Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)
The Cooperative Development Authority or CDA is a government agency tasked to fulfill the provisions of section 15, article XII of the Philippine Constitution in ensuring the viability and growth of cooperatives. The CDA is also tasked to formulate, adopt, and implement integrated plans and programs for cooperative development. The CDA is the central agency that ensures that cooperatives, though under the private sector, remain partners of the government in sustainable development and economic growth in the country.
So why invest in Co-ops?
Cooperatives are people-centered enterprises that are owned, controlled, and operated by and for their members. A co-op is run by members with a common goal in mind. Co-ops are democratically managed through the one member-one vote rule, regardless of how much or how little a member puts into the business. There are several types of cooperatives in operation with a host of products and services offered. In provinces, most utility services are provided for by large co-ops like the Benguet Electric Cooperative, Inc (BENECO), Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative Inc. (INEC), Bantayan Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BANELCO), and the allied co-op called Mindanao Cooperatives Water Service Federation (MCWS).
OFFICE INFORMATION
FAST FACTS
According to the CDA, as of 31 Dec 2018, there are 28, 784 registered co-ops in the Philippines, across all regions.
Cooperatives have two kinds of members:
- Regular member- one who has complied with all the membership requirements of the co-op and is therefore provided the privileges of a member as stated in the Cooperative Code and and the co-op’s bylaws.
- Associate Member- one who has no right to vote or be endorsed/voted as candidate for officers of the co-op. The associate member is only entitled to some rights and privileges as mandated by the co-op’s bylaws.
Cooperatives in the Philippines have 3 main categories,. in terms of membership:
- Primary Co-op: Members are natural persons/individuals
- Secondary Co-op: Members are primary co-ops
- Tertiary Co-op: Members are secondary co-ops
Organizing a Cooperative
BEFORE YOU REGISTER THE COOPERATIVE:
HOW TO REGISTER THE COOPERATIVE:
The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) is the only government agency responsible and mandated for registering all types of cooperatives. Their main office is located at 827 Aurora Blvd., Immaculate Conception, Quezon City. However, for registration of primary cooperatives, this power has been delegated to the Regional or Extension Offices.
Further, below is the schedule of fees for registering your cooperative (based on MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2016-08, Series of 201– Amended Schedule of Registration Fees):
PROCESS | REQUIRED FEES |
---|---|
A. Name Reservation (pre-registration) 30days 60 days 90 days |
Php 100 Php 200 Php 300 |
B – Initial Registration The initial registration fee to be imposed shall be 1/10 of 1% of the paid-up capital or the basic fee below whichever is higher ● b.1 Primary Co-ops ● b.2 Secondary Co-ops ● b.3 Tertiary Co-ops ● b.4 Laboratory Co-ops |
Php 500 Php 2,000 Php 3,000 Php 50 |
C – Amendment ● c.1 On specific provision/s ● c.2 By substitution ● c.3 On increase of capital |
Php 300 Php 300 Php 1/10 of 1% of the increased paid-up capital |
D. Merger | 400.00 and, apply “c.3” above in case of increase in capital |
E. Consolidation | apply “B” above, if applicable |
F. Division | apply “B” above, if applicable |
For more information on the fees, you can check the
latest Amended Schedule of Registration Fees on the CDA website