The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) conducted its Post-Regional Immersion Activity as part of its continuing efforts to strengthen the implementation of the Risk-Based Supervision and Examination Manual for Cooperatives Engaged in Lending (RBSEM-CEL) and enhance the capability of cooperative examiners nationwide.
The three-day activity served as a venue for participants from the CDA’s Regional Extension Offices (REOs) to evaluate the results of the Regional Immersion (Examination) conducted simultaneously across the country from May to June 2026. It also provided an opportunity to discuss challenges encountered during the field examinations, identify practical solutions, and recommend improvements for future examinations of cooperatives engaged in lending (CEL).
Opening the program, Atty. Elizabeth O. Batonan, Deputy Administrator of the Registration, Supervision and Examination Service (RSES), described the activity as another important step in the CDA’s collaboration with the German Cooperative and Raiffeisen Confederation (DGRV) to refine the RBSEM-CEL. She noted that while the pilot implementation currently covers lending cooperatives, the framework may eventually be adapted for other cooperative sectors.
She also shared that all REOs had completed examinations of their assigned cooperatives. The resulting reports were reviewed by members of the Technical Working Group (TWG), whose observations became the basis for discussions throughout the activity. Participants were invited to openly share their experiences and propose practical improvements that could strengthen the examination process.
In his inspirational message, Dr. Emmanuel M. Santiaguel, Administrator, recognized the dedication of cooperative examiners, acknowledging the technical knowledge, sound judgment, and commitment required to perform comprehensive examinations. He reminded participants that every field experience offers an opportunity to improve both the examination process and the tools that support it.
He added that the partnership between the CDA and DGRV continues to help align the Authority’s supervisory practices with internationally recognized standards while ensuring that examinations remain responsive to the needs of the cooperatives in the country.
On the other hand, Usec. Alexander B. Raquepo, Chairperson, said that no examination system is ever without room for improvement. He explained that risk-based examinations are intended to help cooperatives understand their operations, identify areas of concern, and strengthen governance rather than simply point out deficiencies. The process, he said, provides management and members with objective information that supports better decision-making and long-term sustainability.
Moreover, DGRV’s Project Director Ray Reinhold Hoernle stressed that the manual is designed not only as a supervisory instrument but also as a practical guide that enables examiners to provide meaningful recommendations to cooperatives.
Hoernle also emphasized that the examination framework ultimately serves cooperative members, who entrust their savings and resources to their organizations. Protecting those members, he said, requires a supervision system that promotes responsible management, financial stability, and sound governance. He encouraged participants to continue providing constructive feedback to further improve the manual based on actual field experience.
A major component of the activity was the presentation of regional examination results by members of the RBSEM-CEL Technical Working Group. Presentations covered findings from all CDA REOs, allowing participants to compare experiences, discuss recurring issues, and identify best practices from different regions.
The succeeding forum focused on practical recommendations to strengthen both examiner capability and the examination framework. Participants identified the need for continuing and advanced training in risk analysis, financial analysis, technical report writing, interpretation of assessment results, formulation of examination findings, internal controls, credit management, investments, asset-liability matching, and the evaluation of joint ventures and subsidiaries.
Participants likewise proposed enhancements to the RBSEM-CEL through clearer guidance, standardized report templates, simplified assessment tools, automated computations, and more user-friendly examination instruments to improve efficiency and consistency during field examinations.
Closing the activity, Asec. Luz H. Yringco, Board Member III, reaffirmed the CDA’s commitment to continuously refining its examination program by considering the recommendations gathered during the three-day activity. She expressed confidence in the professionalism and capability of the Authority’s examiners, noting that their collective insights will contribute to a stronger and more responsive supervisory system.
The Post-Regional Immersion Activity concluded with a shared commitment from the CDA and DGRV to further strengthen the implementation of the Risk-Based Supervision and Examination Manual, enhance the competencies of cooperative examiners, and support the continued growth of a resilient, transparent, and sustainable cooperative sector in the country.
