ODIONGAN, Romblon (PIA) — The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in the MIMAROPA region encourages registered associations to convert into cooperatives to access greater economic and social benefits.
CDA MIMAROPA Regional Director Alberto Sabarias highlighted this initiative during the latest Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas of the Philippine Information Agency.
He shared that their office is actively participating in sessions of local legislative bodies such as Sangguniang Bayan and Sangguniang Barangay to spread information about the advantages of cooperatives.
“When we visit barangays, we encourage associations to convert into cooperatives because the CDA is here to conduct orientations,” said Sabarias.
CDA MIMAROPA has deployed Cooperative Development Specialists in every province to support this initiative and guide associations interested in transitioning to cooperative status.
The CDA official explained that while the specific benefits depend on the type of cooperative established, all cooperatives share a common goal — to promote and enhance the economic, social, and educational well-being of their members.
In the MIMAROPA region, some 1,418 cooperatives are currently registered with the CDA, underscoring the growing acceptance of this organizational model as a means of empowering communities and advancing local economies.
The agency continues to urge associations to explore cooperative formation, noting that it not only fosters economic growth but also strengthens community ties and encourages mutual support among members. (PJF/PIA MIMAROPA-Romblon)
