The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in partnership with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) successfully conducted the 2nd CSF Spotlight Series on August 18, 2026, featuring the success story and experiences of the South Cotabato Credit Surety Fund Cooperative (SCCSFC). The event was held in Sinamay Hall, Habi Hotel, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, through a blended format, attended by one hundred forty-one (141) virtual participants. Joining onsite were officials from the BSP, CDA, representatives from the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Local Government Unit of South Cotabato, officers and member-cooperatives of the South Cotabato CSF Cooperative, and other stakeholders.
The program opened with a welcome remark from BSP Director Mynard Bryan Mojica, who highlighted the significance of the CSF Spotlight Series in sharing the experiences and best practices of CSF cooperatives. The series previously featured the CSF Cooperative of Nueva Vizcaya and continues to provide a platform for cooperatives to learn from one another.
In his message, CDA Chairperson Undersecretary Alexander B. Raquepo emphasized that the success of a CSF cooperative largely depends on good governance and effective management. He underscored that when a cooperative is properly governed and managed, the CSF cooperative can continue to grow and achieve its objectives. He also encouraged CSF cooperatives to strengthen youth participation by actively recruiting and involving young individuals in cooperative activities and leadership. He concluded his message by expressing appreciation to the stakeholders for their continued support and for believing in the Credit Surety Fund Program.
CDA Administrator Emmanuel M. Santiaguel, in an audio message, commended the South Cotabato CSF Cooperative for being featured in the second leg of the CSF Spotlight Series. He highlighted the important role of the CSF in creating opportunities for cooperatives and their members emphasizing “ang kwento ng CSF Coop ay tungkol sa pag-asa, pagtutulungan, at katatagan”. He said that the CSF program serves as a bridge that links communities to greater opportunities that were once difficult to reach.
The Local Government Unit , through Vice Governor Arthur Pingoy Jr., expressed appreciation for the CSF Spotlight Series, describing it as an inspiring initiative because it allows stakeholders to witness the growth and development of cooperatives. He commended the CDA, BSP, lending institutions, the local government units, and other partners for their continuous support to the CSF Program and for working together to create better opportunities for cooperatives and their members.
A key highlight was the panel discussion featuring representatives from Land Bank of the Philippines, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, South Cotabato Credit Surety Fund Cooperative, and its MSME beneficiaries.
One of the highlights of the event was the sharing of experiences by the panelists and beneficiaries of the SCCSFC, who discussed how the CSF Program has contributed to the growth of their businesses and cooperatives. Among the beneficiaries was Mr. Ezrin Adol Tanco, an MSME member of the Tboli Transport Service Cooperative, who shared that the program provided job opportunities and additional working capital for their business. He noted that the financial assistance enabled them to expand their production, resulting in increased income.
Another beneficiary, Ms. Janet Tan of Binhi-an ng Timog Kutabato Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BINTIKU MPAC), shared that the loan proceeds enabled the cooperative to hire additional employees, increase its working capital, and support farmers in improving their agricultural production. These efforts resulted in increased sales and production while encouraging more farmers to become members of the cooperative.
Mr. Marlon Serilo, South Cotabato LGU representative, also underscored the important role of the SCCSFC in creating opportunities for its primary cooperative members and promoting sustainable development through good practices, training initiatives, and capacity-building programs. The stories shared by the beneficiaries demonstrated how the CSF Program goes beyond providing financial assistance, it empowers MSMEs, strengthens cooperatives, creates employment opportunities, and contributes to sustainable economic development in local communities.
Building on these success stories, the discussion turned to the importance of proper loan preparation and sound cooperative governance. Panellists emphasized that complete and accurate documents help facilitate faster loan processing, while transparency, accountability, collective decision-making, and compliance with policies help ensure sustainability and successful loan repayment. The panellists also encouraged other cooperatives to join the CSF Program and take advantage of improved access to credit through partner financial institutions. The discussion reinforced a key message: access to credit, coupled with responsible governance and capacity-building, can translate into sustainable growth and greater opportunities for cooperatives and their members.
In his closing message, Mr. Adolfo Tanco, Jr., Chairman of the SCCSFC emphasized the importance of resilience in overcoming challenges. “Every difficulty has become an opportunity to learn and strengthen our cooperative.” The message reflected the experience of the SCCSFC and its journey toward growth, emphasizing that challenges can serve as opportunities for learning, improvement, and stronger cooperation.
Assistant Secretary Luz Yringco, CDA Board Member III and Head of Finance Cooperatives Cluster, delivered a message highlighting the valuable lessons that can be drawn from the experience of the SCCSFC. One of the key lessons she shared was to “be hopeful all the time.” To further inspire the participants, a video presentation was shown, which reinforces the values of hope, perseverance, and collective action as foundations of cooperative success.
The 2nd CSF Spotlight Series served as a meaningful avenue for sharing the experiences and best practices of the SCCSFC . The cooperative’s experience stands as another inspiring story of how the Credit Surety Fund program can transform challenges into opportunities and help cooperatives move toward sustained growth and financial inclusion.
