by  Irene Petilla, Ivy Avestruz, Jonel Cerbito

The Cooperative Development Authority Region VIII Extension Office successfully conducted a two-batch orientation on CDA Memorandum Circular No. 2025-08, otherwise known as the Guidelines on the Establishment of the Financial Consumer Protection Assistance Management System (FCPAMS) by CDA Regulated Entities (CDARES). The initiative forms part of the Authority’s continuing efforts to strengthen financial consumer protection mechanisms and promote good governance among cooperatives in Eastern Visayas. The activity was designed to equip cooperatives with the necessary knowledge and operational understanding in establishing and institutionalizing their respective Financial Consumer Protection Assistance Management System (FCPAMS). This system serves as a structured framework that allows cooperatives to efficiently receive, assess, resolve, and monitor financial consumer complaints and concerns, ensuring that members are protected and given proper recourse in cases involving financial products and services. The orientation was held on May 27, 2026 at Hotel de Fides, Tacloban City for the first batch, and on May 28, 2026 at The Tropics at MacArthur Park Resort and Convention Center, Palo, Leyte for the second batch. It gathered cooperative leaders, managers, compliance officers, and key personnel from various provinces across Region VIII, particularly those actively engaged in savings, credit, and other financial service operations. Beyond compliance, the initiative highlighted the broader policy direction anchored on Republic Act No. 11765, or the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act, a landmark law that strengthens the rights of financial consumers and reinforces the accountability of financial service providers. In this context, the FCPAMS is positioned as a practical mechanism that translates legal and regulatory standards into day-to-day operational safeguards within cooperatives. The program formally opened with a message delivered by Assistant Regional Director Maripaz Del Pilar on behalf of Regional Director Venus M. Jornales. In her message, she affirmed the importance of embedding consumer protection principles in cooperative operations, emphasizing that trust and transparency remain central pillars of sustainable cooperative development. The orientation was further enriched by the technical discussion of Director Joselito O. Hallazgo, who served as the resource speaker. He provided in-depth guidance on the operationalization of FCPAMS, including key processes, documentation requirements, and best practices in handling financial consumer concerns. His discussion also emphasized the importance of timely resolution mechanisms and the role of cooperatives in fostering financial literacy and member protection. 

Messages of support were also conveyed through video presentations by CDA Administrator Emmanuel M. Santiaguel and Assistant Secretary Luz H. Yringco. Both officials expressed appreciation for the active participation of cooperatives and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening institutional systems that uphold consumer welfare, transparency, and responsible financial service delivery across the cooperative sector. Throughout the sessions, participants actively engaged in discussions, clarifications, and sharing of experiences, reflecting strong interest and readiness to adopt the FCPAMS framework. Many cooperatives expressed their commitment to enhancing internal policies and aligning existing grievance mechanisms with the new guidelines. Overall, the activity underscored the continuing partnership between the Cooperative Development Authority and cooperatives in advancing financial consumer protection. It also reaffirmed the shared goal of ensuring that financial services within the cooperative sector remain fair, transparent, responsive, and centered on the welfare of members and stakeholders across Region VIII.