DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) — The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in Region 1 is urging cooperatives to actively support government programs aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by fully utilizing their Community Development Fund (CDF) for community projects.
The CDF, consisting of funds allocated from the net surplus of the cooperative, is designated for projects or activities benefiting the community within the cooperative’s area of operation.
Filipina Porio, senior cooperative development specialist for CDA-Region 1’s Registration Section, emphasized the importance of cooperatives using 100 percent of their accumulated CDF from the previous year for community-benefiting projects.
She explained, “We must adhere to the Presidential directives, which mandate that all funds be utilized to ensure that resources benefit the community, support growth, and promote transparency and accountability in fund management. Additionally, we must support the SDG and implement green, eco-friendly practices.”
During the 27th episode of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on Tuesday, Porio urged cooperatives to prioritize initiatives that address local needs while contributing to the SDG.
Among the recommended projects are feeding programs (SDG 2: Zero Hunger), tree-planting activities (SDG 13: Climate Action), and clean-and-green projects (SDG 15: Life on Land).
These programs not only improve the quality of life in the areas served by the cooperatives but also contribute to global efforts in environmental protection, poverty eradication, and sustainable resource management.
Porio said, “This fund is solely for the community and aims to bring positive and lasting changes to the areas where cooperatives operate.”
She added, “Cooperatives must understand that the CDF is not for the benefit of their own members but is intended to improve the welfare of the broader community.”
She highlighted that cooperatives have a vital role as agents of change and can significantly impact their communities.
Porio further emphasized, “By aligning with the SDG and adopting eco-friendly practices, they can drive development, boost economic growth, and meet the needs of their communities.”
By fully utilizing the CDF, cooperatives can contribute not only to local development but also help the Philippines fulfill its commitments to the United Nations’ SDGs.
Through these initiatives, the CDA aims to build stronger, more resilient communities across the country. (AMB/JCDR/PIA Pangasinan)
