The Cluster-Based Training on Cooperative Governance and Management for Transport Cooperatives was successfully conducted on February 26–27 at the CALFAMCO Conference Hall, Bayanan 1, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. The activity gathered nine (9) transport cooperatives with a total of fifty-five (55) transport cooperative officers from across the province.

The two-day capacity-building initiative forms part of the continuing efforts of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) MIMAROPA to strengthen governance standards, enhance leadership capabilities, and promote sustainable management practices among transport cooperatives in the region.

In his Welcome Remarks, Regional Director Alberto A. Sabarias emphasized the vital role of transport cooperatives in fostering organized, accountable, and member-driven public transportation services. He underscored that strong governance and sound management systems are fundamental to ensuring operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability.

Delivering the Opening Message, Richard E. Ilagan, Public Utilities Cluster Focal for the Region, highlighted the importance of institutional strengthening and proactive leadership, particularly in supporting the goals of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP). He encouraged participants to embrace reforms and continuously improve their management practices to meet the evolving demands of the transport sector.

The training was facilitated by Eva Loraine R. Cataje, Senior Cooperative Development Specialist of the Cooperative Research, Information and Training Section. The training sessions covered the following major topics:

• Orientation and Expectation Setting – Establishing the objectives of the activity and aligning participants’ expectations to promote active engagement and meaningful learning.
• Risk Management in Transport Cooperatives – Identifying operational, financial, governance, and regulatory risks, and developing practical mitigation strategies to safeguard cooperative assets and operations.
• Cooperative Governance and Management – Reinforcing the roles and responsibilities of officers and the Board of Directors in ensuring transparency, accountability, strategic planning, and effective decision-making.
• Role of Transport Cooperatives in the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) – Clarifying the responsibilities of cooperatives in advancing modernization efforts, professionalizing operations, and improving service standards.
• Presentation of Best Practices of Various Transport Cooperatives – Showcasing successful governance models, innovative operational strategies, and compliance mechanisms that contribute to sustainability and organizational growth.

Through interactive discussions, workshops, and sharing of best practices, participants were able to deepen their understanding of cooperative governance principles and enhance their leadership competencies.

The successful conduct of the cluster-based training reflects CDA MIMAROPA’s steadfast commitment to developing resilient, compliant, and well-managed transport cooperatives that contribute meaningfully to regional economic development and improved public transportation services.