Tacloban City, Philippines – In a pioneering move, the Cooperative Development Authority Regional Office
08 (CDA R08) adopted a forward-thinking approach to disseminating information on the latest circulars affecting the cooperative sector. On October 4, 2023, via the Zoom platform, the CDA R08 organized the “Koop Balitaan Ha Sinirangan Kabisay-an,” an event that brought together cooperative leaders and stakeholders to discuss and understand crucial Memorandum Circulars (MCs) issued by the CDA.
The key MCs discussed during the event included MC 2012-18, “Guidelines on the Merger and Consolidation Procedures for Cooperatives”; MC 2020-24, “Guidelines Governing the Registration and Operation of Federations of Cooperatives”; and MC 2023-14, “CDA Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Financial Products and Service Consumer Protection Act.”
The event was graced by distinguished speakers who provided valuable insights into the new circulars. These experts included:
Grace L. Mapanao: Acting Senior Cooperative Development Specialist for Registration
Marissa Cala: Cooperative Development Specialist II, also from the Registration section
Mark Mapanao. Senior Cooperative Development Specialist of the Supervision and Examination Sector (SES)
Loraine Yu: Cooperative Development Specialist II, also from the SES
Each speaker brought their expertise to the virtual stage, breaking down the intricacies of the MCs and their implications for the cooperative sector. Their presentations and discussions facilitated a deeper understanding of the regulations, ensuring that attendees were well-informed about the changes and requirements.
The initiative to host the Koop Balitaan Ha Sinirangan Kabisay-an event was made possible through the visionary leadership of Regional Director Venus M. Jornales. Her commitment to the cooperative sector in Eastern Visayas and her dedication to keeping cooperatives informed about regulatory developments have been instrumental in fostering the growth and sustainability of cooperatives in the region.
The success of the event was also attributed to the unwavering support of the entire CDA Region 8 personnel. Their dedication to ensuring that cooperatives remain compliant, competitive, and resilient in the face of evolving regulations has been pivotal to the cooperative movement’s continued success. By embracing innovative methods like virtual conferences, CDA R08 has not only adapted to the challenges of the digital age but has also ensured that critical information reaches cooperatives efficiently and effectively. The “Koop Balitaan Ha Sinirangan Kabisay-an” event served as a shining example of how technology can be harnessed to strengthen the cooperative sector, promote collaboration, and drive positive change in the communities it serves.
As the cooperative landscape continues to evolve, CDA R08’s commitment to keeping cooperatives well-informed and equipped to thrive remains unwavering. With dedicated leadership, expert speakers, and the support of passionate personnel, the cooperative sector in Eastern Visayas is poised for a brighter and more progressive future.