The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the German Cooperative and Raiffeisen Confederation (DGRV) reaffirmed their strong and enduring partnership through the signing of an addendum to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), originally executed in January 2024, on February 27, 2026 at the CDA Head Office.
The addendum recalibrates the financial support extended by DGRV, further enhancing the CDA’s capacity to promote, regulate, and develop cooperatives across the Philippines. This renewed commitment reflects both institutions’ shared vision of fostering a resilient, transparent, and sustainable cooperative sector.
The signing ceremony was led by CDA Chairperson Usec. Alexander B. Raquepo and DGRV Project Director for the Philippines Mr. Reinhold Hoernle. They were joined by CDA Board Members Asec. Luz H. Yringco and Asec. Vergel M. Hilario, as well as Officer-in-Charge Administrator Atty. Ma. Lourdes P. Pacao.
The strengthened collaboration follows the visit of representatives from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) on February 9, 2026, led by Mr. Hanno Spitzer. During the visit, Mr. Spitzer emphasized that the instrument developed under the partnership is a joint undertaking of the Governments of the Philippines and Germany, built on decades of productive cooperation. He explained that the purpose of the visit was to ensure that partner countries remain aligned with the objectives and instruments being implemented.
During the signing of the addendum, Mr. Hoernle shared that Mr. Spitzer was deeply impressed by the strength of the Philippine cooperative sector—particularly its regulatory framework, the active role of federations, the enabling environment for cooperatives, and the strong commitment demonstrated by cooperative members. He further noted that, in light of these positive developments, there is a strong possibility of entering into another three-year memorandum of understanding between the two institutions.
As part of its continuing institutional reforms, the CDA is set to roll out a nationwide training and orientation on the Risk-Based Supervision and Examination Manual for Cooperatives Engaged in Lending (RBSEM-CEL) for its field personnel. The manual underscores the agency’s firm commitment to implementing a robust risk-based supervision framework that strengthens regulatory effectiveness and safeguards the integrity of the cooperative sector.
Through strengthened international collaboration and sustained institutional reforms, the CDA continues to advance its mandate of building a dynamic and resilient cooperative sector—one that plays a vital role in promoting inclusive economic growth and national development.
