by: CRISTINE C. CANTES, CDS II
Camalig, Albay – The Bicolanos are known for being “oragons” or being resilient despite strong typhoons and natural calamities they encountered. Albay, where the beautiful Mt. Mayon volcano is located and an identified province with many agricultural activities and business organizations like cooperatives, is very vulnerable from natural and man-made disasters like typhoon, flooding, volcanic eruptions as well as man-made disruptions like supply chain interruptions and power outage. In order to ensure resiliency of cooperatives and help them safeguard their coop operations as well as the well-being of their members, the Provincial Government of Albay thru Albay Provincial Cooperative, Enterprise, Manpower and Development Office (APCEMDO) in collaboration with Cooperative Development Authority-Albay Contact Office spearheaded a Training on Business Continuity Management (BCM). This was held last November 7-8, 2023 at 2nd Floor, Migz Zubiri Hall, Albay Provincial Cooperative Building, Cabangan, Camalig, Albay. Mr. Isidro D. Navea III, CDS II from CDA-Masbate Contact Office have shared his knowledge and expertise as the resource person.
There were 51 cooperative officers -18 males and 31 females from 29 cooperatives from different types and categories. On the 1st day of training, cooperative officers were divided into groups to get to know each other and present their coop name, business activities, expectations and the disaster they have experienced. Mr. Navea thoroughly discussed the topics on BCM and presented the BCP Tool kits which will be filled-up by each coop. During the 2nd day of training, a wheel of names was used to identify coops who will present and those who will critique which resulted to a more productive and collaborative sharing of ideas.
The objective of this activity is for them to assess and identify potential hazards and create their business continuity plan. By understanding these risks, cooperatives can develop strategies to mitigate the impact and ensure the continuity of their business which will help to develop comprehensive business continuity plan. Cooperatives should ensure that their employees, officers and members possess awareness on BCM, their roles and responsibilities before, during and after a hazard and following their recovery plan to ensure everyone’s safety and build value of preparedness. In addition to this, cooperatives should be able to adopt to change since there are a lot of factors, they have to consider that may affect their business. BCP should be reviewed regularly to check if there should be changes to be made, new hazards/ risks identified and assess the preparedness of coop for actual incidents/ hazards experienced. Furthermore, establishing partnership with the provincial and local government units, NGA, NGOs and emergency services play a vital role so that coops may access services or resources in support during a hazard encountered as well as proper guidance and expertise may be provided to implement effective business continuity management.
In general, an effective BCM practices require positive and comprehensive approach to better understand and manage direct risk and challenges that cooperative may face. In order to do this, cooperative officers and members should continually create strong business continuity plans and collaborate with stakeholders that will make them a resilient cooperative with an ability to withstand any disruptions or hazards.
Download Article here: ALBAY COOPERATIVES GEAR RESILIENCY THROUGH BUSINESS CONTINUITY MANAGEMENT
