The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and SM Supermalls have formalized a partnership aimed at supporting Filipino cooperatives by opening more spaces for them inside malls.

A Memorandum of Agreement was signed on 1 July 2025 at the SM Supermalls Headquarters in Pasay City. Undersecretary Alexander B. Raquepo, CDA Chairperson, and Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations of SM Supermalls, led the signing ceremony together with key officials from both sides.

“This is a historic partnership between the private and public sectors,” said Usec. Raquepo. “We take great pride in this collaboration with SM Supermalls, which represents a powerful step forward in uplifting our micro, small and medium cooperative entrepreneurs. This model partnership will not only provide access to markets, but help elevate the economic well-being of our communities.”

Through the agreement, CDA will identify cooperatives that can join the SM Weekend Market, a platform set up to highlight local products, Filipino talent, and community-based enterprises. SM Supermalls will provide spaces in selected mall branches for a minimal fee meant for maintenance costs.

“The SM Weekend Market was born out of a simple but powerful idea to give farmers and local producers, especially those in cooperatives, the chance to bring their goods closer to the people, in places they wouldn’t normally have access to,” said Engr. Eusebio.

“With CDA as our partner, we are excited to open more doors and more mall spaces to co-ops across the country. This partnership will allow more communities to thrive, more stories to be told, and more Filipino-made products to be celebrated.”

The two institutions plan to expand the program to reach more cooperatives and communities nationwide while more updates and market roll-outs are expected in the coming months.