TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), under the leadership of Governor Aris Aumentado, underscored its sustained support for cooperatives and civil society organizations (CSOs) through the Provincial Cooperative Development Office (PCDO) in this week’s episode of The Capitol Reports.
The episode emphasized the PCDO’s role in advancing participatory governance and inclusive development by strengthening cooperatives and CSOs as partners in local development. Through the CSO Desk Office, the PCDO provides accreditation support, technical assistance, and close coordination with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Bohol People’s Council (BPC) to promote transparency, accountability, and active citizen participation across the province.
Executive Assistant for Livelihood and Agriculture Gil Bongato highlighted that the PCDO assists cooperatives in complying with requirements to reactivate and remain compliant with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), while helping them sustain livelihood initiatives. He noted that a series of evaluations and monitoring activities are regularly conducted to ensure programs remain responsive and viable.
PCDO Specialist II John Larry Evangelista shared that the office employs a consultative, data-based monitoring and evaluation approach, coordinating closely with local government units to identify cooperative needs. He added that clear guidelines are crafted to ensure people’s organizations understand processes and standards, with no sanctions imposed thus far, as the focus remains on capacity-building and support.
Meanwhile, Bohol People’s Council Chairperson Francis Bernard Batoy explained the BPC’s mandate to investigate reported violations by cooperatives and, when warranted, recommend de-accreditation to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan—an action that would render non-accredited groups ineligible for provincial funding, reinforcing accountability mechanisms.
PCDO Project Development Officer II, Ma. Alita Lugo reported that there are currently 271 compliant and operating cooperatives in the province. As of 2025, the PCDO has assisted six cooperatives this year and a total of 29 since the start of the assistance program, underscoring the office’s continuing role in accrediting and strengthening cooperative organizations.
The Capitol affirmed that continuing CSO conferences, accreditation, and capacity-building activities in 2026 will further empower cooperatives and CSOs to take active roles in local special bodies and contribute to responsive, sustainable socio-economic development.
These initiatives align with the Capitol’s Strategic Change Agenda, particularly advancing Governance and Service Delivery Excellence through transparent, participatory, and accountable provincial programs in Bohol, a UNESCO Global Geopark. (PIMO/JFP)
