July 17, 2024, at Hotel Lorenza, Tacloban City, The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region Eight Extension Office recently spearheaded a momentous milestone entitled “Collaborative Engagement with Stakeholders for Cooperative Development,” underscoring the agency’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships for the growth of cooperatives in the region. The opening message of RD Venus M. Jornales, Regional Director of CDA R8 EO, highlighted the significant strides made by cooperatives in the region and emphasized the pivotal role of collaboration in fostering cooperative development. A significant event highlight was the ceremonial signing of two pivotal Memoranda of Agreements (MOA), aimed at enhancing cooperative laws awareness and recognizing exemplary cooperative initiatives.

The first MOA signed between CDA R8 EO and Leyte Colleges College of Law, marks the securing of the CDA Laws Awareness Program (CLAP) partnership. This program will increase awareness and understanding of cooperative laws among students, faculty, cooperative members and eventually members of the Philippine Bar. By integrating cooperative laws into the academic curriculum especially in the law students Clinical Legal Education Program (CLEP) requirement, Leyte Colleges and CDA aim to educate future lawyers & cooperative leaders on the legal frameworks that support cooperative operations and development. This initiative is expected to foster a culture of compliance and proactive engagement with cooperative laws, ultimately strengthening the cooperative movement.

The second MOA was signed between CDA Region 8 EO and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tacloban-Leyte, Inc. (PCCITLI) for the Leyte Gulf Awards. This partnership aims to recognize and celebrate outstanding cooperatives and their contributions to regional development. The Leyte Gulf Awards will serve as an annual platform to highlight best practices, innovative approaches, and significant achievements of cooperatives in various sectors. By acknowledging these successes, CDA and PCCITLI aim to inspire other cooperatives to strive for excellence and actively contribute to the region’s socio-economic development.

The inspirational message from Usec. Joseph B. Encabo, CDA Chairman, commended the collaborative spirit of CDA Regional Office VIII and its stakeholders and encouraged continued dedication to cooperative principles. Additionally, messages of commitment were delivered by notable figures including Atty. Joseph A. Gamez President of the Leyte Colleges; Eugene Andrade Tan, President of PCCITLI; Mr. Frank Roy M. Ribo, President of Agriculture RCO, R8; and Ms. Azucena A. Quijano, President of EAU RCO, R8.

The “Collaborative Engagement with Stakeholders for Cooperative Development” event by CDA REGION VIII EO not only celebrated the power of cooperation but also set the stage for continued growth and innovation within the cooperative sector.