PCDC – Bohol gained Cavite as a Sister

(BOHOL. March 12-15, 2024). Cooperative Development Councils are created to serve as a mechanism for collaboration, consultation and coordination in the implementation of various cooperative programs and projects implemented by all government branches, instrumentalities, subdivisions and agencies and policy initiatives for cooperative development. Considered rookies in the field of cooperative development, the newly-elected and organized Provincial Cooperative Development Council – Bohol (PCDC-Bohol) was on the double to be able to gain the knowledge and skills with the best in the country in the council plans, programs and activities to craft their own local cooperative development plan. An aim was set to learn from the best and established Cooperative Councils in the province of Cavite and in no less than the Cooperative Development Authority – Head Office.

Marked with a purpose to enhance the capability of PCDC-Bohol, the group observed the best practices of the Office of the Provincial Cooperative Development Officer (OPCDO) in Trece Martires, Cavite where they shared their best practices, in terms of activities, plans and programs. They discussed the current issues plaguing local micro cooperatives and interventions steered by the office to help them. A visit was conducted to one of the successful cooperatives – Café Amadeo Development Cooperative to listen to their best practices. More so, a visit was done in the City of Imus Cooperative, Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development Office (CICLEDO) who showcased their best programs for cooperative. Testament was the presence of their top cooperatives – Damayan sa Cavite Community Multipurpose Cooperative (DACCO MPC) and EMI Employees Development Cooperative whom shared their best practices in their lending collection activities and the resilience they showed during the pandemic. Next visit was staged at no less than the CDA-Head Office, where CDA Deputy Administrator Ray R. Elevazo provided a brief on the institutionalization of the cooperative councils, mandates and those that have best practices. During this time the PCDC-Bohol did some legworks to inquire on the plans for the unoccupied building of the Authority in the province and how the provincial government could offer assistance and made queries to the capacitation of local cooperative development officers. The visit ended at the One Town One Product Hub of Bacoor Cavite a retail store showcasing mostly the products in the region with great appreciation on how they have strived to help promote cooperative products.

The parties present during the experiential learning were PCDC-Bohol Chairperson Board Member Lucille Lagunay, Vice-Chairperson Mayor Juliet B. Dano, Auditor-Mr. Augusto B. Pascual, First District Representative MCDO-Maribojoc Ms. Ma. Cindy G. Escabillas, Second District Representative MCDO-Sevilla Ms. Janice Polinar-Calacat, Third District Representative MCDO-Buenavista Mr. Efren N. Logrono, Provincial Cooperative Development Officer Ma. Conrada B. Fuentes, PCDO Project Development Officer, Clovis B. Llorente, PCDO Ma. Alita D. Lugo, and Cooperative Development Specialist Mr. Jim Ryan F. Badayos.

All in a day’s work, the province gained sisters and formed vital collaboration and mentors to further the coordination of programs for cooperatives development. (JRFB)