To strengthen rice clusters nationwide, a specialized training course has equipped implementers of the Rice Business Innovations System (RiceBIS) and regional agricultural staff with key skills in managing and supporting farmer cooperatives.
Held on May 20–22 in partnership with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), the workshop aimed to boost the capacity of implementers to guide farmers’ cooperatives and associations toward long-term sustainability.
“This training ensures our implementers are better informed and prepared to support our RiceBIS Farmers’ Cooperatives/Associations (FCAs),” said Dr. Diadem B. Gonzales-Esmero, RiceBIS 2.0 program lead.
Participants tackled foundational cooperative principles, legal registration requirements, and leadership responsibilities.
Practical case studies were used to simulate real-world scenarios, while sessions on financial literacy, conflict resolution, and strategic planning prepared attendees to make informed, long-term decisions for cooperative development.
“It’s especially useful for associations that are preparing to transition into cooperatives. It also helped foster collaboration among implementers from different regions,” said Jesrel O. Edraira, an implementer from PhilRice Midsayap.
The training is part of broader efforts to enhance the effectiveness of RiceBIS, which focuses on clustering rice farmers into self-sustaining agribusiness communities. By building stronger cooperatives, the initiative aims to improve farmer incomes, enhance production systems, and promote inclusive growth in the rice sector.
