26/05/2026
CDA, DA, DILG ink Joint Guidelines to strengthen Farmers, Fisherfolks Coops & Assocs (FFCAs)
The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) strengthened its alliance with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), through the signing of its Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) on May 20, 2026 at the DA Central Office in Quezon City. The strategic partnership aims to harmonize government efforts in transforming Farmers and Fisherfolk Cooperatives and Associations (FFCAs) into sustainable and business-oriented enterprises.
Under the JMC framework, the DA will provide direction and investments, while the CDA will focus on cooperative registration, governance, and capacity-building initiatives. Meanwhile, the DILG will mobilize local government units (LGUs) to ensure the integration of cooperatives into local planning and procurement programs.
During the signing ceremony, DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the necessity of collaboration, stating, “The DA recognizes that sustainable agricultural growth cannot be achieved by one agency alone”. He also highlighted the vital role of cooperatives, noting, “Napakaimportante na palakasin talaga ang ating mga cooperatives”.
Representing the DILG, Atty. Romeo P. Benitez delivered the official message of the DILG Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla Jr., stating that “Food security begins with the hands that plant, harvest and fish for our community”. The DILG Secretary's message also emphasized that “Government must work together so that support reaches our farmers and fisherfolk faster, and more efficiently”.
Later, CDA USec. Alexander B. Raquepo, in his message during the signing ceremony, underscored the significance of the agriculture sector as “the backbone of our economy”. Further noting the sector’s potential, “Once farmers cooperatives and farmers associations are successful, better ways of life, better income and better education are ensured at the country level”. Ending the CDA Chairperson’s speech, he pledged the Agency’s full technical expertise in capacity building and organizational development for the joint undertaking, assuring that the partner agencies have the CDA in every step of the way in implementing the circular’s provisions.
By strengthening coordination and collaboration, the three agencies aim to provide FFCAs with stronger access to technology, financing, training, and markets. The partnership marks the beginning of a unified front toward building a more resilient, inclusive, and food-secure Philippines.