UPLB ICOPED and Oriental Mindoro CDOs Forge Partnership for Cooperative Development

​Los Baños, Laguna – The UPLB Institute of Cooperatives and Bio-Enterprise Development (ICOPED) successfully hosted a learning exchange visit of the League of Cooperative Development Officers (LCDOP), Oriental Mindoro Chapter on July 31, 2024. The event, attended by 16 Cooperative Development Officers (CDOs) and led by Provincial Government Department Head – Provincial Cooperative Development Office (PGDH-PCDO), Mr. Orlando Tizon, aimed to foster networking and knowledge sharing among cooperative stakeholders.
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[Photo: Oriental Mindoro CDOs together with the UPLB ICOPED staff and CEM Dean Catelo]

Dr. Ma. Angeles Catelo, Dean of the College of Economics and Management (CEM) welcomed the participants with a warm message, emphasizing the crucial role of cooperatives in rural development. Dr. Karen Custodio, ICOPED Director, provided an overview of the institute’s programs and services, highlighting its potential contributions to the CDOs’ work.
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The event also served as a venue for exploring possible collaborations between ICOPED and the cooperative sector in Oriental Mindoro, especially in training and research activities. A quick learner's assessment of the participants identified a strong demand for soft skills development in communication, leadership, management, mentoring, and related areas, as well as technical skills such as accounting for non-accountants, cooperative and business management and governance, among others. 

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[Photo: Dr. Custodio and Mr. Tizon]

There was also a consensus on the need for capacity building among cooperative members, particularly ​in enterprise development, sustainability, and the production, processing, and marketing of local products like banana, coconut, and root crops. Special attention was given to the needs of cooperatives in indigenous communities in these areas.

The successful learning exchange underscores the commitment of both parties to empower cooperatives and contribute to the socio-economic development of Oriental Mindoro. This collaborative initiative marks the beginning of a fruitful partnership between UPLB ICOPED and Oriental Mindoro PCDO and LCDOP. 

(ECFlores)
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