Panglao, Bohol, Philippines – The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), through the Registration Division, recently held a five-day write-shop to improve the cooperative registration process. The event, held from September 30 to October 4, 2024, had a comprehensive agenda. It focused on creating a compendium of registration-related memorandum circulars and procedures, conducting an orientation on the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Occupational and Industrial Classification, and discussing various business procedures related to cooperative registration.
The primary objective of the write-shop was to develop a unified reference guide for registration personnel nationwide. This compendium will outline the specific procedures, requirements, and processes involved in cooperative registration, ensuring consistency and efficiency in handling cooperative applications.
This initiative is a crucial step in the CDA’s efforts to streamline its operations and align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s broader digitalization agenda. In his 2023 State of the Nation Address, the President emphasized the need to modernize government services to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.
The write-shop was graced by the presence of esteemed CDA officials, including Atty. Ma. Lourdes P. Pacao, RSES Deputy Administrator; Ms. Mildred S. Esguerra, RSES Director; Mr. Augusto P. Balles, Chief of the Registration Division; and Ms. Doris D. Teodoro, Chief of the Supervision and Examination Division. Their wealth of experience and dedication to cooperative development was evident throughout the event. Additionally, personnel from the Registration Division Head Office and Senior Cooperative Development Specialists from all Extension Offices participated in the event, further enriching the discussions.
On the first day, Mr. Peter Enfestan, the statistician specialist of the PSA RSSO-7, oriented participants on the Philippine Standard Industrial Classification (PSIC) and the Philippine Standard Occupational Classification (PSOC). These classifications are essential for the ongoing reengineering of the Cooperative Registration Information System.
The subsequent days were dedicated to discussing business procedures related to cooperative registration, including:
- Registration of new cooperatives
- Registration of Credit Surety Fund Cooperatives
- Establishment of branch/satellite offices
- Closure, transfer, and conversion of branch/satellite offices
- Registration of subsidiary cooperatives
- Merger and consolidation of cooperatives
- Recognition of laboratory cooperatives
The final three days were focused on crafting the compendium of registration-related memorandum circulars and procedures. This document will serve as a valuable resource for CDA personnel to ensure that each one adheres to legal requirements and promotes sustainable cooperative development.
The successful completion of the write-shop marks a significant milestone in the CDA’s efforts to improve the efficiency of cooperative registration. By providing a clear and comprehensive reference guide, the CDA aims to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and foster a more conducive environment for the cooperative sector in the Philippines. The practicality of the outcomes from the write-shop reassures stakeholders of the initiative’s tangible impact on cooperative registration. G. Catambacan
