by Marissa Cala

On January 23, 2026, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) conducted courtesy visits to the municipalities of Capoocan, Carigara, and Barugo to follow up and strengthen the implementation of Republic Act No. 11535, which institutionalizes the mandatory appointment or designation of a Municipal Cooperative Development Officer (MCDO). The visits aimed to engage local chief executives, assess the status of compliance with the law, and underscore the vital role of the MCDO in advancing cooperative development as a key component of local economic growth.

In Capoocan, the CDA team, headed by Regional Director Venus M. Jornales, met with Mayor Federico H. Carolino, Sr. During the meeting, the importance of appointing or designating a qualified MCDO was discussed, emphasizing the position’s role as the LGU’s focal person for cooperative development, coordination, and monitoring. Mayor Carolino acknowledged the value of having a dedicated MCDO to ensure that cooperative initiatives are effectively integrated into the municipality’s development programs. A major outcome of the visit was the official creation of the Municipal Cooperative Development Council (MCDC), which further strengthened Capoocan’s cooperative governance framework. Mr. Jordan Madjus of the CDA provided an orientation on the roles, functions, and operational structure of the MCDC. Subsequently, MCDC officers were elected, culminating in the formal recognition of the Municipal Cooperative Development Council of Capoocan.

In Carigara, the CDA team paid a courtesy call on Mayor Eduardo T. Ong Jr., who confirmed that the municipality has already designated a new Municipal Cooperative Development Officer. The engagement focused on sustaining compliance with RA 11535, clarifying the functions of the MCDO, and enhancing cooperative governance and service delivery at the local level. During the meeting, Regional Director Jornales expressed her appreciation for the local government’s continued inclusion of cooperatives in various municipal activities and development initiatives. She noted that Carigara’s practice of engaging cooperatives in local programs strengthens participatory governance and maximizes the contribution of cooperatives to local economic and social development.

Similarly, in Barugo, Mayor Aron C. Balais confirmed the appointment of the municipality’s Municipal Cooperative Development Officer. Mayor Balais expressed full support for the creation of a dedicated cooperative office in the municipality and pledged continued backing for all cooperative programs. Discussions centered on reinforcing the MCDO’s role in coordinating cooperative activities, monitoring programs, and strengthening collaboration between cooperatives and the local government.

Across all three municipalities, the CDA reiterated the legal mandate of RA 11535 and emphasized the importance of institutionalizing the MCDO position as the focal point for cooperative development. LGU officials expressed support for the law and shared updates on their respective actions, as well as challenges encountered, including staffing constraints and administrative requirements. The visits also served as an avenue to reaffirm CDA’s commitment to provide continuous technical assistance, guidance, and coordination to the LGUs. Strengthening partnerships between the CDA and local governments remains essential to ensuring that cooperatives are effectively supported as partners in inclusive and sustainable local development. Overall, the courtesy visits reinforced the shared commitment of the CDA and the LGUs of Capoocan, Carigara, and Barugo to fully implement RA 11535 and institutionalize mechanisms that will further empower cooperatives at the grassroots level.