On 20 August 2026, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) MIMAROPA Regional Office, in collaboration with the Liga ng Cooperative Development Officers ng Pilipinas (LCDOP) – MIMAROPA Chapter, conducted a virtual gathering entitled “Empowering CDOs: CDA Awards, Programs, Upcoming Initiatives, and Opportunities for Collaboration.”
The activity brought together Cooperative Development Officers (CDOs) and representatives of the CDA for a meaningful morning of information-sharing, recognition, learning, and partnership-building. It provided an avenue to strengthen coordination between the CDA and CDOs and to discuss initiatives that can further enhance the delivery of cooperative development programs and services at the local level.
The program started with attendance, virtual room reminders, and technical checking, facilitated by the Cooperative Research, Information and Training Section (CRITS) and the ICT Section. This ensured that the participants were properly welcomed and that the virtual platform was ready for the day’s activities.
At 9:00 AM, the formal program commenced with the Invocation and National Anthem, followed by the acknowledgment of the participating CDOs and guests. This was followed by the Welcome Message delivered by Alberto A. Sabarias of the CDA Regional Office, who warmly welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation and coordination in advancing cooperative development. He also tackled the Overview of the Activity, highlighting its objectives, expected outputs, and, most importantly, the significance of strengthening CDA-CDO collaboration. The discussion underscored the important role of CDOs as local partners in bringing cooperative development initiatives closer to communities and cooperatives.
To make the gathering more interactive, participants took part in the Coop Quiz Bee, facilitated by Fatima C. Arroyo, CDS II – CRITS. The activity provided an enjoyable opportunity for the CDOs to test their knowledge of cooperatives while fostering engagement and camaraderie among the participants.
The morning continued with the Gawad Parangal, led by Eva Loraine R. Cataje, Senior CDS – CRITS. The recognition highlighted excellence and meaningful contributions in cooperative development. It served as a reminder that dedication, commitment, and good public service remain important in strengthening the cooperative movement.
One of the major highlights of the gathering was the presentation of the proposed CDA-LGU Partnership Agreement to the participating CDOs. The proposal presented a framework intended to formalize and reinforce the strategic partnership between the CDA and Local Government Units and to harmonize their efforts in advancing local cooperative development and sustainability. Among the areas identified for collaboration were the formulation and implementation of Local Cooperative Development Plans, provision of technical assistance and capacity-building activities, cooperative promotion and development, information sharing, and other joint initiatives.
The presentation opened an important discussion on how the CDA and CDOs can work more closely and systematically in providing assistance to cooperatives. The proposed partnership also emphasized convergence in the delivery of services, including cooperation in inspections and examinations, assistance in the organization of prospective cooperatives, data sharing, and the designation of focal persons to ensure continuous coordination and communication.
The participating CDOs expressed their collective agreement and support for the proposed partnership, reflecting their willingness to strengthen collaboration with the CDA and to work together toward a more coordinated and responsive approach to cooperative development. This moment became particularly significant as it demonstrated a shared understanding that meaningful cooperative development requires not only programs and policies, but also strong partnerships among the institutions and people responsible for implementing them at the local level.
The activity concluded with the Closing Message and Commitment to Collaboration delivered by Gina Socrates, President of LCDOP MIMAROPA. Her message reinforced the importance of unity, coordination, and sustained partnership among the CDA and CDOs in responding to the needs of cooperatives and their communities.
At 12:00 noon, the CDA Regional Office – CRITS formally closed the activity.
More than a morning program, the gathering became a meaningful opportunity to connect, recognize, learn, and commit to working together. It strengthened the relationship between the CDA and the Cooperative Development Officers and provided a venue where ideas were shared, initiatives were presented, and a common direction for stronger collaboration was affirmed.
The collective support of the participating CDOs for the proposed CDA-LGU partnership
demonstrated a shared commitment to building stronger mechanisms for coordination and cooperation. Through sustained collaboration, the CDA and LGUs can work together in providing more effective technical assistance, capacity-building opportunities, and other interventions that will contribute to the growth and sustainability of cooperatives across MIMAROPA.
As the morning’s gathering came to a close, one message stood out clearly: partnership is the foundation of meaningful cooperative development.
One Partnership. One Vision. Stronger Cooperatives.
