CDA Region 1 Extension Office headed by Regional Director, Atty. Frederick Joe N. Robles, Senior CDS Renee Faye D. Cariño, CDS II Christine Joy P. Combes both manning the of CSF Section, and CDS II Rosievic R. Medina, Provincial CDS held promotional and orientation meeting with identified cooperatives which have the potential to join the proposed Ilocos Norte Credit Surety Fund Cooperative.  The meeting was held on August 23, 2023 in the Conference Hall of the Ilocos Norte Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center (INAFEC), Laoag City.  This activity was made possible through the strengthened and continued partnership with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte represented by the CDS II of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Ms. Lorna P. Lubera.  There were twenty-four participants in attendance, comprising the twelve (12) primary cooperatives from various municipalities in Ilocos Norte who were appraised and qualified to join the proposed INCSFC.  These potential members were initially evaluated based on their assets as of FY 2022, and were thus invited to the conference.

During the meeting, the participants were apprised about the CSF Program, which is based on Republic Act No. 10744, also known as the Credit Surety Fund (CSF) Cooperative Act of 2015, through a power point presentation and AVPs of existing CSF Cooperatives, in order for the participants to be even more elucidated on the subject.

Following the presentations, the attendees were anxious to ask clarifying questions, and all issues were addressed, resulting in favorable response from the body.

This meeting is an initial step towards the achievement of the goal to organize the INCSF Cooperative which aims to contribute to the poverty alleviation programs, as well as to enhance the livelihood, increase job opportunities, and accelerate economic growth and development of all cooperative officers and members in the Province of Ilocos Norte. (Renee Faye D. Cariño)