Jaro, Leyte May 23, 2025 – With the belief that strong cooperatives are built on strong values and leadership and with the firm commitment to nurturing empowered, values-driven, and well-governed coconut farmer cooperatives, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region VIII conducted a one-day training titled “Capacity Building on Values Formation, Leadership Development, and Cooperative Governance and Management for CFIDP Beneficiary Cooperatives” held at the KAMMPIL Office, Brgy. Daro, Jaro, Leyte. The activity gathered 25 cooperative leaders from the Kalipunan ng Maliliit na Magniniyog ng Pilipinas Agriculture Cooperative (KAMMPIL AGRICOOP)—a recognized CFIDP beneficiary cooperative—who play crucial roles in steering their organization toward integrity, inclusivity, and sustainability. The training aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes for ethical leadership, sound governance, and effective cooperative management.
The event formally opened with a warm welcome message from Mr. Roy Ribo, Chairperson of KAMMPIL AGRICOOP, who emphasized the value of learning and cooperation as foundations of collective growth. This was followed by an inspiring message of support from CDA Regional Director Dir. Venus M. Jornales, who underscored the vital role of capacity-building in achieving the long-term vision of CFIDP. She reminded everyone that “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another,” quoting leadership author John C. Maxwell to reflect the day’s theme of servant and ethical leadership. Ms. Marissa Cala, Field Cooperative Development Specialist, presented the rationale and objectives, highlighting the importance of values-based leadership and participatory governance in ensuring the sustainability of cooperatives.
The morning sessions focused on Values Formation and Cooperative Identity, where participants revisited the seven cooperative principles and the core values of solidarity, self-help, equity, and responsibility. Through reflective discussions, they recognized how shared values are central to building trust, guiding decision-making, and ensuring accountability within the cooperative. This was followed by an engaging session on Leadership Development, where the traits of ethical and transformational leaders were explored. Participants shared their experiences and learned how leadership styles and decision-making processes affect team dynamics and cooperative sustainability. One cooperative officer remarked, “We don’t just lead by position, we lead by example—and with purpose.”
In the afternoon, the spotlight shifted to Cooperative Governance and Management, covering the distinct roles and responsibilities of officers and members, the significance of transparency and participatory governance, and the need for compliance with regulations from agencies such as the CDA and BIR. The session also touched on strategic planning as a tool for cooperative growth and resilience. During the open forum and synthesis, participants
openly expressed their realizations and collective aspirations. The session highlighted the importance of unity, shared accountability, and continuous development in achieving the cooperative’s mission. The words of Mahatma Gandhi resonated among the group: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
In closing, Mr. Rowan L. Delos Santos, Senior CDS of CPDAS, delivered a heartfelt message, encouraging participants to become beacons of ethical leadership in their communities and to translate learning into action. He reaffirmed the CDA’s continued commitment to supporting coconut farmers through holistic development programs under the CFIDP. Further, Mr. Rowan L. Delos Santos, encouraged the cooperative leaders to take ownership of their roles as catalysts for change and champions of inclusive development within the coconut industry.
The event ended with the distribution of certificates and a photo opportunity, symbolizing not just the completion of the training, but the beginning of a renewed commitment to cooperative excellence. Through this meaningful activity, the CDA once again confirmed its vision of building empowered cooperatives—driven by values, guided by sound leadership, and committed to sustainable development in the coconut industry. This initiative is part of the broader CFIDP implementation strategy to build resilient and selfreliant cooperatives that can actively contribute to the sustainable development of the coconut industry. By investing in human capital through values formation and leadership development, the CDA continues to fulfill its mandate of promoting cooperatives as vital partners in achieving social justice and inclusive rural progress.
