To mark Cooperative Month, the Cooperative Management Students’ Organization (CMSO) organized a specialized training seminar for Bachelor of Science in Cooperative Management (BSCM) students. Held on October 30, 2024, at the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) Function Hall, the event aimed to prepare future cooperative leaders, with the theme, “Empowering Future Leaders: A Seminar on Nurturing BSCM Students as Catalysts for Cooperativism.”

The morning session opened with Mr. Joshua Puller, a core faculty member of the program, who delivered a session on crafting sound cooperative by-laws. This was followed by Mr. Ralph Marren Paul Buccat, another key faculty member, who shared his expertise on creating articles of cooperation. Both topics provided students with foundational knowledge essential for forming and registering cooperatives, a process mandated by the Cooperative Development Authority.

Following the morning lectures, Mr. Michael Anthony Agustin, also a faculty member, led an in-depth discussion on practical cooperative operations. To cap off the afternoon, the seminar welcomed guest speaker Dr. Divina Quemi, CEO of Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives, who shared her extensive industry experience and insights on cooperative management. Dr. Quemi’s session served as a valuable opportunity for students to connect classroom theories with real-world applications, particularly from a leader’s perspective within a major cooperative network.

The seminar concluded with a certificate-awarding ceremony to recognize the speakers’ contributions and efforts in making the training successful. Reflecting UNP’s dedication to providing hands-on learning, this seminar not only celebrated Cooperative Month but also advanced the mission of the BSCM program to cultivate well-prepared graduates ready to lead and transform the cooperative sector.

Article and photo by Emman Trevor Quilala.