Tandag City, Philippines – Governor Johnny T. Pimentel has officially endorsed the creation of a Credit Surety Fund (CSF) Cooperative in Surigao del Sur, a major milestone that culminates years of collaborative preparation. This initiative, which leverages the provisions of Republic Act No. 10744, also known as the “Credit Surety Fund Cooperative Act of 2015,” is set to significantly boost financial access for local Cooperatives and Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

A Region-Wide Effort

The Governor’s endorsement on August 27, 2025, occurred during a courtesy meeting and CSF reorientation session held at his office in the Provincial Capitol, Tandag City. This crucial meeting included key stakeholders from the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Caraga – CSF Section, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Butuan City, the Provincial Cooperative Development Office (PCDO), and local Cooperative Development Officers (CDO).

This pivotal event was built upon years of diligent groundwork, including the crucial support of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Caraga. With a dedicated RDC resolution, the creation of CSF cooperatives has been championed as a key strategy for regional economic development, making Surigao del Sur’s initiative a tangible result of a collective, region-wide vision.

During the meeting, Governor Pimentel reinforced his commitment to the project, stating, “We are proud to support the creation of this CSF Cooperative. Its success will not only expand financial opportunities but will also be a testament to the strong management and good governance practices of our cooperatives.” He highlighted that this initiative aligns with the national government’s push for inclusive economic growth through well-managed cooperative ventures.

A Decisive Step Towards Empowerment

With the Governor’s full backing, the final steps are now underway. The participating cooperatives are completing their required documents, which will pave the way for a crucial Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) resolution. Once finalized, this resolution will be a key document for CDA registration and will be followed by the provincial government’s official contribution to the fund. This marks a new phase where the province is proactively investing in the success of its cooperatives and MSMEs, giving them the financial power they need to grow and thrive.