TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte – June 23–25, 2026 – In pursuit of promoting financially resilient and sustainable cooperatives, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region VIII successfully conducted a three-day training on Concepts of Cooperative Financial Management from June 23 to 25, 2026, at Lolita Heights Hotel, Juan Luna Street, Tacloban City. The training gathered 46 participants representing 11 cooperatives, bringing together cooperative leaders, officers, members, youth representatives, and senior citizens in a collaborative learning environment focused on strengthening financial management competencies and fostering sustainable cooperative growth.
The activity commenced with an interactive sharing of ideas facilitated by Senior Cooperative Development Specialist (Sr. CDS) Rowan Delos Santos, where participants reflected on fundamental questions about the nature and purpose of cooperatives, sources of capitalization, and strategies for managing financial challenges and losses. The exchange of experiences allowed participants to learn from one another and highlighted the diverse realities faced by cooperatives in their respective communities.
One of the notable features of the training was the active participation of both youth and senior citizen members. Their engagement enriched the discussions by combining innovative perspectives with valuable years of experience, demonstrating the importance of intergenerational participation in cooperative development. The exchange of insights among different age groups fostered a deeper appreciation of the cooperative principles and strengthened the participants’ commitment to sustaining their organizations.
In his discussion, Sr. CDS Delos Santos emphasized that a cooperative is not merely a business enterprise but a member-owned and member-controlled organization established to improve the quality of life of its members. Anchored on the provisions of Republic Act No. 9520, he underscored that every cooperative must remain focused on its primary objective of promoting the economic and social well-being of its members while ensuring the sustainability of its operations.
The training provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of key financial management concepts, particularly the distinction between revenue and profit and their significance in measuring cooperative performance. Participants learned that while generating revenue is essential, profitability remains a critical indicator of operational efficiency and sustainability. The discussion further explored the concepts of profit maximization and wealth maximization, highlighting that long-term cooperative success is achieved not merely through short-term gains but through the creation of lasting value for members and the organization as a whole.
Sr. CDS Delos Santos also discussed the broad scope of financial management, including estimating financial requirements, determining an appropriate capital structure, selecting funding sources, investment planning, cash management, financial control mechanisms, and the proper utilization of surpluses. These discussions enabled participants to better understand how prudent financial decisions contribute to the stability, growth, and long-term viability of their cooperatives.
A significant portion of the training was dedicated to enhancing participants’ ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial statements. Through practical discussions and examples, participants were guided in understanding the Statement of Operations, Statement of Changes in Equity, and Notes to Financial Statements. These financial reports were presented not merely as compliance documents but as valuable management tools that support sound decision-making, transparency, accountability, and strategic planning.
To reinforce the lessons discussed, participants actively engaged in a series of workshops and group exercises. Working collaboratively, they analyzed sample financial statements, interpreted operational results, examined equity movements, and identified important disclosures contained in financial reports. During the workshop presentations, each group confidently shared their outputs and demonstrated their understanding of the concepts discussed. The quality of the presentations reflected the participants’ growing competence in financial analysis and their readiness to apply the knowledge gained within their respective cooperatives.
The activity was further enriched by the message of support delivered by Regional Director Venus M. Jornales, who emphasized the critical role of financial management in building resilient, transparent, and membercentered cooperatives. She encouraged participants to maximize the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and share experiences throughout the training. Director Jornales highlighted that financial discipline, accountability, and prudent stewardship of resources are essential foundations for cooperative success and sustainability. She also underscored the responsibility of cooperative leaders and members to ensure that financial resources are managed wisely in order to continuously deliver meaningful services and benefits to their members and communities.
As the training concluded, the 46 participants from the 11 participating cooperatives expressed their appreciation for the valuable knowledge and practical insights gained from the sessions. Equipped with enhanced financial management skills and a deeper understanding of cooperative financial principles, they returned to their respective organizations with renewed confidence and commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainability. The training marked another significant step in empowering cooperatives to make informed financial decisions, strengthen their operations, and continue creating positive and lasting impacts for their members and the communities.
