The endeavor to establish the Credit Surety Fund Cooperative in Northern Samar has made significant progress and holds great promise for both the cooperative sector and the local community. On September 21, 2023, Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region VIII Extension Office collaborated with the Provincial Government of Northern Samar, under  the leadership of the Provincial Cooperative and Community Affairs Office (PCCAO), during  the 3rd Quarter Provincial Cooperative Development Council Meeting held at the Provincial Library. This meeting was attended by well-capitalized and effectively managed cooperatives in Northern Samar, as well as representatives from national government agencies (NGAs). The CSF Section provided a comprehensive presentation covering the operational mechanics, including legal, financial, and qualification aspects. Following theintroduction of the key features of the Credit Surety Fund Program, presentations on the Koop Kapatid Program and Merger and Consolidation were delivered. The primary presenters for these topics were Senior Cooperative Development Specialists Irene R. Petilla and Rowan L. delos Santos, along with Regional Director Venus M. Jornales.In addition to discussions about CDA programs, Regional Director Jornales provided updates on the upcoming celebration of Cooperative Month, an annual event celebrated in October. This year’s cooperative theme is “Cooperatives: Pioneering the Path to Recovery Amidst Modern Challenges of Climate Change and Food Security.”

The success of the initial meeting was attributed by CDA Region 8 to the support and participation of key individuals, including Ms. Emolyn Sabong, representing Congressman Harris Ongchuan, Mr. Norman T. Diaz, PhD, Chairperson of the Provincial Cooperative Development Council (PCCDC) and a representative of the Cooperative Union of Northern Samar (CUNS), Engr. Romeo Cardena, Provincial Cooperative Officer, and Mr. Elihu A.  Remigio, CDS II.