July 17, 2024 – The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)_Region VIII Extension Office successfully concluded a transformative three-day training program on Enterprise Development and Cooperative Institutional Development and Management from July 15 to 17, 2024. This initiative, part of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), targeted Coconut Farmers’ Cooperatives (CFCs) from the Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Samar areas. Fifty-nine participants from 13 different cooperatives took part in the training. The program featured sessions on Business Idea Generation, Business Planning workshops, the Entrepreneur, and the Enterprise. Participants underwent an interactive business workshop, applying the lessons they had learned. In organizational development sessions, featured discussions were Institution Building Model, Financial Management, Good Governance, Policy Formulation, Strategic Planning and Roles of Officers, understanding of Organization development, and growth stages of cooperative perspectives and accompanying challenges to respond.
The program was graced by ASEC Luz H. Yringco, Head Credit, Financial Service, Insurance, Banking and Credit Surety Fund, and Ms. Venus M. Jornales, Regional Director of CDA R8. Present also during the training on the 3rd day is Chairman Undersecretary Joseph Encabo. In his keynote speech, focused on the importance of leadership, emphasizing that “a commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of its members, along with a heart to serve, fosters a positive organizational culture and drives collective achievements in the cooperative.” A solidarity message was given by Engr. Joel Pilapil, Regional Manager of PCA 8, in his speech, stressed closed collaboration with the Authority in the implementation of the Coconut Farmers Industry and Development Plan and also mentioned the scholarship to the children of the coconut farmers.
Additionally, PCA’s Board Member and President of the Agriculture Regional Cluster, Mr. Frank Roy Ribo, highlighted the endeavor PCA was taking to lower the 50%+1 criterion for the cooperative’s accreditation with the Philippine Coconut Industry. CDA_REO_VIII CPDAS Team, Facilitating the entire training: Mr. Rowan L. Delos Santos Sr CDS, Ms. Hazel Fe P. Katigbak CDS II, Ms. Irish Joy I. Adrales CDS II and Ms. Janica Jayne P. Resco from the CRITS. The CDA’s initiative underscores its commitment to sustainable development and economic empowerment among coconut farmers. By strengthening the management and leadership skills among CFCs, the training aims to ensure long-term prosperity for the coconut farming industry in the region.
These are in pursuit of the empowerment of cooperatives to play a pivotal role in transforming local economies and contributing to the broader goals of the CFIDP.
