Assistance programs for cooperatives in the Philippines are foundational in supporting these member-owned enterprises, which are key drivers of socio-economic progress and community resilience.
The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) offers a range of assistance programs designed to empower coops and help them overcome challenges.
These programs include financial assistance to recover from disruptions, technical support to enhance operational capabilities, regulatory guidance to promote compliance, and coordination with other government agencies to secure necessary resources.
By leveraging these assistance programs, their beneficiaries can continue to thrive, contribute to sustainable development, and improve the lives of their members.
Assistance for Cooperatives in the Philippines
The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) of the Philippines is dedicated to supporting the growth and development of coops across the nation.
This support is foundational in empowering beneficiaries to become instruments of equity, social justice, and economic development.
Various assistance offered by the CDA include financial assistance, technical support, regulatory guidance, and coordination with other government agencies.
Significance of Cooperatives to the Philippine Economy
Cooperatives in the Philippines are powerhouse organizations driving socio-economic progress and fostering community resilience.
These member-owned enterprises play a major role in achieving the country’s sustainable development goals.
Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals
Cooperatives in the Philippines are champions of sustainability.
They provide essential services to their communities, ranging from microloans and savings products to technical assistance.
By doing so, they directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty alleviation, quality education, gender equality, and decent work and economic growth.
Partnership with Government
The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) spearheads the Philippine government’s partnership with coops.
This collaboration aims to promote the growth and development of the cooperative sector.
Through this partnership, their beneficiaries receive support and guidance, enabling them to thrive and expand their services to more Filipinos.
Fostering Economic Growth and Resilience
Cooperatives are essential in fostering economic growth and resilience.
They build trust within communities by offering services like microloans, savings products, and technical assistance.
They also aggregate farmers’ products, allowing them to sell at scale.
This support elevates living standards, builds dynamic agricultural value chains, and promotes broad-based economic growth.
Smallholder farmers, in particular, benefit immensely from coops.
These organizations enhance farmers’ resilience, especially in the face of climate change and disasters.
By pooling resources and sharing knowledge, cooperatives enable farmers to weather economic and environmental challenges more effectively.
Advantages of Local Knowledge
Farming cooperatives in the Philippines have a distinct edge due to their deep-rooted local knowledge.
Being embedded in the local context, they understand the unique needs and challenges of their members.
This insight allows them to provide tailored support that enhances farmers’ profitability and overall success.
The localized approach of coops sees to it that their interventions are both relevant and impactful.
Membership and Employment
The cooperative sector in the Philippines is a significant source of employment and economic activity.
As of 2021, there were 9,432 registered coops with a membership of 7,647,800 and 226,400 employees.
This massive network not only supports individual livelihoods but also contributes to the nation’s economic prowess.
Types of Assistance Available Offered by the CDA
Financial Assistance
Special Financial Assistance
The CDA provides special financial assistance to cooperatives that have experienced disruptions due to the pandemic, natural disasters, or other difficulties. This assistance aims to help beneficiaries recover and continue serving their members effectively.
Eligibility and Application
Fifty cooperatives will receive this financial assistance grant. To qualify, coops must submit project proposals and meet other requirements specified in the CDA guidelines. This ascertains that the support is directed towards those in genuine need of financial aid to rebuild their operations.
Technical Assistance
Advisory Services
The CDA offers technical advisory services to cooperatives to support their development.
These services are designed to enhance the operational capabilities of beneficiaries, so that they can serve their members more efficiently.
Support from Other Agencies
In addition to the CDA’s support, other government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provide technical guidance and assistance to coops.
This collaboration helps to bolster the technical know-how and operational effectiveness of its beneficiaries .
Regulatory Support
Registration and Supervision
The CDA is the lead government agency responsible for registering all cooperatives in the Philippines.
This includes handling amendments to their articles of cooperation and bylaws, as well as authorizing the establishment of cooperative branches and satellite offices.
The CDA exercises supervision and jurisdiction over all types of registered coops to promote compliance with national standards and regulations.
How Cooperatives Can Avail Assistance from the CDA
Financial Assistance
- The CDA offers special financial assistance to cooperatives disrupted by the pandemic, natural disasters, or other challenges.
- This financial support aims to help cooperatives recover and continue serving their members effectively.
- Eligibility: Fifty cooperatives will be selected to receive this grant.
- Requirements:
- Submit project proposals.
- Meet other requirements specified in the CDA guidelines.
Technical Assistance
- The CDA provides technical advisory services to support the development of cooperatives.
- These services enhance the operational capabilities of cooperatives, ensuring efficient service to their members.
- Other government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also offer technical guidance and assistance to cooperatives.
Regulatory Support
- The CDA is responsible for registering all cooperatives in the Philippines.
- Services Include:
- Handling amendments to articles of cooperation and bylaws.
- Authorizing the establishment of cooperative branches and satellite offices.
