CSF MEMBERSHIP EXPANSION PROGRAM: EMPOWERING MORE COOPERATIVES IN SOUTH COTABATO
The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), in partnership with the Provincial Government of South Cotabato and the South Cotabato Credit Surety Fund Cooperative (SCCSFC), successfully conducted the Credit Surety Fund Cooperative Membership Expansion Program on May 29, 2025, at Habi Hotel, Koronadal City, South Cotabato.
The activity aimed to encourage the well-managed and well-capitalized cooperatives in the Province of South Cotabato who are not yet members to explore the benefits of joining the South Cotabato CSF Cooperative. The program served as a platform to showcase the benefits and opportunities of being part of the CSF mechanism, including access to credit and capacity-building support.
The event formally opened, and participants were honored to hear the messages of support from the key leaders, including the Provincial Cooperative Development Officer, Atty. Renette B. Bergado and Hon. Board Member Nilda B. Almencion, Chairman of the Committee on Cooperatives. Hon. Vice-Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy, Jr. of South Cotabato, also delivered a special message of inspiration and commitment reaffirming the province’s strong support for cooperative development.
The orientation began with the presentation of the program’s purpose and objectives, which was presented by Mr. Recto E. Transfiguracion, Chief CDS of CDA-CSF Section, highlighting the goal of expanding CSF membership to improve cooperatives’ access to credit. This was followed by a discussion on the basic inputs of the CSF Program led by Senior CDS Mr. Mark Ian G. Caseres, providing participants with a deeper understanding of how the CSF mechanism works, its structure, legal framework, membership requirements, and the benefits it offers to cooperatives. Afterwards, the LBP Lending Center Account Officer, Mr. Ervin Rey Belonio, outlined the bank’s plans and loan programs available for CSF members, reinforcing the value of CSF as a financial gateway for cooperatives. Finally, the South Cotabato CSF Chairperson Adolfo D. Tanco, Jr., demonstrated their journey from formation to becoming a sustainable financing partner to their members, which proves that the CSF model works well when cooperatives are committed.
After the series of informative sessions and presentations, an open forum was held to encourage interactive discussions, followed by a commitment setting where interested cooperatives signaled their willingness to join the South Cotabato CSF Cooperatives. From the total of 19 primary cooperatives that participated in the event, six (6) cooperatives expressed their intent to join, while three (3) cooperatives declined due to financial limitations, and ten (10) cooperatives indicated that the decision would be elevated to their respective Board of Directors for further deliberations.
The activity marks another milestone in CDA’s continuous effort to promote inclusive financing and economic resilience made possible through its strong collaboration with the Provincial Government of South Cotabato and the unwavering support and commitment of the South Cotabato CSF Cooperative.
