The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region IX, under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), successfully held a two-day training on Parliamentary Procedure for 17 cooperatives in Zamboanga Sibugay. The training took place on September 25-26, 2024, at Buug Palace Inland Resort and Restaurant, Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay, and aimed to enhance the governance capabilities of cooperative leaders by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to conduct organized and effective meetings.

The training was facilitated by Prof. Ricardo G. Garcia, a highly experienced trainer from the Regional Science Teaching Center (RSTC). Prof. Garcia, who has served as a trainer for major international development projects like the Philippine-Australian Project and USAID’s Save the Children, provided the cooperative members with expert guidance on the proper use of Parliamentary Procedure to promote effective decision-making.

Strengthening Cooperative Governance Through Parliamentary Procedure

The training focused on the fundamentals of Parliamentary Procedure, a set of rules and practices designed to facilitate orderly and fair decision-making in meetings. This system is essential for cooperatives, where democratic governance and member participation are key to effective management.

Prof. Garcia covered several important topics during the seminar, including:

• Definition of Parliamentary Procedure – Understanding the meaning and purpose of Parliamentary Procedure in cooperative meetings.
• History of Parliamentary Procedure – Tracing the development of Parliamentary Procedure and its application in modern governance.
• Basics of Parliamentary Procedure – Learning the core principles that guide the process of making motions, voting, and ensuring all voices are heard.
• Motions – A detailed discussion on how motions are made, seconded, debated, and voted upon, allowing members to propose and make decisions in an orderly manner.
• Practical Application through Group Presentation – Cooperative participants were divided into three groups, each tasked with conducting a mock board meeting. The groups applied the principles of Parliamentary Procedure, ensuring that motions were presented and decisions were made in accordance with the proper rules.

The interactive group exercises provided a hands-on opportunity for cooperative leaders to practice and refine their meeting skills. This not only enhanced their understanding of Parliamentary Procedure but also gave them confidence in leading future cooperative meetings with efficiency and clarity.

Importance of Parliamentary Procedure in Cooperative Success

The training underscored the significance of applying Parliamentary Procedure in maintaining structured meetings that foster inclusivity and ensure that all cooperative members have a voice in decision-making. By learning these procedures, cooperative boards are better equipped to run meetings that are not only organized but also promote transparency and accountability within their organizations.

Participants left the training with a deeper understanding of how Parliamentary Procedure serves as a foundation for good governance. They expressed appreciation for the comprehensive approach of the seminar, which included both theoretical knowledge and practical applications. The training also allowed cooperative members to enhance their leadership skills and improve the overall governance structure within their organizations.

Commitment to Empowering Cooperatives

The CDA IX continues to empower cooperatives in the region through capacity-building initiatives like this training on Parliamentary Procedure. By focusing on key governance practices, the agency helps cooperatives strengthen their organizational structure, enabling them to operate efficiently while upholding the democratic principles that define cooperative enterprises.

Through the CFIDP, CDA Region IX remains committed to fostering the growth of cooperatives in Zamboanga Sibugay, ensuring that they have the knowledge, tools, and skills to succeed. With strong governance practices in place, cooperatives are better positioned to serve their members and contribute to the economic and social development of the region.

This training exemplifies CDA IX’s dedication to supporting cooperative development, promoting leadership, and reinforcing the values of accountability, transparency, and member participation in cooperative operations. Prof. Ricardo G. Garcia’s expertise added significant value, ensuring that cooperative leaders left the seminar well-equipped to apply these procedures in their future operations.