On August 20, 2024, the Credit Surety Fund (CSF) Section of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region VIII EO successfully made a media guesting on 97.5 DYFE FM Tacloban, “Unang Tugon ng Pamayanan.” During the guesting, the CSF team effectively highlighted the Credit Surety Fund Program, particularly focusing on the provisions of Republic Act 10744, also known as the “Credit Surety Fund Cooperative Act of 2015.” The program provided clear definitions of CSF and elucidated the unique features of CSF Cooperatives as distinct entities from primary, secondary, or tertiary cooperatives.

Furthermore, the team comprehensively explained the roles of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the CDA in establishing CSF Cooperatives. Ms. Avestruz, CDS II, underscored the primary purpose of CSF Cooperatives, which is to administer the CSF by issuing surety covers to secure loans for qualified MSMEs and cooperatives, thereby mitigating the need for hard collaterals. The CSF staff also detailed the composition of CSF Cooperatives, which include well-capitalized and well-managed cooperatives, LGUs, GFIs, and other government agencies. The potential benefits for cooperatives, MSMEs, and LGUs in joining a CSF Cooperative were thoroughly discussed, along with the necessary documentary requirements for registration.

Ms. Irene Petilla, Senior CDS-CSF, shared valuable insights from the recently concluded 2nd CSF Congress in Davao City. She expressed gratitude to cooperatives, local chief executives, governors, and other stakeholders for their continued support of the CSF program and the congress. The CSF team extended their appreciation to DYFE FM Tacloban’s management, particularly to the Station Manager, Ms. Shierafel Ondongan and her staff, for their accommodation. They also acknowledged the support of CDA Region VIII, led by Regional Director Venus M. Jornales, and all region-based and field-based employees. The broadcast concluded with the provision of the office’s complete address, email, and hotline number for public reference.

Present during the media guesting were, Ms. Irene R. Petilla, Senior CDS, Ms. Ivy C. Avestruz, CDS II, and Mr. Walter Marc C. Cantero, CDS I of the CSF Section.