The National Cooperative Development Council (NCDC) Chaired by Sen. Agapito “Butz” Aquino in partnership with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) headed by CDA Chairman Emmanuel M. Santiaguel, Ph.D., conducted Cooperative Development Council (CDC) Convergence in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The convergence aims to come up with CDC Roadmap towards Building an Effective Consultative Body for Cooperatives. It also aims to increase understanding/ knowledge of CDC officers on the functions and directions of the CDCs based on CDA Memorandum Circular No. 2011-02 “Simplified Policy and Rationalized Guidelines in the Organization and Structure of the Cooperative Development Councils”. Through the convergence, development and organization of CDCs in all regions is expected to be promoted and strengthened.
During the islandwide convergence held on August 28, 2012, September 20, 2012 and October 10, 2012 at Club Filipino, San Juan Metro Manila, Crown Regency Residences in Cebu City and Grand Caprice Restaurant and Convention Center in Cagayan de Oro City, respectively, the following significant activities were undertaken: 1) Presentation and updates on Philippine Cooperative Medium-Term Development Plan (PCMTDP), CDA 3-Point Agenda and Policy Direction of CDCs based on MC No. 2011-02; 2) A consultation session during which CDA MC No. 2011-02, Series of 2011was presented for possible enhancement; 3) Lecture on Cooperative Direction; 4) A plenary discussion to clarify issues and concerns on CDCs and NCDC; 5) Workshop session wherein the participants were divided into regional groupings to identify the programs and strategies, limiting their proposals within the mandate of E.O.95 and MC 2011-02; 5) Plenary presentation of group workshop output guided by the workshop matrix.
As a result of the workshops conducted to come with a Roadmap, the participants identified major programs and activities that will be carried out by the CDCs nationwide. Among these are the:
- Organization and strengthening of CDCs at all levels;
- Promotion and advocacy on merger and consolidation, cooperative education, organization of laboratory cooperatives and electric cooperatives;Â
- Advocacy on the creation/ establishment of Cooperative Development Offices and officers;
- Assistance and support in the establishment of cooperative market and marketing information system;
- Establishment of Social Marketing System;
Promotion and assistance in the implementation/ dissemination of CDA Programs such as branching, expansion of membership, awards and recognition program, cooperative mapping and others.
Indeed, the CDC Convergence is a successful undertaking with the support and participation of CDCs at all levels.
