In a proactive move to enhance regulatory compliance and operational capacity of cooperatives offering financial services in the Cordillera Administrative Region, the Cooperative Development Authority – Cordillera Administrative Region Extension Office (CDA-CAR EO), led by Acting Regional Director Felicidad R. Cenon, PhD., through its Credit Surety Fund Section (CSFS), in partnership with the Cooperative Union of Baguio City and Luzon (CUBCL), successfully conducted a seminar-orientation on the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act (RA 11765) and CDA Memorandum Circular 2025-08 on March 5, 2026 in Baguio City.
The seminar drew representatives from 55 cooperatives across the Cordilleras, bringing together over 150 cooperative leaders, officers, and staff. This gathering provided a valuable opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of the legal framework governing financial services cooperatives and their responsibilities in ensuring consumer protection and institutional compliance.
A central focus of the seminar was RA 11765, the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act, which establishes safeguards for consumers of financial products and services. The law emphasizes transparency, fairness, and accountability, ensuring that financial service providers act responsibly while protecting the welfare of their clients. Mr. Ian Dave U. Alindajao, Senior CDS of the Inspection and Examination Division (IED), Credit Surety Fund Service, discussed the key provisions of the law and provided practical examples of how cooperatives can integrate consumer protection measures into their day-to-day operations.
Equally significant, CDA Memorandum Circular 2025-08, which outlines updated policies and operational standards for cooperatives, was presented by CDA-CSFS Deputy Administrator, Atty. Elizabeth O. Batonan. She emphasized the critical role of compliance in maintaining the credibility, transparency, and sustainability of cooperative financial services. Participants received guidance on aligning internal policies with regulatory requirements, including proper reporting, record-keeping, governance practices, and complaint management systems.
The seminar also provided a platform to showcase the Credit Surety Fund (CSF) Program. Mr. Rodrigo I. Rebello Jr., Supervising CDS of the IED, led a focused discussion on the CDA Memorandum Circular 2025-07 providing the guidelines on “Empowering Micro and Small Cooperatives Through Strategic Partnerships with Medium and Large Cooperatives and Cooperative Banks to Increase Participation in the Credit Surety Fund (CSF) Program.” He elaborated on how the CSF Program enables smaller cooperatives to access credit by leveraging collaborative networks and partnerships with larger cooperatives and cooperative banks, emphasizing strategies to maximize participation, strengthen cooperative networks, and enhance the program’s sustainability and impact across the region.
Interactive discussions during the seminar allowed participants to share experiences, raise operational concerns, and seek clarification on complex regulatory issues. This collaborative approach enabled cooperatives to learn from one another and collectively improve their capacity to deliver safe, reliable, and compliant financial services.
By conducting this seminar-orientation, CDA-CAR EO and CUBCL reaffirmed their commitment to equipping cooperatives with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to operate responsibly and sustainably. The activity promotes transparency, accountability, and trust in cooperative financial services, aligning with the CDA’s broader mandate to support cooperative growth, empower members, and safeguard consumer interests.
The event also underscores the ongoing partnership between the Authority and cooperative unions and federations in the Cordilleras. Such collaborations are essential for ensuring that cooperatives remain resilient, competitive, and compliant amid evolving regulations and a dynamic financial landscape. By investing in the education and capacity-building of cooperative officers, CDA-CAR EO and its partners are fostering a stronger, more responsive cooperative sector capable of contributing meaningfully to local economic development and community empowerment.
As cooperatives continue to expand financial services throughout their areas of operation, initiatives like this seminar-orientation are vital for reinforcing compliance, improving service quality, and fostering consumer confidence – ultimately ensuring that cooperatives remain trusted and reliable institutions in their respective communities.
