The College of Business Administration (CBA) of Baguio Central University (BCU), organized a Pre-Registration Seminar (PRS) conducted at the Purok Hall of Purok 27, Irisan, Baguio City, under Project BIN-I: Building Inclusive Network Impact in Community Services, a community extension initiative of the college. The activity brought together residents of Purok 27 and served as a crucial step in their efforts to organize and register a cooperative, as the PRS is one of the requirements mandated by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) for cooperative registration.
The seminar forms part of CBA’s continuing commitment to community development through technical assistance and capacity-building programs. Beyond organizing the activity, the college, through its extension coordinators Dr. Jolly B. Mariacos and Ms. Marga L. Taganas, played a key role in facilitating the community’s application for the Pre-Registration Seminar with CDA and reaffirmed its commitment to providing ongoing guidance throughout the cooperative registration process. The successful conduct of the seminar was made possible through the collective efforts of CBA faculty members under the leadership of their dean, Dr. Cherrie Mae M. Manuel, together with students, alumni, and dedicated community partners. Further demonstrating BCU’s strong commitment to community engagement and empowerment, Dr. Elma D. Donaal, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Michael T. Sebullen, Vice President for Administration, and Ms. Arlene A. Mintas, University Extension Coordinator, graced the activity and expressed their support for the residents’ initiative toward establishing a cooperative and fostering sustainable community development.
The program formally commenced with an opening prayer led by Purok Secretary Ms. Maribel Espada. This was followed by the introduction of the BCU delegates by Ms. Arlene A. Mintas, University Extension Coordinator. Afterwards, Dr. Donaal delivered a brief message, commending the residents for their active participation and enthusiasm in engaging with programs designed to support community development and economic empowerment.
Subsequently, Dr. Jolly B. Mariacos, CBA Extension Coordinator, introduced the resource speaker, Ms. Priscilla T. Bejar, Cooperative Development Specialist II of the Cooperative Development Authority–CAR Baguio City Field Office. During the seminar, Ms. Bejar provided participants with a comprehensive discussion on the fundamentals of cooperatives, including their principles, organizational structure, management practices, and registration procedures. She effectively simplified technical concepts and used practical examples that resonated with the participants, enabling them to better understand the topics presented.
An open forum followed the seminar proper, allowing residents to raise questions, seek clarification, and gain deeper insights into the process of establishing and managing a cooperative. The interactive discussion further strengthened participants’ understanding and readiness to undertake the next steps toward registration. To recognize her valuable contribution, Ms. Bejar was awarded a certificate and a token of appreciation by the organizing committee. Certificates of participation were likewise distributed to the residents who completed the seminar.
The activity concluded with an orientation for the prospective incorporators, during which the organizing committee outlined the succeeding steps and plans for providing continuous technical assistance. Through this initiative, Baguio Central University’s College of Business Administration reaffirmed its commitment to empowering communities and fostering sustainable economic development through cooperative formation and community engagement.
The activity supports SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by promoting community-based economic opportunities through cooperative development. It also advances SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by encouraging inclusive participation and empowering residents to access economic resources. Through the collaboration of Baguio Central University, the Cooperative Development Authority, and Purok 27 residents, the activity contributes to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
-Marga L. Taganas, CPA, MBA