The Cooperative Development Authority Region IV-A continuously promotes its programs and projects to its partners in CALABARZON. The implementation of the Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10744, otherwise known as the “Credit Surety Fund Cooperative Act of 2015,” is another important project of the Authority that will give access to cooperatives and their members of an increased bank credit line.

On June 27, 2023, Dir. Salvador V. Valeroso, the Regional Director of CDA 4A; with Ms. Elvira Ramos, Head of Credit Surety Fund (CSF) Section; Ms. Jeramel Valdez, Provincial Cooperative Development Specialist (PCDS); Mr. Adonis Calimlim, Rizal Provincial Cooperative Development Council Chairperson, visited the Antipolo City Cooperative and Livelihood Office, headed by Ms. Amalia Engalla, together with Ms. Merlita Tapales, head of their cooperative section.

The meeting aims to promote the establishment of CSF Cooperative in Antipolo city which will be further discussed with their Hon. Mayor Casimiro Ynares III. Ms. Ramos, eagerly elucidated the advantages of having CSF in Antipolo City, highlighting that, the minimum number of cooperatives to form a CSF Cooperative is only eight with PhP100,000.00 each as share capital. The LGU of Antipolo City must provide its counterpart with the summative amount of the cooperative shares which can either be a donation or an investment of their City. The CSF can grant larger amounts of loans to its member cooperatives and to individual MSMEs members which is a big opportunity for those hoping to start a business activity but lacking the fund to do so. Initial planning was made by the team in preparation for the meeting with Mayor Ynares.

After the abovementioned meeting, the group then proceeded to meet with Hon. Board Member John Patrick M. Bautista, to also promote the CSF. It turned out to be a positive meeting as BM Bautista proceeded to plan with the group on when to introduce it to the Sanguniang Panlalawigan.

With enthusiasm, Mr. Calilim also shared the plans and programs of the Rizal PCDC. The list was a long one, including the major events, such as the Lab Koop Fiesta Youth Camp, happening on August 8-9, 2023 at Jalajala Retreat House, Jalajala, Rizal. It will be a big event for the youth and the good BM expressed his support.

Another program for the youth is the creation of the Kooperatiba Module for Grade 9 Students in Rizal, Province. Mr. Calimlim reported that several meetings were already made with DepEd Rizal and that the group was already in the preparations of the activities to come to create the module. BM Bautista once again supported the project and vouched to also look for sponsors to make the important milestone a reality in the province. 

The group also thanked BM Bautista for priming the Ordinance No. 12, S. 2023 An Ordinance Creating the Office of the Provincial Cooperative Development Officer, Approving the Transfer and Change of Item Number in the Approved Plantilla of Personnel (POP). With Republic Act 11535, An Act Making the Position of a Cooperatives Development Officer Mandatory in the Municipal, City, and Provincial Levels, it was high time for Rizal to have its very own Cooperative Development Officer. And without BM Bautista’s constant push, together with BM Genato H. Bernardo, MD, who co-wrote the ordinance, it might take longer than needed. Thus, the cooperatives in Rizal are very grateful to have such cooperative champions in the province and for the support garnered from the Sangunian Panlalawigan, headed by Vice Governor Reynaldo San Juan Jr.