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The University of Southern Mindanao – College of Law (USM-COL) and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) formalized its agreement through Signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on September 16, 2025 at the Moot Court, 2nd Floor, College of Law Building, USM-Kidapawan City Campus, Sudapin, Kidapawan City.
The agreement aims to forge a meaningful partnership between CDA and USM-COL through the joint implementation of the CDA Laws Awareness Program (CLAP) and the Clinical Legal Education Program (CLEP). It seeks to promote cooperative education, provide law students with practical legal training, and deliver accessible legal services to cooperatives and their surrounding communities.
Joining the signing from USM were Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, PhD, USM President; Atty. Freddie H. Baynosa II, LLM, Dean of the USM College of Law; and Atty. Irol A. Torres, CLEP In-Charge of USM-COL.
Representing the CDA were Juriski B. Mangelen, Acting Regional Director of CDA Region XII; Mark Ian G. Caseres, Acting Supervising CDS; and Atty. Gil Ray Ontal, Legal Officer.
CDA, as an agency, is mandated under Republic Act No. 11364, is responsible for the development, registration, and regulation of cooperatives, and is tasked with ensuring their viability as instruments of equity, social justice, and sustainable economic growth.
USM-COL is committed to train future leaders in the legal profession and recognizes its role in advancing social justice and community empowerment.
