y:Aileen Joy L. Basug, SBAA Intern
Local leaders and interested constituents from Barangay Pinsao Proper, Baguio City, gained valuable insights into fostering economic development through cooperative models during a comprehensive outreach seminar held this December 3, 2025. Organized by the dedicated University of Baguio School of Business Administration and Accountancy (UB-SBAA) 4th Year Accountancy Interns, the seminar aimed to equip barangay officials and constituents with the knowledge and tools to harness the potential of cooperatives for sustainable community growth.
The seminar, themed “Cooperative as a Tool for Economic Development,” took place at the Barangay Hall of Pinsao Proper. Its primary objective was to enlighten the barangay officials and constituents on the fundamental principles, benefits, and operational aspects of cooperatives, empowering them to initiate and support cooperative ventures within their jurisdiction. By understanding how cooperatives can pool resources, create employment, and provide essential services, the attendees are better positioned to drive economic progress and improve the quality of life for their constituents.
Ms. Marisol V. Sofranes, a highly respected Cooperative Development Authority – Cordillera Administrative Region (CDA-CAR) Cooperative Development Specialist II (CDS II), Cooperative Research Information and Training Section (CRITS), led the engaging discussion. She provided a clear and concise overview of how cooperatives function as self-help organizations, emphasizing their role in empowering communities economically and socially. The session covered topics ranging from cooperative formation and management to their impact on local economies, sparking active participation and inquiries from the participants.
The event saw the significant presence of Dr. Kareen B. Leon, UB Quality Assurance Office (QAO) Director and SBAA Internship Coordinator, and Dr. John V. Balanquit, the esteemed SBAA Dean. Their attendance underscored the university’s commitment to civic engagement and academic-community partnerships. The 4th Year Accountancy Interns, under the guidance of their mentors, meticulously organized the program, showcasing their practical skills in project management and community service beyond their academic requirements.
This initiative is expected to yield both immediate and long-term benefits for Brgy. Pinsao Proper. As one expectation, the participants will be armed with a foundational understanding of cooperative dynamics, enabling them to evaluate and support community-led economic projects more effectively. In the long run, this newfound knowledge could pave the way for the establishment of new cooperatives, leading to job creation, increased local income, and enhanced self-reliance among residents.
The seminar strongly aligns with United Nations – Sustainable Development Goal (UN-SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. By educating local leaders and constituents on the cooperative model, the program directly contributes to promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth. Cooperatives, by nature, foster full and productive employment and provide opportunities for decent work for all members, particularly in grassroots communities. This empowers individuals and groups to take active roles in their own economic upliftment, ensuring that growth benefits everyone equitably.
Furthermore, this outreach program exemplifies the spirit of UN-SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. It represents a powerful collaboration between an academic institution UB-SBAA, CDA-CAR, and a local government unit (Brgy. Pinsao Proper). This multi-stakeholder partnership facilitated the transfer of crucial knowledge and built capacity at the local level, demonstrating how collective action and shared responsibilities are vital means for implementing the SDGs and revitalizing global partnerships for sustainable development.
