In a significant stride towards fostering cooperative development in Surigao del Sur, Mr. Jeffrey D. Raya, CDS II, spearheaded the participation of local stakeholders in the 3rd Quarter Regular Provincial Development Council meeting held on September 14, 2023. This pivotal gathering saw the active involvement of twenty-five attendees, comprising a majority of cooperative development officers alongside their respective MCDC chairpersons.

At the heart of the meeting’s agenda was the Credit Surety Fund (CSF) Orientation, a crucial initiative aimed at educating the officers and council members about the CSF program. The ultimate goal? To pave the way for the establishment of a Credit Surety Fund within the province.

Ms. Anecita O. Unson, a Senior CDS overseeing the Credit Surety Fund Section of CDA Caraga Region, took center stage to elucidate the CSF program, its underlying concepts, and the fundamental basis for its implementation. She delved into the salient provisions of Republic Act 10744 and its accompanying Implementing Rules and Regulations.

During the insightful discussion that ensued, a consensus emerged: the imperative need to conduct additional CSF orientations in both Tandag City and Bislig City. These forthcoming orientations will be tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of the qualified cooperatives listed to participate in the CSF. The Sangguniang Panglunsod, represented by the Chair of the Committee on Cooperatives, will be an integral part of these sessions.

Notably, the Provincial Development Council Chair, Mr. Almar B. Autida, and his dedicated team wholeheartedly expressed their unwavering support for the establishment of a provincial CSF Cooperative in Surigao del Sur. This collective commitment underscores the potential for transformative change and the empowerment of local cooperatives through the CSF program, setting a promising course for the future of cooperative development in the region.*******