On November 11, 2024, a momentous event unfolded in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro—the *Credit Surety Fund (CSF) Roadshow and Contributors Orientation Seminar*. This gathering, held at the picturesque Vencios Garden Hotel and Restaurant, was not just a seminar; it was a catalyst for change, bringing together over 100 participants from 13 different cooperatives, alongside government agencies, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), local government officials, and a network of partners all committed to transforming the future of local cooperatives.
As the day unfolded, it became clear that this seminar was far more than just an informational session. It was a gathering of passionate individuals united by a shared purpose: to unlock new opportunities for financial inclusion, cooperative growth, and economic empowerment.
The event began with a warm welcome and registration process that set a collaborative tone for the day. Mr. Cristian De Ade, Cooperative Development Specialist II for Oriental Mindoro, opened the seminar by acknowledging the participants’ commitment to strengthening their cooperatives. His words set the stage for what would become a powerful and transformative experience.
The atmosphere shifted as Atty. Richard Ilagan, Acting Supervising Cooperative Development Specialist, took the stage to deliver the opening remarks. He spoke not just about the technical aspects of the CSF program, but also about its potential to create lasting change. He highlighted how the CSF is not merely a financial tool but a vehicle for sustainable development that can empower cooperatives to thrive, improve their members’ livelihoods, and ultimately uplift entire communities.
The seminar truly came alive when Honorable Rius Anthony Agua, City Councilor of Calapan City and Chairman of the Committee on Cooperatives, addressed the participants. His passionate message underscored the city government’s strong support for cooperatives and their role in driving local economic growth. He didn’t just offer words of encouragement—he painted a vision of how cooperatives, with the right support, could become engines of economic transformation in Oriental Mindoro. His presence solidified the message that the CSF program was not just a government initiative, but a community-driven movement.
The heart of the seminar was a series of enlightening presentations that demystified the Credit Surety Fund and its incredible potential to impact cooperative growth. Mr. Homer Hipona, Bank Officer IV from the BSP’s Financial Inclusion Office, provided an engaging historical overview of the CSF program, explaining how it was born out of a vision to create more inclusive financial systems. He highlighted its transformative power in providing cooperatives with access to much-needed capital, allowing them to expand, serve more members, and play a crucial role in the region’s development.
Following this, Ms. Marian Concepcion, Acting Senior CDS for the CSF Section in MMAROPA, offered a practical guide to navigating the CSF registration process. With a clear and straightforward approach, she explained the steps cooperatives need to take to access this powerful financial tool, empowering the audience with the knowledge to move forward with confidence. She also shared the latest data on registered cooperatives in the region, showcasing the growing impact of the CSF initiative and its tangible benefits for local businesses.
However, the most powerful moment of the day came from a heartfelt testimonial by Ms. Corazon Calaguas, Chairman of the Occidental Mindoro Credit Surety Fund Cooperative (OMCSFC). With passion and conviction, Ms. Calaguas shared how the CSF program had dramatically transformed the lives of its member cooperatives. She spoke of the struggles her cooperative had faced before the CSF, and how access to the Fund had opened doors to financial stability, business expansion, and a brighter future. Her story was not just an account of success; it was a testament to the power of collective action, community support, and the belief that financial inclusion can break down barriers to growth.
As the seminar neared its conclusion, participants had the opportunity to engage in a vibrant open forum. Questions were raised, experiences shared, and ideas exchanged, as attendees sought to deepen their understanding of the CSF’s potential. The forum became a space for reflection and connection, where participants could discuss how they might apply the insights gained to their own cooperatives, and how they could take the next steps toward realizing their goals.
By the end of the seminar, it was clear that the impact of the event extended far beyond just knowledge-sharing. The CSF Roadshow had sparked a renewed sense of purpose and possibility among the participants. For many, it was a call to action—an invitation to embrace the CSF program as a tool for unlocking financial opportunities, fostering growth, and creating sustainable livelihoods for their communities.
The success of the Credit Surety Fund Roadshow and Contributors Orientation Seminar marked a significant milestone in the journey to strengthen cooperatives in Oriental Mindoro. Through the collective efforts of the BSP, CDA, local government, and partner organizations, this event not only provided essential information but also built bridges of collaboration that will continue to support the cooperative sector for years to come.
