Ten cooperative beneficiaries from Davao City, which belong to the micro and small category, received a financial grant amounting to P50,000.00 each under the SARA Program of Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), symbolizing a commitment to their financial empowerment and recovery from the losses incurred due to calamities and disasters that impacted their operations.
The MOA signing and turnover of financial assistance were graced by CDA Undersecretary Chairman Joseph B. Encabo, CDA RXI Regional Director Glenn S. Garcia, MGM, Davao City Cooperative Development Officer Donna Espana, PEACE 911 Coordinator Javilon Sucuahi and personnel from CDA RXI and Davao City Cooperative Development Office (CCDO) on December 22, 2023 at Fuchsia Room, Sangguniang Panlungsod Building, San Pedro Street, Davao City
CDA XI Director Glenn S. Garcia, in his opening message, highlighted a fundamental principle of cooperative success. He emphasized that the genuine achievement of a cooperative goes beyond the positions held by its officers; instead, it is fundamentally linked to improved and overall better quality of life of its members. Director Garcia also stressed the importance of diligently implementing the proposed projects outlined in the respective agreements and observing to the terms specified in the Memorandum of Agreement with CDA. Adhering to these agreements and the positive turnout of the program are vital for the Agency to sustain its delivery of developmental programs aimed at benefiting the cooperatives and their members.
Undersecretary Encabo, in his message, urged cooperative officers to uphold sincerity and genuine service to members, diverting focus from personal gain. Recognizing that the grant might not be huge enough, he expressed that it would serve as a lifeline for the recovery of these cooperatives, reinforcing the idea that even a modest grant can make a meaningful impact when used for the greater good
Additionally, Undersecretary Encabo provided a brief overview of CDA’s latest program, aligning with the current administration’s emphasis on strengthening the agricultural sector. This initiative focuses on the merger and consolidation of cooperatives, strategic approaches designed to enhance financial health, operational efficiency, and overall sustainability. By fostering collaboration and resource consolidation, these efforts aim to strengthen the agricultural sector and contribute to the long-term success of cooperatives, enabling them to better serve their members and communities amidst a dynamic and competitive environment. As part of this effort, CDA is set to provide a substantial subsidy of P1,000,000.00 for successful consolidations or mergers involving at least five primary cooperatives.
In response, the cooperatives conveyed gratitude to CDA for the financial assistance that would help in the recovery and alleviation of the cooperatives and to CCDO for the support in facilitating the necessary requirements to avail the program. This expression of thanks not only recognizes the assistance received but also underscores the cooperatives’ dedication to utilizing the resources responsibly for the benefit of their members and the community.
Mr. Javilon Sucuahi, overall coordinator of PEACE 911, extended congratulations and voiced optimism that this assistance would contribute to further fostering peace and order in the communities of Paquibato, Calinan, and remote areas of Toril District.
In closing remarks, CCDO Espana affirmed the solid commitment of the LGU of Davao City to support and assist cooperatives, expressing the local government’s dedication as a reliable partner of CDA.
-Cooperative Project Development and Assistance Section (CPDAS) RXI
