Makati City, Philippines – Dir. Pedro T. Defensor, Jr., NCR Extension Office Regional Director, met with Dr. Ederson D.T. Tapia, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Concurrent Dean, College of Continuing, Advanced and Professional Studies (CCAPS), University of Makati, last September 21, 2023, to discuss the cooperative development programs of the CDA. Dir. Defensor, Jr. highlighted the efforts of the CDA to look for partners that can integrate their expertise in the capacity building program for the cooperatives. “CDA required all officers to complete the mandatory trainings as prescribed by RA 9520” he added. Both parties recognized the vital role of technology in today’s education that provides an innovative approach to its learners. On the part of the University of Makati, Dr. Tapia explained that they have a proven experience in using Asynchronous Learning, through its Learning Management System. Over the years, UMak is active in leading innovative initiatives in the field of tertiary education and pioneered reforms for a locally funded university. In response to the effects of the recent pandemic, UMak shifted to new teaching and learning fundamentals and architecture of engagement as presented by its University President, Dr. Elyxzur Ramos during the Infocom Asia 2023 in Thailand. While Dr. Ederson D.T. Tapia have multitudinous exposure, work, and consultancies associated with local governance and federalism in the country, which make him a sought-after presenter to local and international forums.
CDA MC 2023-11 otherwise known as Guidelines in the Implementation of the Revised Accreditation and Monitoring of Cooperative Training Providers (CTPros) Program, allows Local Colleges and Universities (LCUs) to apply as an Accredited Training Provider. The CTPros program aims to institutionalize the conduct of well-coordinated, rationalized, and standardized education and training for members and officers of the cooperatives. University of Makati is a local university fully funded and supported by the City Government of Makati with a rank of 101-200 on the World’s University Rankings for Innovation Global Top Innovative Universities. University of Makati’s proven experience can help the CDA to ensure that the knowledge and skills needed by officers and members can be at par with international standards. As of December 2022, there are 185 cooperatives in the City of Makati, that will benefit with this partnership. Dir. Defensor explained that all officers, regardless of category, are required to complete the prescribed mandated trainings. These mandatory trainings will ensure that officers are equipped with needed knowledge and skills in performing their sworn duty within their cooperative.
Apart from being an Accredited Training Provider, both parties also discussed other possible areas of cooperation and partnership. University of Makati can provide its technical expertise in improving the cooperative training modules by incorporating a self-paced learning approach, through the use of online platform; publishing of the first official cooperative book; post graduate course with specialization in Cooperative; and other development programs for the cooperatives in the Philippines.
This partnership is also in coordination with Dr. Edita Bayona, Chairperson of the University of Makati Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (UMEMPC). Present at the meeting are Dr. Leonardo Pasquito, Vice Chairperson, University of Makati Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (UMEMPC), Dr. Rhene C. Tabajen, Associate Dean and Program Director(concurrent), Advanced Programs in Education, Concurrent Dean, College of Continuing, Advanced and Professional Studies (CCAPS), Attorney Roberto S. Suarez II, CDA NCR Legal Officer, Ryan Andrew F. Dela Luna, CDS CSF and Legal Office, Sofronio V. Aquino, Makati Field CDS, and Jerome D. Bio, CDS Legal Office. END
