By Villa Flora M. Rosos

ALUBIJID, MISAMIS ORIENTAL — Aiming to formalize their operations and strengthen organizational capacity, the Baybay Loguilo Rural Workers Association (BLRWA)—a community-based group of salt producers—participated in a Pre-Registration Seminar (PRS) facilitated by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Regional Office No. 10 on June 17, 2025, this town.

The BLRWA participated in the activity as part of their goal to pursue cooperative registration, opening pathways to more structured support, improved governance, and access to funding and training opportunities. The event was made possible through the strong support of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), through its Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO) in Misamis Oriental, in close coordination with the local government of Alubijid. The collaboration is an attestation of a shared commitment to empowering rural communities engaged in salt production as livelihood.

Facilitating the discussion was Ma. Luisa Aventurado, Cooperative Development Specialist II from the CDA-10. The legal, structural, and documentary requirements for forming a cooperative were comprehensively presented and discussed. Aventurado emphasized the advantages of transitioning from informal associations to legally recognized cooperatives, which includes improved access to government programs and projects, financial services, and marketing opportunities. Her discussion also covered cooperative principles, membership responsibilities, operational requirements, and compliance obligations under the Cooperative Code of the Philippines.

BLRWA members actively participated in the orientation, engaging in discussions and seeking clarifications about the cooperative registration process. The open forum provided relevant information as they moved toward completing their registration requirements. The orientation also included practical guidance and coaching on organizing internal structures, drafting by-laws, and preparing the necessary documentation for CDA submission.

The training’s success sparked optimism for the association in the pursuit toward cooperative formation. With continued support from the CDA, BFAR, the LGU of Alubijid, and other stakeholders, the group is now well on its path to formalization for a more self-reliant and productive cooperative. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader efforts to revitalize the local salt industry by supporting organized community groups through formalization, capacity building, access to government interventions, and enhanced market linkages.