DA, DILG, CDA Unite to Strengthen Agricultural Cooperatives Nationwide
MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA), in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), has formalized a strategic collaboration aimed at empowering agricultural cooperatives and advancing rural development across the country.
The three government agencies signed a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) on Wednesday, establishing a new inter-agency framework designed to strengthen coordinated support for farmers and fisherfolk at all levels of governance.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. described the agreement as a significant step toward building stronger and more sustainable cooperatives nationwide.
“This memorandum is more than a policy document; it reflects a concrete whole-of-government commitment to empower our farmers and fisherfolk through stronger and more resilient cooperatives,” Laurel said in a news release released Friday.
Under the framework, national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and development partners will align their programs and initiatives to promote food security, enterprise development, livelihood generation, and inclusive rural transformation.
“By harmonizing the efforts of national agencies and local governments, we can create a more responsive and efficient support system that contributes meaningfully to food security and national development,” Laurel added.
The agreement also seeks to strengthen coordination among concerned agencies through unified, data-driven systems for cooperative development, monitoring, and delivery of support services.
It is expected to eliminate duplication and overlap in government interventions by establishing a more streamlined and inclusive system that will enable agricultural cooperatives to innovate, expand, and compete in both local and international markets.
Local government units are likewise expected to play a more active role by integrating cooperative development initiatives into municipal and provincial development plans, while also supporting monitoring and validation efforts.
Overall, the framework aims to help farmers and fisherfolk consolidate resources, improve productivity, expand market access, and establish resilient, sustainable, and community-based enterprises throughout the Philippines.
PNA / NPO News Team
