In a significant showcase of economic vitality, the cooperatives of the Caraga region have amassed a business volume exceeding PHP12.6 billion in 2023, as reported by the Cooperative Development Authority 13 (CDA-13) during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum in Butuan City. Anecita Unson, Assistant Director of CDA-13, emphasized the robust performance of the region’s 1,753 registered cooperatives at the event held on December 3, 2024.
The majority of these cooperatives, about 68%, fall into the micro category, with assets up to PHP3 million. Small cooperatives, which constitute 19% of the total, have assets ranging from PHP3 million to PHP15 million. Medium cooperatives, at 11%, have assets between PHP15 million and PHP100 million, while the 2% classified as large cooperatives boast assets over PHP100 million.
Highlighting the region’s success, Unson pointed out the presence of three billionaire cooperatives, all categorized as large: the Baug CARP Beneficiaries Multipurpose Cooperative in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; the PERA Multipurpose Cooperative; and the San Francisco Growth Enhancement Multipurpose Cooperative, both located in Agusan del Sur. These cooperatives exemplify the potential for significant growth within the sector.
A significant portion of the cooperatives, 773 in total, are multipurpose, engaging in multiple business lines. Agusan del Sur led the region with a business volume of PHP4.5 billion, closely followed by Agusan del Norte at PHP3.9 billion. Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte contributed PHP1.8 billion and PHP1.6 billion respectively, while Dinagat Islands added PHP723 million to the total.
The impressive PHP12.6 billion figure is derived from audited data submitted to CDA-13 as of December 31, 2023, reflecting the cooperative sector’s substantial contribution to the region’s economy.