A remarkable demonstration of unity and commitment unfolded during a recent Credit Surety Fund Cooperative Caravan on November 13, 2025 at Old City Budget Office, 2/F Antipolo City Hall Old Building, Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City, Rizal. It brought together 25 cooperatives, all working to strengthen community development and enhance cooperative-driven initiatives. The event highlighted the growing dedication of cooperatives to supporting sustainable progress and upholding the cooperative value of self-help, culminating in pledges totaling 2.3 million pesos from 15 participating cooperatives.
The gathering recorded a total of 102 attendees, composed of 63 females and 39 males. This strong turnout reflects the continued growth of cooperative participation across sectors and highlights the increasing involvement of women in leadership and development-oriented activities.
The event was graced by Regional Director Salvador V. Valeroso of Cooperative Development Authority Region 4A, whose message inspired cooperatives to continue championing economic empowerment and sustainable development. His presence underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening the cooperative sector and supporting its integral role in local progress.
Deputy Administrator of the CSF Service – CDA Head Office, Atty. Elizabeth O. Batonan also graced the event with an empowering message for the cooperatives, encouraging them to work for themselves, therefore enabling communities around them.
Also, in attendance were other representatives from the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Head Office, under the CSF Service, Mr. Recto E. Transfiguracion and Ms. Mary Grace Cinco; Mr. Allan T. Diaz, representative from Landbank of the Philippines Rizal Lending Center; and Mr. Homer A. Hipona from Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas, whose participation further emphasized national support for cooperative initiatives. Their guidance and insights provided valuable perspectives on improving governance, enhancing member services, and strengthening institutional resilience.
Throughout the program, attendees took part in conversations centered on the formation of the CSF Cooperative and on practical ways to ensure its long-term sustainability. The sharing of experiences, along with the open forum where questions were addressed, created an engaging and cooperative atmosphere. This allowed leaders to learn from each other and spot new opportunities to strengthen their efforts moving forward.
A significant highlight of the gathering was the confirmation of pledges amounting to 2.3 million pesos from 15 cooperatives. These funds will be directed as the cooperatives’ initial contribution toward the establishment of a CSF cooperative in Antipolo City that will enable its cooperative members, particularly the micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs, to have better access to additional capital.
The organizers also extended heartfelt appreciation to honorable Mayor Casimiro “Jun” A. Ynares of Antipolo City and his team, particularly the City Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office (CCLO) headed by Ms. Marie Fe B. Iquin for their support on the activity and by advocating for the Antipolo City LGU to provide counterpart assistance amounting to the initial total contribution of the cooperatives, which will greatly support the CSF cooperative and enhance its reach. This gesture of partnership reflects the city’s dedication to strengthening the cooperative movement and investing in community-focused development.
As the program concluded, cooperatives reaffirmed their pledges to uphold the principles of cooperation, unity, and mutual support. With the collaborative strength of participating cooperatives, the support of CDA leaders, and the encouragement of local government partners, the cooperative sector is well-positioned to garner more support financially, therefore helping its members to become better and stronger entrepreneurs.
Truly, the CSF Roadshow and COS stand as a testament to the power of collective action and the unwavering spirit of cooperatives working together for a shared vision: to uplift lives, strengthen communities, and drive sustainable progress.
