October 24, 2023
CEBU CITY
CDA Chairman Joseph B. Encabo called for all cooperatives to join and partner in helping the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through the CSF program’s “interplaying method”, as their ladder toward success.
In a press conference held before the opening ceremony of the 1st National Credit Surety Fund Cooperatives on October 24, 2023, held at the IC3 Pavillion in Cebu City, USec. Encabo met with several media personalities in Cebu arranged by Dr. Emedio L. Bustillo, Chairman of the Mandaue City CSF Cooperative, which was the overall organizer of the congress, in partnership with the CDA. Others present during the press con were Assistant Secretary Luz H. Yringco, Head, Finance Cooperatives cluster, Deputy Administrator for CSF Service Atty. Ma. Lourdes P. Pacao and Atty. Nenita C. Layese, Mandaue City Cooperative Development Officer.
Usec.Encabo said that he believes that the CSF program is a key to socio-economic and countryside development because of the strong participation of MSMEs that can help the government in its efforts in food security, climate change mitigation, and employment.
In achieving the core foundation of the program, he said that leaders of the CSF cooperatives must innovate and strengthen their competencies and break barriers, initiate and put the program into action through governance to generate awareness and invigorate by making a significant impact to achieve a better community for the entire cooperative sector in the country.
When asked why the congress is being held, Usec. Encabo responded that establishing partnerships with other CSF cooperatives, and engagement with the local government units (LGUs), banks, and other institutions is what cooperativism is all about. He added that the CSF program targets the strong participation of the Mayors and Governors since they are “the center of influence” in their LGUs and play a crucial part in the success of the program specifically designed as a credit enhancement support to MSMEs.
Asec. Yringco said that the program is institutionalized under RA 10744 and a gift to MSMEs, that can provide more options to access funds for their businesses through CSF cooperatives. She urged the cooperative movement to join hands and ensure that everybody is aware of the CSF law and help convince the support of the LGUs for the program, echoing Senator Bong Go’s campaign mantra “Ang serbisyo sa tao, ay serbisyo sa Panginoon.”
