The Technical Working Group (TWG) on Risk-Based Supervision and Examination Manual for Cooperatives Engaged in Lending (RBSEM-CEL) through the Supervision and Examination Division (SED), successfully conducted the Online Orientation and Training Workshop for RBSEM-CEL on October 6-7, 2025 via Zoom teleconference, and on October 13-17, 2025 in Clark, Pampanga.
The activity was designed to enhance the competencies of CDA officials and personnel for effective implementation of the RBSEM-CEL.
During the online orientation, Atty. Ma. Lourdes P. Pacao, RSES Deputy Administrator, delivered her opening remarks, emphasizing that the development of this manual is a major milestone for the CDA and is one of the key deliverables under the partnership with the German Cooperative and Raiffeisen Confederation (DGRV).
“[…] this manual is a significant step forward or a leap in how we execute our supervisory mandate. […] the landscape of cooperative lending is evolving, and the complexities and the risks they are facing also evolve. […] we would now be adding another angle or context to our regulatory supervision that of the Risk-Based Supervision Framework, which, to our minds, is essential to ensure the financial sustainability, the operational resilience, and sustained growth of cooperatives,” she said.
During the online orientation, the members of the TWG served as the resource speakers, discussing the content of the manual. Participants are expected to gain a deep understanding of risk assessment frameworks, examination procedures, and monitoring mechanisms, which they later apply during their training workshop.
The two-day online orientation was followed by a five-day in-person training workshop participated in by the Regional Directors, Assistant Regional Directors, SES Heads, and other personnel from the Head Office and Extension Offices. The workshop included an activity immersion, during which the participants were divided into five (5) groups and conducted a three (3) day actual examination of selected medium and large CELs in Pampanga.
On the final day, the participants convened to share the results of their examination, share their experiences as examiners using the RBSEM-CEL, and their recommendations and feedback for the improvement of the manual.
Moreover, Asec. Luz H. Yrincgo, the head of the Finance Cooperatives Cluster, expressed her excitement and hope that the CDA will truly accomplish its mandate. “Truly, we will move forward the movement where it should be,” she said.
The ultimate goal of the activity conducted is to equip the CDA officials and personnel with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills on the RBSEM-CEL, and to strengthen their capacity to implement regulatory measures and enforcement actions under the risk-based supervision program of the Authority.
