Moving closer toward enterprise-level sustainability, members of SAAD-supported FAs in Pilar, Surigao del Norte successfully completed a two-day Pre-Membership Education Seminar (PMES) from June 10–11, 2026, in Barangay Malinao, General Luna, Surigao del Norte.
The activity marks a major operational milestone, gathering a total of 28 farmer members from Caridad Vegetable Association (CAVEA) and Consolacion Goat Raisers Association (CoGoRA) hailing from Barangays Caridad and Consolacion from the municipality of Pilar.
As a mandatory requirement of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), the PMES equips prospective members with the knowledge, values, principles, and responsibilities essential to cooperative membership. The seminar aims to develop informed and committed members who can actively participate in the cooperative’s governance, decision-making, and enterprise operations while promoting accountability and shared ownership.
The seminar was facilitated by Rebecca E. Bagnol, Head of the Provincial Cooperative Development Office, who discussed key topics on cooperative development, including cooperative concepts and principles, membership rights and responsibilities, governance and management structures, and the role of cooperatives in promoting inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development.
Beyond fulfilling CDA requirements, the activity provided participants with a deeper understanding of collective enterprise management and the importance of active member participation in ensuring the success and sustainability of their cooperative. Through the discussions, members gained valuable insights into how cooperatives can improve livelihoods, create economic opportunities, and strengthen community resilience.
The registration of CACOFACO represents the organization’s transition from a farmers’ association into a registered cooperative, opening opportunities for expanded enterprise development, access to financial services, capacity-building programs, and other government support mechanisms designed to strengthen cooperative operations and sustainability.
Their registration represents the organizations’ transformation from an FA into a registered cooperative, enabling its members to access broader opportunities for enterprise development, financial services, capacity-building programs, and other government interventions designed to support cooperative growth and sustainability.
For Ramie R. Minguita, chairperson of CAVEA, the seminar provided members with a clearer understanding of their responsibilities and role in the cooperative’s future.
“Maayo kaayo ug dako ang among nahimoon nga pagkat-on gikan sa seminar, ilabina sa mga panaghisgutan mahitungod sa membership ug sa mga balaod nga nagdumala sa among kooperatiba. Pinaagi niini, mas andam kami sa paghatag sa among husto nga papel ug kontribusyon alang sa kalamboan ug kalig-on sa among kooperatiba,” Minguita shared.
(The seminar was very beneficial, especially the discussions on cooperative membership and the laws governing cooperatives. Through this, we are now better prepared to fulfill our roles and contribute to the growth and sustainability of our cooperative.)
Minguita added that a cooperative can only achieve its goals when its officers, committees, and members work together toward a common purpose and actively participate in its operations and development.
The activity highlights the continuing commitment of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program and its partner agencies to empower farmer-beneficiaries not only through livelihood support but also through organizational strengthening initiatives. By building the capacity of farmer groups to manage collective enterprises, the program aims to help them achieve long-term economic growth and sustainability.
As CACOFACO begins its journey as a registered cooperative, its members are expected to play a more active role in managing enterprise opportunities that will contribute to improved livelihoods and stronger rural communities in Siargao.
