by Jonel Cerbito, CDS I

The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region VIII Extension Office successfully conducted a Financial Literacy Session on January 16, 2026, via an online platform, as part of the Pre‑Registration Seminar (PRS) for proposed cooperatives from various parts of Eastern Visayas.

The activity was attended by representatives of the following proposed cooperatives: Bugani Multipurpose Cooperative, Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School (ESNCHS) Cooperative, Lim‑ao Transport Cooperative, and Ormoc City Jackfruit Farmers Agriculture Cooperative. In addition, one participating organization, which has yet to finalize its proposed cooperative name, actively joined the session and engaged in the discussions.

The session formally opened with a comprehensive discussion on the Pre‑Registration Seminar (PRS), which serves as a mandatory and foundational requirement for groups intending to organize and register a cooperative. The PRS aims to equip prospective members with the necessary knowledge, values, and understanding of cooperative principles, laws, and responsibilities to ensure the establishment of strong, viable, and sustainable cooperatives.

During the PRS proper, the following key topics were thoroughly discussed and expounded:

● Objectives of the Pre‑Registration Seminar, emphasizing its role in preparing prospective cooperatives for lawful and effective organization;

● Rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities of cooperative members, underscoring accountability, participation, and shared ownership;

● Salient provisions of Republic Act No. 11364, or the Cooperative Development Authority Charter, highlighting the mandate and regulatory role of CDA;

● Employee Leadership Training Activities, stressing the importance of capable and values‑driven leadership within cooperatives;

● Cooperative Identity, including the cooperative values, principles, and philosophy;

● Types of Cooperatives, providing guidance on the appropriate cooperative structure based on members’ needs and economic activities;

● E‑CoopRIS, the electronic Cooperative Registration Information System, which streamlines the registration and monitoring process; and

● Purpose of Cooperatives, focusing on self‑help, mutual assistance, and

socio‑economic development of members and communities.

Following the PRS discussion, the activity proceeded with the Financial Literacy Session, facilitated by Mr. Jordan Madjus, Senior Cooperative Development Specialist (Senior CDS) of the CDA Region VIII Extension Office. To set the tone, a video presentation was shown highlighting the importance of responsible financial management and the long‑term benefits of saving and investing.

Mr. Madjus further elaborated on the core concepts of budgeting, saving, and proper investment, stressing that financial discipline is essential not only at the personal level but more importantly within a cooperative setting. He emphasized that sound financial management enables cooperatives to grow sustainably, effectively serve their members, and reduce dependence on external financial support, allowing them to stand on their own as

strong and self‑reliant organizations.

Moreover, the discussion underscored the importance of proper financial recording and documentation, not only as a tool for monitoring cooperative operations but also as a mechanism for building transparency, accountability, and trust among members. Accurate records, according to Mr. Madjus, are vital in strengthening governance and ensuring the long‑term credibility and stability of cooperatives.

The online session concluded with active participation from the attendees, who shared insights and raised questions relevant to cooperative formation and financial management. The activity reaffirmed CDA Region VIII’s continuing commitment to capacitating prospective cooperatives through education and values formation, paving the way for the establishment of strong, resilient, and financially responsible cooperatives in Eastern Visayas.