The draft of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 11364 “ Cooperative Development Authority Charter of 2019” has been published in the CDA website for all cooperative stakeholders to appreciate. Also, a Consultative Forum slated on November 12, 2019 to be held at Clark Pampanga. If my guess is right, representatives from the cooperative sector, CDA and other stakeholders will gather to explore best approaches to help realize the strengthening of the Authority that will enhance its developmental, regulatory and adjudication powers, functions and responsibilities. Much is expected of the activity as limited participants were invited to join.
Included in the draft implementing rules and regulations is the significance of line agencies, local government units, Cooperative Development Office (CDOs, Cooperative Development Councils (CDCs),academe, apex organizations and other entities supportive of cooperative undertakings. As partners in development, the establishment of cooperative development office by local government units at the municipal and provincial level has a great impact in the promotion, organization and development of cooperatives.
Our involvement in the lobby for designation of a cooperative officer in the Province of Benguet and in the municipality of La Trinidad in the early 2000 served as basis in this categorical statement. Also, observations on the growth and development of cooperatives with the presence of cooperative development offices in the Province of Kalinga and in Tabuk City may complement this thought.
In the Provinces of Benguet, Kalinga, Mountain Province and Municipality of La Trinidad, the local government units created plantilla positions and appropriated budget to support plans and programs related to cooperatives. Significant is the active participation of cooperative leaders in the meetings and activities undertaken by the local government units in partnership with the cooperative development councils.
Further it was noted that there is an increase in the number of medium and large cooperatives in the Provinces of Kalinga, Benguet, Mountain Province and Baguio City with established cooperative development offices and councils. The presence of CDOs and CDCs at the municipal and provincial levels accelerate the collaboration for conduct of various activities on site. I cannot comment on activities of other Provinces that had designated or appointed cooperative development officers as limited information reach us.
(To be continued)
