by  CDS II JANICA JAYNE P. RESCO 

Province of Northern Samar [February 11, 2026] – Cooperative Development Officers (CDOs) from municipalities across Northern Samar convened for a focused and productive one-hour meeting with CDA Undersecretary Alexander B. Raquepo, who was joined by Deputy Administrator Elizabeth O. Batonan, Regional Director Venus M. Jornales, PCCAO OIC-Department Head Jessie O. Ymate, CDA and Provincial Office Personnels. The meeting addressed the challenges faced by Municipal Cooperative Development Officers (MCDOs) in executing their functions effectively. Participants collectively identified solutions and agreed on actionable steps to strengthen and fully functionalize CDO offices. Key priorities discussed included the full implementation of RA 11535, the appointment of plantilla positions for CDOs, and narrowing the scope of responsibilities to allow officers to focus on core cooperative development work. The session provided an important platform for CDOs to raise concerns about burdensome duties that impede the growth and sustainability of cooperative development initiatives in their respective LGUs.

Undersecretary Raquepo assured the CDOs of the Authority’s continued support. He highlighted CDA’s policy direction to empower cooperative development officers and offices, referencing Republic Act 11364 (CDA Charter of 2019) and Republic Act 11535 (An Act Making the position of a CDO mandatory in the Municipal, City and Provincial Levels.) While noting that the Authority cannot unilaterally issue memoranda to CDOs, he emphasized his commitment to coordinate with LGUs and encouraged Local Chief Executives (LCEs) to take an active role in fulfilling CDO appointments. The meeting coincided with the launch of the Northern Samar Credit Surety Fund Cooperative (NSCSF), which USec. Raquepo cited it as a milestone for the province, providing new opportunities for marginalized sectors. He requested that MCDOs serve as CDA’s key counterparts, acting as force multipliers in delivering technical assistance, including registration, training, accreditation, and development of cooperatives. Drawing on comparative statistics, he stated that other countries, such as Nepal, have fewer cooperatives but higher membership numbers, underscoring the need for CDOs to engage more deeply with their sectors. He reiterated and emphasized that the three pillars of community development are the Government, Private Sector, and COOPERATIVES.

Director Jornales guided discussions on structural gaps hindering the full operationalization of CDOs. She highlighted that CDOs designated for compliance purposes are often unable to perform their full functions due to competing responsibilities. Some of the CDOs shared that aside from being designated as CDOs, they also work as agriculturists, executive secretary, human resource and other out of line duties. While provinces mandate PCDO
appointments, municipalities retain discretion depending on financial capacity. She also noted critical but often overlooked tasks for CDOs, including converting associations to cooperatives, securing accreditation with government agencies to access programs, and monitoring cooperative growth and sustainability. Director Jornales stressed that the support of LCEs is crucial to a strengthened and effective CDO office.

OIC-Department Head Jessie O. Ymate provided strategic solutions to the challenges raised. He proposed leveraging the Province of Northern Samar’s League of Mayors (LMP) monthly meetings to prioritize the appointment of CDOs across all municipalities. Following Director Jornales’ suggestion, a tripartite engagement between CDA, DILG, and LMP is planned for March 2026 to collectively advocate for this initiative. He emphasized that CDOs should prepare development pathways to be integrated into the LGU’s Comprehensive Development Plan, reinforcing the mandate and capacity of their cooperative offices.

Currently, all municipalities in Northern Samar have either designated or appointed CDOs, providing a solid foundation for this initiative. As a concrete way forward, participants agreed to conduct a Convergence of Local Chief Executives in alignment with the monthly LMP meeting. The objective is to secure LCEs’ personal attendance and understanding of the critical role fully functioning CDOs play in advancing the cooperative sector. To facilitate preparation, a virtual meeting will be conducted, and a database will be compiled containing information from CDOs regarding their designation, employment status, the number of cooperatives/CSOs in their area, and their actual workload versus statutory responsibilities under RA 11535. Subsequently, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with LGUs will formalize goals, objectives, and support mechanisms, with additional lobbying through the Provincial and Regional Development Councils.

Though brief, the meeting was highly productive, providing clear solutions and actionable steps for advancing cooperative development in Northern Samar. Gratitude has been extended to all key stakeholders, particularly USec. Raquepo, for their invaluable participation and support in making the Province of Northern Samar as the National Role Model in the implementation of the RA11535.