by: LARRY L. VILLALUZ, CDS II
The second leg of the highly anticipated Regionwide Compliance Caravan and Handholding Activity V2.0 was successfully launched in Camarines Sur on August 15-16, 2024. Held in the vibrant city of Naga, the event marked the beginning of a comprehensive initiative aimed at supporting non-compliant cooperatives in the region.
Day 1 of the event took place at the PAGCOR Event Center in Balatas, where local government officials, cooperative leaders, and participants gathered to kickstart the program. The event was graced by Naga City Administrator, Mr. Elmer S. Baldemoro, who delivered an inspiring message of support. In his address, Mr. Baldemoro emphasized the importance of compliance and cooperation among local cooperatives, acknowledging the event as a crucial step toward strengthening the cooperative sector in Camarines Sur. Mandatory training on Fundamentals of Cooperatives was also conducted simultaneously with Ms. Marie Chris G. Valencia, CDS II in-charge in Districts 2 and 4, as the resource person. It was attended by 26 primary cooperatives in 82 individual members.
On Day 2, the activities moved to the PSO Training Hall within the vicinity of Naga City Hall. This day was dedicated to hands-on sessions and collaborative efforts aimed at helping non-compliant cooperatives address their financial reporting challenges. Ms. Roma A. Belano, CDS II in-charge in Districts 1 and 5, led the discussion of the mandatory training on Governance and Management of Cooperatives, simultaneously, with 21 participating cooperatives in 75 individual members. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and collective problem-solving as participants worked closely with experts to bring their financial, governance, and management records up to date.
A major highlight of the event was the significant contribution of the ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative, the event’s major partner. The cooperative was represented by no less than their Vice President for Administration, Ms. Esperanza Cauyan, who, along with her team of six bookkeepers and six Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), played a pivotal role in assisting non-compliant cooperatives. Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in helping these cooperatives prepare their long-overdue financial statements, a critical step in ensuring compliance and continued operation.
A total of 40 participating primary cooperatives that resonated to the 82 individual members was present during this 2-days compliance caravan and handholding activity. Adding to the event’s success, esteemed external auditors Mr. Marcial Paglinawan and Mr. Alexander Parrera offered their services free of charge, providing essential audit support to the client cooperatives. Their participation underscored the collaborative spirit of the event, where stakeholders from various sectors came together to support the cooperative movement.
The initial kick-off of the handholding activity v2.0 was hailed as a major success, thanks to the collective efforts of all involved. The partnership between the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), local government units, ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative, and external auditors demonstrated the power of collaboration in overcoming challenges and driving progress within the cooperative sector.
As the second leg of the Compliance Caravan and Handholding Activity draws to a close, the positive outcomes and experiences gained in Naga City set a promising precedent for the subsequent legs of the initiative. With continued support from stakeholders and the cooperative community, the regionwide effort is expected to bring lasting improvements to the compliance and operational standards of cooperatives across the Bicol Region.
The success of this event not only strengthens the foundations of individual cooperatives but also contributes to the broader mission of fostering sustainable development and economic growth within the region. As the Compliance Caravan moves forward, it carries with it the momentum of this successful launch, ready to make an even greater impact in the provinces to come.
