In an effort to encourage non-compliant, issued with show cause order, and dissolved cooperatives revert to compliant status and to purge the dockets of cases, the CDA Amnesty Program was launched. This one-time opportunity is available only until November 30, 2024. After the deadline, cooperatives that are eligible but do not take advantage of the amnesty will be cancelled and delisted from the CDA masterlist of registered cooperatives. Therefore, CDA Regional Extension Office (REO)IV-A is making significant efforts to inform and reach out to the concerned cooperatives within its jurisdiction in order to inform all concerned and interested parties, especially those that are continually operating despite lack of Certificate of Compliance (COC).

An orientation on the CDA Amnesty Program was held on May 30, 2024, at Altaroca Mountain Resort and Events Place in Antipolo City. The event, organized with the assistance of Cooperative Development Officers in Rizal Province, aimed to provide comprehensive information about the amnesty program to the concerned cooperatives and interested parties, including the partners in cooperatives development.

CDA Region IV-A’s full legal team, led by Atty. August Owen Magdato, Legal Officer, conducted the orientation. They were accompanied by Mr. Kervin Cometa, CDS II of the Supervision and Examination Section (SES). CDA REO IV-A Regional Director Salvador V. Valeroso also graced the event, providing inspiration and a light-hearted opening remark that highlighted the urgency of moving forward from the list of non-compliant, show cause order, and dissolved cooperatives.

Atty. Magdato outlined the guidelines for the Amnesty Program, emphasizing the importance of adherence to specific provisions to avoid misinformation. He explained that a list of eligible cooperatives has been posted, identifying those that may avail of the amnesty. The requirements for compliance, such as a business plan and revitalization plan, were also discussed in detail.

The orientation primarily targeted non-compliant cooperatives, those issued with show cause orders, and dissolved cooperatives. However, to ensure widespread dissemination of information, the invitation was extended to all interested cooperatives, regardless of their status. Cooperatives with issues regarding their annual reports were given the opportunity to consult with Mr. Cometa. The partners, especially the local government units, through the Cooperatives Development Officers (CDOs) were also invited.

CDA REO IV-A expressed gratitude to the Cooperative Development Officers and other partners who supported the event. Their involvement was crucial in locating and inviting inactive cooperatives. The Authority aims to strengthen its partnership with the CDOs to further assist cooperatives interested in the Amnesty Program.

The orientation was hosted by Mr. John ImmanuelGarcia, OIC of the Credit Surety Fund Section (CSFS), with full support from Ms. Jeramel Valdez, Developmental CDS of Rizal Province.

Overall, the event was conducted with a positive outlook, ensuring that participants left with a clear understanding of the amnesty program, invigorating their commitment to the cooperative movement.

Atty. Magdato and the active participants during the discussion

RD Valeroso in full support to the activity and to the interest of the cooperatives

Atty. Magdato and the active participants during the discussion

The Developmental Officer of Rizal Province with the Region-based personnels who were behind this half-day activity