ILOILO City – The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) is calling on members of various cooperatives throughout Western Visayas to remain informed and vigilant regarding events impacting their organizations.
There are 1,920 cooperatives in the region, CDA data show.
“Members of cooperatives should be aware of what’s transpiring within their cooperatives,” said Ma. Joyce Losaria, senior cooperative development specialist of CDA Region 6 during a press conference in Mandurriao district on Monday, Oct. 2.
CDA-6 is spearheading the 2023 Cooperative Month celebration in the region themed “Cooperatives: Pioneering the Path to Recovery Amidst Modern Challenges of Climate Change and Food Security.”
The celebration takes place amidst the controversy surrounding the Iloilo City Government Employees Multipurpose Cooperative (ICGEMPC).
Mayor Jerry Treñas is preparing to file syndicated estafa charges against ICGEMPC’s officers and board of directors following revelations of financial discrepancies due to alleged irregular loan transactions amounting to over P31 million.
Losaria underscored the responsibility of each member to frequently visit their cooperative offices during working hours to review records.
“You have the right to inspect your cooperative’s records. Thus, make time to visit during office hours,” she emphasized.
Should members notice any discrepancies in the cooperative’s operations, what should they do?
Before alerting the CDA, coop members should first address concerns with internal committees, such as the mediation or conciliation committee. If issues persist, the member can then approach CDA.
However, Losaria pointed out that CDA-6’s monitoring capacity for cooperatives in the region is limited. Its main functions involve dispatching Cooperative Development Specialists (CDSs) for annual cooperative inspections, she said.
“In every district, we have an assigned CDS responsible for inspections. They review all documents during their visits,” said Losaria.
Cooperatives adhering to regulations and submitting their statutory reports online are awarded a Certificate of Compliance (COC). These reports typically include annual performance evaluations, lists of officers, records of training and seminars, audited financial statements, and more.
CDA-6 data showed that of the 1,920 cooperatives in Western Visayas, only 710 are compliant. The remainder are either non-compliant, in the process of report submission, or are newly-established.
To help non-compliant cooperatives, particularly smaller entities, CDA-6 offers technical assistance, sending auditors to assist with financial statements.
Sylvia Quinesio, secretary of RCDC-Region 6, echoed Losaria’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for vigilance among coop members. Highlighting the structural hierarchy within coops, she remarked, “The highest governing body is the general assembly, and they should ensure the safety of the cooperative’s resources.”
However, she also noted that not all cooperatives face issues similar to ICGEMPC’s, pointing out thriving “billionaire cooperatives” in the region, such as those in Barbaza and Bugasong.
Regional Cooperative Development Council – Region 6 chairperson Modesto Margarico Jr. introduced the “big brother helping small brother” initiative to support small cooperatives in enhancing their operational efficiency. This strategy enables larger cooperatives to mentor smaller ones, even covering expenses for training and seminars.
“The concept helps small cooperatives gain more knowledge and build capabilities, especially in training,” Margarico said./PN
