May 31, 2024 – The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)_Region VIII Extension Office successfully concluded a transformative three-day training program on Enterprise Development Management and Cooperative Institution Development from May 28 to 30, 2024. This initiative, part of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), targeted Coconut Farmers’ Cooperatives (CFCs) from Northern Samar and Samar areas. Sixty-seven participants from 14 different cooperatives took part in the training.

The program featured sessions on Business Enterprise Development, business management, and a Business Model Canvas workshop. Participants had undergone an interactive business simulation exercise the “Paper Boat Business” applying session learned. While in organizational development sessions, providing practical skills to enhance their efficiency in administration- membership, Roles of Officers, understanding of Organization development, and growth stages of cooperative perspectives and accompanying challenges to respond.

“We are exceedingly grateful for the invitation to join this training,” said a cooperative officer participant from Canlapwas Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, from Brgy. Canlapwas of Pagsanghan, Samar. “New learnings enabling and enhanced our skills as cooperative leaders, equipping us with vital tools to manage our cooperatives better.” CDA_REO_VIII CPDAS Team, Facilitating the entire training: Ms. Irish Joy I. Adrales CDSII, Ms. Hazel Fe P. Katigbak CDS II, and Rowan L. Delos Santos Sr CDS. With the team is, Jose
Urville Don Maliper CDSII covering the Province of Samar.

The CDA’s initiative underscores its commitment to sustainable development and economic empowerment among coconut farmers. By strengthening the management and leadership skills among CFCs, the training aims to ensure long-term prosperity for the coconut farming industry in the region. These are in pursuit of the empowerment of cooperatives to play a pivotal role in transforming local economies and contributing to the broader goals of the CFIDP.

Prepare by: Cooperative Project Development and Assistance Section