The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Marikina City held a successful Capacity Enhancement Program on the Operation and Management of School Canteens last June 19-20, 2025.
In order to enhance the understanding of DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2015, the activity brought together school heads, canteen managers, and other important stakeholders to specifically discuss the rules governing the management of school canteen operations and finances. In order to ensure compliance with the regulations of the Commission on Audit (COA), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), the two-day program concentrated on enhancing the participants’ competence in accurate income recording, reporting, and income-sharing practices.
Ms. Melanie S. Roquiño, Cooperatives Development Specialist II in Marikina City, led a session on CDA Reminders and Updates on School Canteens Managed by Teachers’ Cooperatives”. In her discussion, she emphasized the importance of securing an “Authority to Operate and Manage a School Canteen” from the school head or principal, which is equivalent to submission of different requirements. An approved Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the cooperative and the school is also required, clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and financial arrangements.
Among the key reminders from CDA were the annual submission of mandatory reports by teachers’ cooperatives to the Authority, compliance with CDA issuances and cooperation during inspections and monitoring visits, CDA programs for cooperatives, and access to technical assistance for cooperatives requiring help with reportorial and operational compliance.
Ms. Roquiño stressed that following these guidelines not only guarantees compliance with laws and regulations but also enhances cooperatives’ ability to provide students with high-quality, reasonably priced, and nutrient-dense food services while promoting the cooperative’s
long-term viability.
With this recently concluded enhancement program initiated by the Department of Education – SDO Marikina, the cooperative sector’s role is highlighted in ensuring healthy, compliant, and financially transparent school canteen operations.
