MACTAN, CEBU—In line with the CDA’s commitment to ensure the safe and sound operation of cooperatives, the Authority, through its Supervision and Examination Division (SED), successfully held its third training course entitled “Practical Training and Workshop in Cooperative Accounting” as part of its Ladderized Certification and Capacity Building Program (LCCBP), from July 14 to 17, 2025, at the Savoy Hotel, Mactan, Cebu.
A total of 118 field inspectors and personnel from the Supervision and Examination Sections of CDA Regional Offices attended the training. It commenced with a message from Atty. Ma. Lourdes P. Pacao, Deputy Administrator of the Registration, Supervision, and Examination Service (RSES), who highlighted the role of inspectors and examiners in the development of cooperatives and encouraged them to take full advantage of the training opportunity to enhance their practical knowledge and effectively fulfill their duties.
Director Mildred S. Esguerra underscored the growing expectations from CDA inspectors, saying, “Inspectors must serve as frontliners in identifying inconsistencies and potential opportunities for improvement. Our goal is to assess the viability of our cooperatives. This training is not just an added skill but a core competency.” She also announced that a new training focused on assessing cooperatives using a risk-based approach would soon be launched to further enhance the Authority’s regulatory functions.
The training was conducted using a two-room format based on the professional experience of participants. In Room A, which consisted of newly hired or mid-level inspectors, sessions were designed to cover theoretical foundations, regulatory standards, and the financial principles guiding cooperative inspection.
Speakers such as Director Joselito Hallazgo of the Credit Surety Fund Services (CSFS) and Atty. Annaliza Sulpot, Acting Chief of the Finance Division, delivered lectures on key topics including the evaluation of financial statements, understanding the Standard Chart of Accounts, basic bookkeeping and accounting, and the allocation and distribution of net surplus. The sessions also included an interactive financial statement analysis exercise to sharpen participants’ understanding of accounting principles.
Meanwhile, Room B was composed of seasoned inspectors and examiners with over five years of experience in cooperative inspection. This group underwent a separate hands-on practical training and workshop facilitated by Mrs. Doris D. Teodoro, Chief of the Supervision and Examination Division, and Mrs. Mildred S. Esguerra, Director of RSES. The workshop focused on the practical application of accounting principles in cooperative inspection.
To conclude the four-day training program, participants were given a 50-item quiz to assess their understanding of accounting principles, regulatory standards, and financial analysis skills. The assessment aimed to ensure that the knowledge gained during the sessions could be effectively applied in actual field inspections.
The success of the third LCCBP training course focused on cooperative accounting underscores the CDA’s commitment to developing a skilled and capable regulatory workforce, leading cooperatives toward greater compliance and sustainable development.
