DA unveils framework to empower agricultural cooperatives
The Philippine government is strengthening its whole-of-government approach to food security and rural development through a new inter-agency framework aimed at empowering agricultural cooperatives and improving government support for farmers and fisherfolk nationwide.
The Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) brings together the Department of Agriculture, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Cooperative Development Authority to harmonize policies, streamline interventions, and institutionalize coordinated support for agricultural cooperatives across all levels of governance.
The JMC was signed by Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and for DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla was Atty. Romeo P. Benitez, Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs together with Undersecretary Alexander R. Raquepo of the CDA on Wednesday, May 20, at the Department of Agriculture Central Office.
The framework seeks to align national agencies, local government units, and development partners toward shared goals of food security, enterprise development, livelihood generation, and inclusive rural transformation. It will strengthen coordination, reduce duplication of government interventions, and promote a unified and data-driven system for cooperative development, monitoring, and support services.
Agricultural cooperatives are recognized as vital engines of local economic development, enabling farmers and fisherfolk to consolidate resources, improve productivity, expand market access, and build resilient community-based enterprises.
“This memorandum is more than a policy document—it is a concrete whole-of-government commitment to empower our farmers and fisherfolk through stronger and more sustainable cooperatives,” said Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.. “by aligning the efforts of national agencies and local governments, we can build a more responsive and efficient support system that contributes meaningfully to food security and national development.”
The initiative supports the broader vision of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen the Philippine agricultural sector through institutional convergence and grassroots enterprise development.
During cooperative month in October, he reiterated that cooperatives are critical to food security and sustainable rural growth, highlighting the government’s renewed commitment to supporting these organizations.
Officials say the framework will also ensure local government units are actively engaged in cooperative development, integrating these enterprises into municipal and provincial plans, and supporting monitoring and validation efforts.
By reducing overlaps in government interventions, the JMC aims to create a more efficient and inclusive system, enabling cooperatives to grow, innovate, and compete in domestic and international markets.
The JMC has completed inter-agency reviews and it is ready to disseminate to all the regional offices.
The initiative as a strategic step toward more organized, data-driven rural development that could improve livelihoods, strengthen food security, and create sustainable opportunities for farmers and fisherfolk nationwide. ### (By DA – OSEC Comms & photo by Alarico Nuestro, AFID)
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