DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – In line with the celebration of Cooperative Month, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in Region 1 reminded the public who are joining a cooperative to check with the agency if the association they are joining is duly registered to avoid being victimized by unscrupulous individuals.

Richard Gasican, cooperative development specialist II of CDA-Region 1, advised the public to join a cooperative that is registered with CDA as it gives members a legal identity or juridical personality that allows members to conduct business transactions legally.

Gasican said legitimate cooperatives must have a business logo or signage, a cooperative registration number that can be validated at a CDA office near them, and a physical office or building.

“Ang kooperatiba ay isang instrumento rin ng mamamayan para mamuhay ng matiwasay na hindi umaasa sa gobyerno. So, katuwang ng gobyerno ang kooperatiba sa pag-unlad ng bansa,” said Gasican, adding that cooperative should promote the achievement of cultural, economic, and social needs and aspirations of the members.

Gasican also reminded all non-registered associations to register with CDA to establish their legal personality and protect their members.

He said those interested in registering their association with CDA are required to attend the agency’s pre-registration seminar to discuss with them the requirements such as articles of cooperation and by-laws, economic survey, and surety bond of accountable officers, among others.

Those who are interested are advised to register their cooperative members at the new CDA-Region 1 Extension Office located at Barracks Highway, Barangay Bonuan-Boquig, Dagupan City.

As of October 19, Gasican said there are 2,114 registered cooperative members in the Ilocos region.

“Mayroon ding mga rehistrado sa Pangasinan. It is actually around 800 to 850 cooperatives. So, ang lalawigan accounts for the highest number of registered cooperatives in the region,” Gasican stated.

Likewise, in line with the celebration of the Cooperative Month, CDA-Region 1 conducted various activities such as motorcade organized by public utility sectors from the CDA-Region 1 Extension Office to Lingayen town, tarpaulin display in the offices of cooperatives, mandatory training on Fundamentals of Cooperatives (FOC) and Governance and Management of Cooperatives (GMC) from different provinces, coastal clean-up in Alaminos City, Gender and Development (GAD) summit, livelihood training especially in fish processing, and other activities that will help the community.

This October, the celebration is anchored on “Cooperatives: Pioneering the Path to Recovery Amidst Modern Challenges of Climate Change and Food Security,” which sheds light on the central role played by cooperatives in addressing pressing global issues. (JCR/AMB/MJTAB/JCDR/PIA Pangasinan)