- The CDA exercises supervision and jurisdiction over all types of registered cooperatives to promote compliance with national standards and regulations.
Coordination with Other Agencies
- The CDA coordinates with other government agencies, such as:
- National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
- This coordination aims to include cooperative promotion and growth as key components of national development plans.
- The Department of Finance (DOF) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) provide mechanisms to support the availability of resources for cooperative development programs.
Application Process
- Prepare Documentation:
- Gather necessary project proposals and other required documents as specified in the CDA guidelines.
- Check Eligibility:
- Make sure the cooperative meets the specified eligibility criteria outlined in the CDA guidelines and circulars.
- Submit Application:
- Submit the project proposals and required documents to the CDA.
- Contact CDA:
- For more details on the application process, cooperatives can contact:
- Local CDA extension offices.
- CDA central office.
- For more details on the application process, cooperatives can contact:
By leveraging these assistance programs, cooperatives can overcome challenges, enhance their operations, and continue contributing to the socio-economic development of the Philippines.
Coordination with Other Agencies
Inter-Agency Collaboration
The CDA coordinates with other government agencies like the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to include cooperative promotion and growth as major components of national development plans.
This makes sure that cooperatives are integrated into the broader economic development strategies of the country.
Resource Availability
The Department of Finance (DOF) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) provide mechanisms to ascertain the availability of resources for cooperative development programs.
This collaboration helps to secure the necessary funding and support for various coop projects.
Empowerment and Development
Goals of CDA Programs
The primary goal of the CDA’s assistance programs is to empower beneficiaries as instruments of equity, social justice, and economic development for the Filipino people.
By providing financial support, technical guidance, regulatory oversight, and inter-agency coordination, the CDA is working to foster a thriving cooperative sector in the Philippines.
Role of Other Organizations
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
The DTI also plays a significant role in supporting beneficiaries by providing technical guidance and assistance.
This support complements the CDA’s efforts and helps to enhance the overall development of cooperatives.
Department of Finance (DOF) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
The DOF and DBM maintain that resources are available for cooperative development programs.
Their involvement is essential in securing the necessary funding for various coop projects.
International Development Organizations
International organizations like ACDI/VOCA are actively engaged in cooperative development efforts in the Philippines.
For example, ACDI/VOCA launched a USAID-funded Cooperative Development Program to strengthen businesses through partnerships.
This program includes signing an MOU with the Philippine Family Farmers Agriculture-Fishery-Forestry Cooperatives Federation (AgriCooPh) to help build the capacity of agriculture coops across the country.
Case Study: MinPACT Project
Support for Coconut Farmers
The Mindanao Productivity in Agricultural Commerce and Trade (MinPACT) Project, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food for Progress Program, implemented by ACDI/VOCA, provided coaching to the Katipunan Small Coconut Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative from 2016 to 2017.
This support helped them grow their business and improve their operational capabilities.
Recent Updates
CFIDP Financial Assistance for MAREBESMARCO
The Matawe ARB’s and Small Coconut Farmers Marketing Cooperative (MAREBESMARCO) receives CFIDP financial aid to enhance Buko Trading and Processing. With 141 members in Brgy. Matawe, Dingalan, the coop focuses on coconut production in this agriculturally rich region. This support aims to boost the cooperative’s capabilities and benefit the local coconut industry.
Despite facing setbacks and changes in administration, the coop overcame obstacles and achieved success with CDA’s support. Collaborating with various agencies, they transitioned from micro to small scale, showcasing the strength of unity and cooperation in their journey to economic autonomy.
LEON SMALL COCONUT FARMERS MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE, known as LESCOFAMPCO, secures Financial Assistance from CDA under the CFIDP. Recognized for its role in coconut farming, LESCOFAMPCO’s development is supported by CDA and PCA through this crucial program.
Magsaysay Agriculture Cooperative: Overcoming Challenges for Success
Magsaysay Agriculture Cooperative faced hurdles post-earthquake but resiliently commenced operations in Copra Marketing. Despite setbacks like pandemic disruptions and market oversupply, the coop’s perseverance led to a net surplus over the years, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Video: State of Cooperatives in the Philippines and Contributions of the Cooperative Sector
Exploring the state of coops in the Philippines reveals an important sector contributing to economic growth and community development. These enterprises empower individuals, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting sustainable livelihoods in various industries. Their collaborative efforts enhance social welfare and financial inclusion, making them essential contributors to the country’s socio-economic landscape.
Conclusion
The CDA’s assistance programs are important in supporting the growth and development of coops in the Philippines.
By providing financial assistance, technical advisory services, regulatory support, and coordinating with other government agencies, the CDA aims to empower beneficiaries as instruments of equity, social justice, and economic development.
The collaborative efforts of various government agencies and international organizations further strengthen the cooperative sector to achieve a brighter future for these enterprises and their members in the Philippines.