The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), through the Legal Affairs Service conducted a training on the Digitization of Legal Affairs Service on Case Records Management, on May 26, 2025, held at the CDA Head Office, 7th Floor, Quezon City, and online via Zoom for the virtual participants from different Regional Extension Offices.
The Digitization of Legal Affairs Service on Case Records Management aligns with the CDA’s existing strategies to ensure the systematic creation, maintenance, and disposal of records in compliance with legal and administrative requirements. The event further contributed to improve legal documentation, organizational efficiency, and accountability within the Authority.
In his opening remarks, Asec. Santiago S. Lim emphasized that this training marks a significant step in making the Authority more responsive and future-ready. He highlighted that digitizing case records is not only a matter of compliance with R.A. No. 9470 and NAP Circular No. 5, but also a strategic move to enhance efficiency and to ensure business continuity when disruptions appear.
Asec. Lim also encouraged the Legal Affairs Service team and the participants to learn from other government agencies already implementing digitization, like the IPOPHIL. He also commended the Legal Affairs Service, led by Deputy Administrator Atty. Leah B. Banagui-Han, for spearheading the initiative, and also urged other services within the Authority to follow suit and make records digitization an agency-wide effort.
Finally, Asec. Lim expressed hope that the training would inspire all of us to adapt smarter and more sustainable practices in records management and support the vision of building an accessible, knowledge-based system for the benefit of all stakeholders.
In his inspirational message, Usec. Alexander B. Raquepo expressed his pride in the Authority’s continuing commitment to professional growth and service excellence. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning and adapting to technological advancements, particularly the shift toward digitization in records management.
Highlighting the transition from traditional filing to digital systems as a bold step toward greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability, he commended the staff’s dedication to improving systems not just for the Authority, but for the entire cooperative sector.
To conclude his message, Usec. Raquepo encouraged everyone embarking on this digital journey to be proud, be bold, and be an example for others. He reminded them of their shared responsibility with the words, “Let’s build it well, let’s build it together,” inspiring a collective effort for the Authority to create a stronger and more effective system for the clients and stakeholders.
Ms. Sharon S. Alcantara, an Intellectual Property Rights Specialist from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, Bureau of Legal Affairs – Case Management Division, delivered an insightful lecture on the agency’s shift to digital case records management. She introduced the Bureau’s mandate under Republic Act No. 8293 and outlined the structure of the Case Management Division, including key units like the Pleading Evaluation and Assembly Section (PLEAS) and the Records and Administrative Section.
Highlighting challenges of the manual system prior to 2020, she presented IPOPHL’s digitization roadmap, aiming for full digital transformation by 2026. Key milestones included the launch of e-filing and document scanning in 2019, which significantly improved efficiency and accessibility. Ms. Alcantara showcased the Industrial Property Automation System (IPAS) as a central platform that streamlined case tracking and documentation. She emphasized the importance of embracing adaptive and sustainable digital systems, not only for operational efficiency but also for enhancing service delivery.
To close her lecture, Ms. Alcantara left the participants with an inspiring message: “Embrace change. See challenges as an opportunity. Have a growth mindset. Focus on solutions. Let us turn difficulties into an opportunity for success.” Her words served as a powerful reminder of the importance of innovation and adaptability, which are essential for institutions like the Authority, that aim to improve service delivery and meet the evolving needs of the cooperative sector.
Ms. Kristine May G. Celispara, an Administrative Assistant III at the Cooperative Development Authority, Legal Affairs Service – Legal Division, delivered an engaging session on the fundamentals of records management, emphasizing its importance in ensuring organized, accessible, and accountable government operations.
She emphasized the key provisions of Republic Act No. 9470 and NAP General Circular No. 5, providing insights on the legal responsibilities of government agencies such as the Authority in managing and disposing of records. In particular, she highlighted the importance of properly identifying and disposing of valueless records to ensure full compliance with regulatory standards. The discussion also delved into the retention and disposal of legal documents, underscoring the need for secure, lawful, and systematic practices to safeguard the integrity of essential records
To reinforce the learning, she conducted a discussion and hands-on tutorial on how to create a Legal Portal using Google Sites, equipping participants with practical knowledge and tools to implement the system in their respective offices. This initiative aims to support a more efficient, accessible, and unified approach to legal records management across the agency.
The activity marked a crucial step towards building a more organized, efficient, and legally compliant records management system which would advance the Authority’s commitment to excellence and accountability in public service and case resolution.
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