating Another Milestone
In an atmosphere filled with pride and gratitude, 61 Certificates of Compliance were awarded to cooperatives in Occidental Mindoro. This brought the total to 80 cooperatives across both provinces now fully compliant and empowered to grow further.
These cooperatives walked away not just with certificates, but with a renewed sense of dignity, inclusion, and the belief that they matter—that their dreams are valid, and that government is within reach.
