In a significant move to enhance the understanding of State Universities and Colleges with Memorandum of Agreement with CDA on Training of Trainers for Cooperative Training Providers, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region VIII has successfully conducted an orientation program aimed at the professors of the SUCs. Held on 26th day of July 2024, this orientation sought to provide information and clarification to prospective
trainers of the educational institutions with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively train individuals who will, in turn, train cooperative members and staff.

The orientation, which took place virtually, gathered educators, training professionals from various SUCs across the region namely; Abuyog Community College (ACC), Leyte Normal University (LNU), Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), Visayas State University (VSU). The event was also graced with the presence of CDA Board of Director, Assistant Secretary

Abdulsalam A. Guinomla, the Head of the Education, Advocacy and Union Cooperatives Cluster. He made emphasis on his appreciation and delight of the regional extension office for having the most numbered partnerships with SUCs. He shared his intention and massive support to the revitalization and sustainability of cooperatives through provision of comprehensive training equipped with methodologies that can benefit CTPROs.

CDA Region 8 Director, Venus M. Jornales gave an overview of the intentions of the activity. She shared that the SUCs plays a vital role in ensuring quality of training conducts and that they are force multipliers for cooperative development. The orientation progressed with an insightful review of the current cooperative training environment, laying the groundwork for cooperative education and information sharing. Dr. Farah A. Madulid, a distinguished professor from the University of Eastern Philippines, led the core topic of the webinar. She provided an orientation on Training Development and crafting of curriculum, training needs analysis, evaluation and implementation providing participants with practical tools and insights to enhance their training programs. Her presentation was based on her experience as one of the pool of trainers for the university.

One of the highlights of the orientation was the interactive Open Forum, where participants had the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers. This segment allowed for a dynamic exchange of ideas, addressing specific questions and discussing real-world applications of the training curriculum presented. Looking ahead, the CDA Region VIII’s initiative dreams of further advancing cooperative training within the region. By focusing on enhancing the skills of trainers, the orientation aims to build a stronger foundation for cooperative development, ultimately benefiting the broader cooperative community.

The success of this orientation underscores CDA Region VIII’s commitment to supporting
SUCs and advancing the quality of cooperative training.