by: LARRY L. VILLALUZ, CDS II

In a landmark collaboration aimed at fostering cooperative development and advancing educational initiatives, Partido State University (PSU) and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region 5 Extension Office signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on July 10, 2024. The ceremonial signing took place at the PSU Board Room at 8:00 in the morning and marked a significant step towards mutual cooperation in research, extension, and training activities.

It was attended by the officials and dignitaries from both parties. From PSU, in the absence of its University President Dr. Arnel B. Zarcedo, the Vice Presidents of the Institution was full force with Dr. Raul G. Bradecina, Former President and currently the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Knowledge Management graced the historical event. Together with him was Dr. Charlie Balagtas, the Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Michael A. Clores, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Rina A. Abner-Puerta, the Dean of College of Economics and Accountancy. On the other hand, attendees from Cooperative Development Authority has been equally supportive as the Assistant Secretary Abdulsalam Guinomla, Board of Director and the Head of the Education, Advocacy, and Union Cluster lead the team. With him was Atty. Emilio D. Escueta III, the Regional Director, Monina Bechayda, Senior Cooperatives Development Specialist and Chief of the Cooperative Research, Information, and Training Section (CRITS), and Larry L. Villaluz, Cooperatives Development Specialist II.The agreement signifies a joint commitment to enhance cooperative education and support local cooperative initiatives. Dr. Raul G. Bradecina, in his address, highlighted the importance of this partnership in promoting sustainable community development and leveraging academic expertise to benefit the cooperative sector. He emphasized the university’s dedication to extending its resources and knowledge to foster economic growth within the region.

Assistant Secretary Abdulsalam Guinomla expressed CDA’s enthusiasm for the collaboration, underscoring the role of cooperative education in empowering communities. He noted that this partnership would provide invaluable support for cooperatives in Region 5 through targeted training programs and research initiatives, thereby strengthening the cooperative movement in the area.

The MOA outlines several key areas of cooperation, including:

1. Joint Research Projects: Conducting studies on cooperative development, economic sustainability, and community impact.
2. Training and Capacity Building: Organizing workshops, seminars, and training programs for cooperative members and leaders.
3. Information Sharing: Exchanging relevant data and research findings to inform policy-making and cooperative strategies.
4. Community Outreach: Implementing extension activities to support local cooperatives and promote cooperative principles.

Dr. Charlie Balagtas and Dr. Michael A. Clores both echoed the sentiments of collaborative growth, stressing the importance of academic institutions partnering with government agencies to create synergies that benefit both educational objectives and community development goals.Dr. Rina A. Abner-Puerta elaborated on the specific role of the College of Economics and Accountancy in this partnership, detailing how the college will contribute through economic analysis, financial management training, and cooperative education modules designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of cooperative members.

Atty. Emilio D. Escueta III and Ms. Monina Bechayda from the CDA emphasized the practical implications of this agreement, noting that it would lead to more robust and well-managed cooperatives capable of contributing significantly to regional economic development. Larry Villaluz added that the collaboration would also foster a greater understanding of cooperative dynamics and challenges, providing a foundation for more effective support mechanisms.The MOA signing ceremony concluded with a commitment from both PSU and CDA to continuously work together in realizing the shared vision of empowering cooperatives and advancing educational and economic development in Region 5. This partnership is poised to bring about meaningful change, benefiting not only the cooperative sector but also the broader community.