The program formally commenced with a welcome message from Director Frederick Joe N. Robles, Regional Director of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region I Extension Office. He warmly welcomed and acknowledged nearly one hundred (100) participants representing twenty-two (22) primary cooperatives. Also in attendance were representatives from key partner institutions, namely the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), represented by Ms. Jashreel Baldonado and Atty. Jess Caspe; the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), represented by Atty. Kidd Ruiz Castro; and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, represented by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Mr. Marvin Sales on behalf of Governor Hon. Cecilia Araneta Marcos.
In his message, Director Robles emphasized the vital role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which account for ninety-nine percent (99%) of businesses nationwide and serve as significant drivers of employment and economic growth. He underscored the importance of access to credit facilities in enabling MSMEs to expand their operations and highlighted the Credit Surety Fund (CSF) Program as a key component of the Financial Inclusion Program. The CSF Program, he noted, provides an alternative mechanism through which MSMEs and cooperatives may access capital through strengthened partnerships with financial institutions.
Following his message, the statement of Governor Hon. Cecilia Araneta Marcos, delivered by Mr. Marvin Sales, stressed that the roadshow and seminar served as an important platform for cooperatives and stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of the CSF Program and its role in fostering local economic development.
The rationale and objectives of the activity were then presented by Ms. Mylene Mazo, Acting Senior Cooperative Development Specialist (CDS) of CDA CSF Region I, who discussed the significance of promoting awareness and encouraging cooperative participation in the CSF Program. This was followed by an orientation on the Credit Surety Fund Program led by Ms. Jashreel Baldonado of the BSP Financial Inclusion Office, which provided a comprehensive overview of the program’s framework and its role in expanding access to finance. Subsequently, Atty. Kidd Ruiz Castro presented the Land Bank of the Philippines’ programs for CSF cooperatives, highlighting available financial support and partnership opportunities.
The program continued with a presentation on current CDA initiatives and partnerships by Chief Recto E. Transfiguracion of the Technical Assistance Division, followed by the presentation of CSF statistics by Ms. Mary Grace Cinco, Supervising CDS. Thereafter, the discussion on the requirements for CSF cooperative registration was delivered by Ms. Marygrace Jaquilmac, Senior CDS of TAD- CSF Service, Head Office providing participants with clear and practical guidance on the process of joining the CSF Program.
The activity concluded with an open forum, which generated positive feedback and active engagement from the participating cooperatives. In total, twenty-two (22) primary cooperatives participated in the CSF Roadshow, generating aggregate pledges of ₱3.220 million. Said amount shall be formally presented to the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, with the request that the LGU provide a corresponding counterpart contribution in support of the Credit Surety Fund Program.
Director Robles clarified that the pledges were gathered on a voluntary basis and would serve as an initial basis for coordination with the Local Government Unit (LGU) to explore funding support for the pledged amount.
