by Irene Petilla, Ivy Avestruz and Jonel Cerbito
The Cooperative Development Authority Region VIII reaffirmed its strong commitment to cooperative development as it joined the recently concluded 1st Annual Regular General Assembly Meeting (ARGAM) of the Northern Samar Credit Surety Fund Cooperative (NSCSFC) on April 25, 2026, held at the Provincial Cooperative and Community Affairs Office (PCCAO), New Capitol, Capitol Road, Brgy. Dalakit, Catarman. CDA Region VIII was represented by Regional Director Venus M. Jornales, together with Mr. Rowan Delos Santos, Ms. Irene R. Petilla, Mr. Elihu Remigio, Ms. Ivy C. Avestruz, and Mr. Jonel B. Cerbito. Their presence reflected the Authority’s strong commitment to its mandate of promoting cooperative development, ensuring sound governance, and advancing sustainable financing initiatives that empower cooperatives and strengthen local enterprises.
The assembly formally opened with a warm welcome from Mr. Cipriano Gardoque, Vice Chairperson of the Northern Samar Credit Surety Fund Cooperative (NSCSFC) who served as presiding officer. He described the occasion as a historic milestone and the cooperative’s first concrete step toward expanding access to credit for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and cooperatives in Northern Samar. Mr. Gardoque also expressed his gratitude to the agencies and institutions that helped bring the cooperative into existence, particularly the Provincial Government of Northern Samar, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Land Bank of the Philippines, and the member cooperatives. He gave special recognition to the Cooperative Development Authority Region VIII, in leadership of Director Jornales, for its steadfast guidance and invaluable support in making the Northern Samar Credit Surety Fund Cooperative a reality. In her message of support, Director Venus M. Jornales emphasized the significance of the gathering, saying, “We are already building the legacy of the Northern Samar Credit Surety Fund Cooperative—what we started as a vision is now a reality.” She likewise expressed confidence in the cooperative’s future, citing its vital role in helping MSMEs gain better access to financing, expand their businesses, and contribute to the province’s economic progress. She also commended the members and officers of the NSCSFC for their unwavering commitment and active participation in all its undertakings, which truly embody the spirit of cooperativism.
Key discussions during the assembly focused on strengthening operational strategies for enterprise development, livelihood expansion, revenue generation, and job creation across Northern Samar. These priorities align with the cooperative’s partnership with the Provincial Government of Northern Samar, which extended a Php. 3,000,000.00 grant to support the CSF’s operations under the leadership of Governor Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan.
Meanwhile, Provincial Community and Cooperative Affairs Office OIC–PGDH, Jessie O. Ymata, assured the cooperative of the continued assistance of the PCCAO. He emphasized that the office remains ready to provide support whenever needed and reaffirmed the strong support of the Provincial Government under the leadership of Governor Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan.
With the successful conduct of its first General Assembly, the Northern Samar Credit Surety Fund Cooperative enters a new phase of growth and institutional strengthening. Guided by its partners and members, it is expected to broaden its reach and deepen its impact in supporting grassroots enterprises and advancing sustainable economic development in the province.
