From May 5–7, the MIMAROPA Team actively participated in the DAR–CDA Partnership Workshop held at the NDN Grand Hotel in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. Prior to the actual workshop, the MIMAROPA teams from the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) had already conducted joint pre-work activities and coordination meetings, including online preparations and consultations, to ensure that regional concerns, accomplishments, and partnership initiatives were properly consolidated and presented during the activity.
The workshop gathered representatives from various regions to strengthen collaboration between DAR and CDA in advancing programs for agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) and cooperatives. The activity officially opened with registration and preliminary activities, followed by welcome and inspirational messages from key officials of DAR and CDA. The sessions highlighted the importance of partnership, coordination, and collective commitment in empowering cooperatives and rural communities.
Throughout the workshop, the MIMAROPA Team actively participated in discussions and learning sessions focusing on current DAR thrusts, policy directions, and programs for CY 2026, as well as updates on DAR-assisted cooperatives and ARBO-managed enterprises. CDA representatives also presented the Philippine Agricultural Cooperative Ecosystem (PACE) and discussed accomplishments and initiatives aimed at strengthening the cooperative sector nationwide.
One of the major highlights of the activity was the presentation of the implementation of the DAR–CDA partnership initiatives by the regional teams. The MIMAROPA Team proudly shared its regional experiences, collaborative efforts, accomplishments, and best practices in implementing partnership programs between DAR and CDA. The presentation showcased the region’s initiatives in supporting cooperatives, enhancing coordination mechanisms, and providing services and interventions for ARBOs and community-based enterprises. The team members’ presentation reflected the strong working relationship between the two agencies in the region and demonstrated the value of continuous collaboration and joint planning.
The workshop also included discussions on the salient features of the DAR–CDA Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which reinforced the agencies’ shared goals in promoting sustainable development and institutional support for cooperatives. Participants engaged in workshops and planning sessions focused on defining action agendas, physical targets for 2026, and indicative targets for 2027–2028.
The MIMAROPA delegates actively contributed ideas, recommendations, and insights during the presentation of regional outputs and synthesis activities. The event concluded with key agreements, commitment-setting activities, and a closing program that strengthened the partnership and dedication of all participating regions toward inclusive agricultural and cooperative development.
The participation of the MIMAROPA Team in the workshop further demonstrated the region’s commitment to supporting cooperative development, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities for agrarian reform beneficiaries and local communities.
