The Supervision and Examination Section (SES) of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region VII Extension Office, under the leadership of Senior CDS Johanna G. Polinar, CPA, successfully conducted two significant regional activities that strengthened cooperative governance, enhanced regulatory compliance, and fostered collaboration among finance cooperatives across Central Visayas.
On July 6, 2026, CDA Region VII conducted the Orientation on Risk-Based Supervision and Examination (RBSE) for Cooperatives Engaged in Lending in line with Memorandum Circular No. 2026-02. The activity, held at VICTO Seminar Haus, gathered Billionaire and Large Cooperatives in Region VII to deepen their understanding of the newly adopted RBSE Framework and promote sound governance, effective risk management, and regulatory compliance.
The orientation was graced by CDA Chairman Usec. Alexander B. Raquepo, who emphasized that regulatory compliance should be viewed not merely as a legal obligation but as a vital tool for ensuring transparency, accountability, financial stability, and institutional sustainability. He encouraged cooperative leaders to cultivate a culture of compliance that strengthens public trust and supports a resilient cooperative movement.
A virtual message from Assistant Secretary Luz H. Yringco highlighted the importance of the RBSE Framework in helping large lending cooperatives improve governance, strengthen risk management systems, and remain committed to their fundamental mission of serving their members.
Regional Director Cristina H. Villamil welcomed the participants and reaffirmed CDA’s commitment to strengthening the supervisory framework for cooperatives engaged in lending through a proactive and collaborative approach.
The technical session was facilitated by Mr. Sherwin M. Arcipe, CPA, Acting Chief Administrative Officer of the CDA Head Office and a member of the Technical Working Group that developed the RBSE Manual. He provided practical insights into the framework’s objectives, policy rationale, and implementation, enabling participants to better appreciate its application in cooperative supervision.
The activity concluded with an interactive open forum where cooperative officers raised operational concerns, sought clarifications, and exchanged insights on implementing the new guidelines.
Officials and representatives from Billionaire and Large Cooperatives across Region VII participate in the Orientation on Risk-Based Supervision and Examination for Cooperatives Engaged in Lending, strengthening their understanding of the newly adopted RBSE Framework under CDA Memorandum Circular No. 2026-02.
RCO7 Finance Cluster Meeting and Elections
On July 8, 2026, the SES facilitated the Regional Cluster Organization (RCO) Region VII Finance Cluster Meeting and Election of Officers via Zoom, bringing together finance cooperatives across Central Visayas to strengthen collaboration and participatory governance.
The meeting opened with a heartfelt message from Regional Director Cristina H. Villamil, who expressed her sincere gratitude to the cooperatives of Region VII for their unwavering support throughout her years of public service. The occasion was especially meaningful as it marked both her retirement from government service and her 65th birthday, making it a memorable milestone. She thanked the cooperative sector for its enduring partnership with the CDA and expressed confidence in the continued growth of the cooperative movement.
In her inspirational message, Assistant Secretary Luz H. Yringco, National Head of the Finance Cluster, underscored the important role of the RCO and encouraged delegates to elect leaders who possess competence, integrity, and commitment to advancing the interests of finance cooperatives. She emphasized that RCO officers serve as an essential bridge between the CDA and the cooperative sector by communicating sectoral concerns while helping cascade CDA programs and policies.
To further orient the participants, Senior CDS Gracia Nenita B. Banogon of the Cooperative Research, Information, and Training Section (CRITS) discussed the establishment, structure, and functions of the RCO, including the salient provisions of Memorandum Circular Nos. 2020-28 and 2021-05.
Outgoing RCO7 Finance Cluster President Jose C. Detablan, CEO of VICTO National presented his accomplishment report and expressed his appreciation to member cooperatives for their trust, active participation, and continued support.
The meeting culminated in the unanimous election of Ms. Farla Carolyn F. Garcia, Executive Vice-President of Cebu CFI Community Cooperative, as President of the RCO7 Finance Cluster for the 2026–2028 term. Her election ushers in a new chapter of leadership dedicated to strengthening partnerships, promoting responsive policies, and advancing the sustainable development of finance cooperatives in Region VII.
The activity concluded with the closing message of Atty. Fritzie Lacanaria-Uchibori, Attorney III and Acting Supervising CDS, who underscored the vital role of the Regional Cluster Organization (RCO) in advancing the growth, development, and sustainability of cooperatives.
CDA Region VII extends its warmest congratulations to all the newly elected officers of the RCO7 Finance Cluster. The Authority looks forward to working closely with the new leadership in advancing responsive, resilient, and people-centered cooperative development.
These back-to-back milestone activities reaffirm CDA Region VII’s unwavering commitment to strengthening cooperative governance, promoting regulatory compliance, enhancing institutional resilience, and fostering collaborative leadership. // JGP, SES
