CDA: 3-year CoC validity still pending

OAC, Marinduque — The proposed extension of the validity of Certificates of Compliance (CoCs) for cooperatives from one year to three years has not yet been approved, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) MIMAROPA said Thursday.

CDA MIMAROPA regional director Alberto Sabarias said the proposal remains pending and that existing annual certification requirements continue to apply.

The clarification followed discussions during the 4th MIMAROPA Regional Cooperative Congress in Boac on 21 October, where cooperative representatives raised the possibility of extending CoC validity to three or five years.

Sabarias said the proposal under consideration provides for a three-year validity period, but its implementation depends on a memorandum from the CDA Central Office.

Even if approved, cooperatives would still need to submit annual reports and comply with other regulatory requirements. The change would extend certificate validity without removing yearly reporting obligations.

The CDA also confirmed that the Regional Cooperative Development Council did not adopt a separate resolution seeking the extension during the congress.

Under current regulations, cooperatives must meet reporting and documentary requirements to obtain CoCs, which serve as proof of regulatory compliance and are required for certain government transactions, including tax-exemption applications.

Extending CoC validity could reduce renewal costs, especially for cooperatives in geographically isolated communities. Continued annual reporting, however, would allow the CDA to monitor compliance.

No implementation date has been announced. Cooperatives must continue observing existing annual CoC requirements until the proposal is formally approved.

The congress gathered cooperative leaders from Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan.

Oriental Mindoro Provincial board member Atty. Emmanuel S. Buenaventura told delegates that cooperatives are an economic force for ordinary citizens.

He also stressed collective action in improving farmers’ bargaining power and participation in economic activities.