The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) is the primary government regulatory body in the Philippines mandated to promote the viability and growth of cooperatives as instruments of equity, social justice, and economic development. Established under Republic Act No. 6939, the CDA operates under the administrative supervision of the Office of the President and plays a vital role in shaping the cooperative sector in the country.
Core Business and Objectives
CDA’s core mandate is to formulate, implement, and coordinate policies, plans, and programs for cooperative development. It supervises the registration, accreditation, and regulation of all cooperatives in the Philippines. The agency also provides capacity-building programs, legal mediation, and adjudication services to ensure the sustainable growth of cooperatives as self-reliant organizations.
Product and Service Offerings
As a regulatory agency, the CDA offers a range of services and programs:
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Cooperative Registration and Supervision:
- Legal registration and issuance of Certificates of Registration for new cooperatives.
- Periodic review and auditing to ensure compliance.
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Policy Formulation and Regulation:
- Creation and implementation of rules and regulations to govern cooperative operations.
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Legal Mediation and Adjudication:
- Resolution of intra-cooperative disputes and legal arbitration.
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Capacity-Building Programs:
- Training and education for cooperative officers and members.
- Webinars, forums, and certification programs.
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Grants and Incentive Programs:
- Financial assistance and project grants for qualified cooperatives.
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Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Annual performance review and submission of Cooperative Annual Progress Reports (CAPR).
Specialization and Core USP
CDA's unique position as a statutory regulatory agency enables it to influence national development through cooperative empowerment. Its core strengths include:
- Nationwide Regulatory Framework: Operates regional and extension offices across all 17 regions of the country.
- Digitalization of Services: Launched the Cooperative Information System (CIS) and the e-CoopRIS for streamlined digital registration and data reporting.
- Policy Advocacy and Legislation: Actively involved in policy dialogue and drafting cooperative-related bills and amendments.
Financials
As a government agency, CDA’s financials are publicly allocated through the General Appropriations Act (GAA). In 2023, it received a budget of over PHP 465 million from the national government, earmarked for operational expenses, program implementation, and cooperative support services.
- Annual Budget (2023): PHP 465,847,000
- Cooperatives Assisted: Over 20,000 active cooperatives as of 2024
Shipment and International Exposure
Although CDA itself does not engage in commercial trade, it indirectly contributes to Philippine exports by supporting producer cooperatives involved in agriculture, handicrafts, and agribusiness. These cooperatives have received international certifications and participate in trade expos with CDA’s facilitation.
Target Market
CDA’s services are intended for:
- Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Cooperatives
- Local Government Units (LGUs)
- National Government Agencies (NGAs)
- International Development Organizations
- Academe and Cooperative Federations
Capabilities
- Regulatory Compliance Enforcement: Authority to suspend or revoke cooperative registrations for non-compliance.
- Data-Driven Governance: Maintains the Cooperative Statistics System, tracking performance metrics of all registered cooperatives.
- Policy Leadership: Drives key reforms such as the integration of cooperatives in the government procurement system (GPPB Memorandum Circular 2023-03).
Certifications and Compliance
- ISO 9001:2015 Certification for selected regional offices, highlighting its commitment to quality management systems.
- Compliance with RA 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business Act, offering faster processing of cooperative documents.
Customer Testimonials
- "CDA has been instrumental in scaling our cooperative from a barangay-based group to a provincial federation." — Chairperson, Agusan Coconut Farmers Cooperative
- "Their training sessions helped our officers understand proper financial reporting and governance." — Treasurer, Nueva Ecija Women’s Multipurpose Cooperative
Major Achievements
- Digital Transformation: Launched e-CoopRIS and the CDA Virtual Helpdesk for online transaction processing.
- Policy Advocacy: Played a key role in the amendments to the Cooperative Code of the Philippines.
- Mass Registration Campaign: Registered over 3,000 new cooperatives from 2021 to 2023.
- Public Engagement Initiatives: Hosts the "Koop Kapihan" online series and Co-opBiz Expo to increase awareness and participation in cooperative programs.
The Cooperative Development Authority remains a cornerstone in national economic planning, committed to building inclusive growth through cooperative empowerment across the Philippine archipelago.