CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan (PIA) — The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) continues its commitment to empower cooperatives in Central Luzon by promoting their growth and viability.
During the 27th episode of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas of the Philippine Information Agency, CDA Assistant Regional Director Carolina Miguel said that under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., they are directed to prioritize agricultural cooperatives.
“A priority under this administration is capacitating agricultural cooperatives, particularly by teaching farmers entrepreneurial skills and ensuring the sustainability of their organizations,” she said.
One of the key initiatives implemented by the CDA Region 3 is the provision of financial assistance to deserving cooperatives to serve as startup or additional working capital.
“Through programs like the Malasakit Program which provides P50,000 each to 23 cooperatives; CMPL [Consumers, Marketing, Producers and Logistics] program which gives P400,000 each to 15 cooperatives; and others, cooperatives have received much-needed support to enhance their operations and sustainability,” she stressed.
Aside from financial aid, the agency partnered with various national government agencies to provide essential resources such as irrigation machinery, post-harvest facilities, and processing equipment to enhance the resilience and competitiveness of cooperatives in the region.
“We have cooperatives who were tapped by the Department of Education and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to provide commodities for their feeding programs,” Miguel said
To address challenges such as leadership continuity, the CDA provides continuous education through training and seminars, benefitting over 52,000 officers and members.
Additionally, 333 cooperatives have undergone business continuity management training to enhance resilience.
The agency partnered with local government units for an eight-day certification program to a total of 109 cooperative development officers and conducted orientations for barangay officials to promote cooperative development.
CDA likewise collaborated with academic institutions with law schools namely Aurora State of College and Technology, Don Honorio Ventura State University, and Tarlac State University as part of promoting legal compliance and cooperative governance through legal forums and amnesty programs.
Moreover, the CDA Region 3 has spearheaded innovative programs such as the electronic cooperative business [e-coop biz] to enable cooperatives to leverage digital tools and platforms for global market exposure.
“We also have a program called Coop Kapatid which aims to foster partnerships between larger and smaller cooperatives, promoting cooperation and mutual support within the sector,” Miguel said.
The official also mentioned that Central Luzon leads in the Credit Surety Fund (CSF) program, with four registered cooperatives and was recognized as the best-performing region in promoting CSF initiatives.
“Aside from the national accolades that our cooperatives and employees receive, our Regional Director [Marietta Hwang] was also awarded with the 2024 International Cooperative Innovator Award in the United States,” she said.
Miguel assured that as the CDA Region 3 continues to prioritize cooperative empowerment and sustainable growth as it remains dedicated to fostering a strong and vibrant cooperative sector that contributes to economic prosperity and community development in Central Luzon.
From 2022 to October 2024, the agency registered 354 new cooperatives bringing the total number to 3,609 in the region.
This accomplishment highlights the vibrant cooperative sector, with a combined asset value of P43.6 billion and a net surplus of P1.39 billion, reflecting the significant economic contribution of cooperatives. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Bulacan)
