As part of the CDA’s support in the implementation of the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act (RA No. 11469), which is the government’s response to the COVID 19 Pandemic, the deadline for submission of mandatory reports by co-ops was extended to June 15, 2020. The deadline was supposed to be on April 30 but it was moved in order to give time for the co-ops to prepare their reports upon the normalization of work when the ECQ will eventually be lifted.
Earlier, President Duterte issued Proclamation No. 929 placing the entire country under a state of calamity due to COVID 19. Relative thereto, the CDA immediately issued a Memorandum allowing all co-ops nationwide for a regulatory relief which means the co-ops are excused for not holding their General Assembly Meeting for up to 3 months. Co-ops, under the law, are mandated to hold their regular General Assembly meetings within 90 days from the close of the calendar year. Thru email, the co-ops shall notify the CDA that they are availing of this relief.
A succeeding Memorandum was issued by the CDA allowing co-ops to distribute the Interest on Share Capital or Dividends and Patronage Refund to their members to augment the needed resources of these members during the duration of the lockdown and the enhanced community quarantine. These benefits may be quite meager especially on the part of the smaller co-ops but any form of assistance during these times of crisis is encouraged.
There is likewise a message from Senator Bong Go requesting all co-ops to use their CDF or Community Development Fund for their members. This CDF has become another source of assistance to help our fellow Filipinos during the stoppage of work with no fault on their part. This is one of the advantages of becoming members in a co-operative. Anyways, anybody who is concerned for the welfare of the co-ops and their members is very much appreciated. In these times, everybody needs help.
Speaking of help, various co-ops are doing relief assistance of their own directly to those in need and some give to their respective LGU’s. These are all well documented and posted on social media for everybody to see. I just hope that the mainstream media will see these humble deeds by co-ops to be newsworthy enough to write about.
Some co-ops by the way, still maintain a business activity on a limited hour per day in order to cater to their members especially those co-ops selling groceries and local food products.
As the “Bayanihan Law” states, we shall indeed heal as one. This is the objective of all these government efforts to curb the spread and eventually eradicate the virus. Cooperation is the key and understanding too. Let us understand the seriousness of the situation. Let us not whine and play the blame game because I believe, all LGU officials are doing their best. Let us understand the predicament they are facing every day. They are pressured on their actions and decisions and let us not add to their stress by complaining while in the comfort of our own homes. Let us be patient and we will soon rise as one. We move forward as one.
