La Trinidad, Benguet — In a decisive move to promote financial inclusion and strengthen the cooperative sector, the Cooperative Development Authority – Cordillera Administrative Region Extension Office (CDA-CAR EO), in partnership with the Benguet Credit Surety Fund Cooperative (BCSFC), Cooperative Bank of Benguet (CBB), Federation of Benguet Farmers’ Cooperative, Yara Fertilizers Philippines Inc., and BASF Corporation (Badische Anilin- und Sodafabrik), successfully convened an Investors Forum and Orientation on CDA Memorandum Circular No. 2025-07—demonstrating a renewed commitment to inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the region.
Held at the Northern Philippines Root Crops Research and Training Center, Benguet State University, the forum brought together 94 cooperative leaders representing 42 cooperatives from Benguet Province and Baguio City. The event underscored the Cordillera’s proactive approach to empowering grassroots cooperatives through meaningful collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and policy alignment.
The forum featured compelling presentations from Assistant Secretary Luz H. Yrinco, Finance Cluster Focal, and Mr. Joselito O. Hallazgo, Director of the Credit Surety Fund Service (CSFS).
ASec. Yrinco presented an overview of the current cooperative landscape, highlighting key compliance trends and participation levels in flagship initiatives such as the Koop Kapatid Program. She stressed the need for strengthened partnerships and policy responsiveness to address capacity and resource gaps.
Director Hallazgo underscored the vital role of Medium and Large Cooperatives (MLCs) in assisting Micro and Small Cooperatives (MSCs) through the Credit Surety Fund (CSF) Program—a mechanism designed to close long-standing gaps in access to formal credit. He introduced CDA Memorandum Circular No. 2025-07 as a timely and strategic solution to the challenge of capital inadequacy among smaller cooperatives.
At the core of the circular is a call for robust partnerships between and among:
- Micro and Small Cooperatives (MSCs)
- Medium and Large Cooperatives (MLCs)
- Cooperative Banks (CBs)
These partnerships are intended to help MSCs meet the ₱100,000 initial contribution required to join CSF Cooperatives—an amount often beyond the reach of smaller organizations. Once fully implemented, the circular enables MLCs and CBs to provide financial support through their:
- Community Development Fund (CDF)
- Optional Fund (OF)
- Donations categorized under Social and Community Service Expenses
These funds may be disbursed as loans or financial assistance to help MSCs satisfy CSF entry requirements. The Cooperative Banks will be responsible for managing and administering the funds—ensuring transparency, accountability, and an impact-oriented approach in resource deployment.
Upholding the cooperative principle of “Cooperation Among Cooperatives,” the circular reinforces a culture of solidarity, mutual support, and shared prosperity across all cooperative sizes. Once fully implemented, this initiative marks a transformative step toward:
- Expanding financial access for underserved cooperatives
- Strengthening rural and local economies
- Promoting sustainable and inclusive cooperative growth
By easing entry into the CSF Program, MSCs will be empowered to:
- Unlock formal credit opportunities
- Scale operations and services
- Generate employment
- Contribute meaningfully to community development
Through Memorandum Circular No. 2025-07, the CDA reaffirms its commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and empowered cooperative movement—one where even the smallest players are equipped with the necessary tools, capital, and partnerships to thrive.
As the cooperative landscape continues to evolve, CDA-CAR EO’s initiative stands as a beacon of unity, innovation, and progress, ensuring that no cooperative—regardless of size—is left behind.
During the afternoon session, CDA-CAR EO’s partner institutions took the spotlight to present their respective programs, products, and services—demonstrating continued commitment to cooperative development. These partners included:
- The Benguet Credit Surety Fund Cooperative (BCSFC), represented by General Manager Mr. Henson M. Eyeg
- The Cooperative Bank of Benguet (CBB), represented by Assistant General Manager Mr. Joe Beding
- The Federation of Benguet Farmers’ Cooperative, represented by General Manager Mr. Lambert Lopez
- Yara Fertilizers Philippines Inc., represented by Senior Sales Agronomist Mr. Eugene Sayap, Jr.
- BASF Corporation (Badische Anilin- und Sodafabrik), represented by Senior Business Representative Mr. Sonny Rivas
Each representative shared valuable insights on how their offerings can enhance cooperative operations, boost agricultural productivity, and contribute to the financial resilience of cooperatives across the Cordillera region.
