Cooperatives in the Philippines have long been pillars of community development, offering economic, social, and cultural upliftment. Guided by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), these entities are governed under the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008 (RA 9520) and its updated charter from 2019 (RA 11364). 
Recent Developments & Key Highlights (2024–2025)
- Regional Milestones and Billionaire Cooperatives:
- As of November 2024, the Ilocos Region celebrated the rise of 12 “billionaire cooperatives”, each with substantial assets and strong services for their members.
- The CDA aims for the region to become a benchmark in Asia for cooperative excellence by 2025.
- Supporting Agriculture and Food Security:
- President Marcos Jr. has encouraged consolidation of small farmers’ associations for greater efficiency and mechanization in agri-production. Supported sectors include processing, milling, packaging, and marketing.
- The Department of Agriculture launched the Agricultural Cooperative Enterprise Development (ACED) Services to bolster agricultural cooperatives with training, policy guidance, digital tools, and data-driven strategies.
- Local Capacity-Building Initiatives:
- In December 2024, two farmer cooperatives in Tupi, South Cotabato received hauling trucks worth PHP 4.59 million from the DAR to strengthen marketing logistics.
- Region 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN) reported over P7.8 billion in cooperative assets as of mid-2023, with diverse types—from credit and agriculture to housing and health services—boosting regional growth.
- Technology and Innovation Driving the Coop Sector
- The digi COOP Technology Service Cooperative was introduced to help small and micro co-ops undertake digital transformation—through e-commerce, online platforms, AI, and blockchain tools.
- The Cebu CFI Cooperative became the Philippines’ first fully digitalized coop, featuring a mobile app rivaling commercial banks. This modernization helped expand its loan portfolio significantly and attract institutional funding.
- Global Engagement and Academic Recognition
- The cooperative of the Philippines fosters global engagement enhance research, capacity building, and global collaboration for coop development.
- Community & Environmental Initiatives (Mindanao)
- In early 2025, MASS-SPECC (a Mindanao-based cooperative development center) launched several impactful programs:
- Donated eco-trash bins to schools to reduce plastic waste.
- Kicked off the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives with a ceremonial flag unveiling.
- Held a Leaders’ Forum on “Co-operatives as Instruments for Sustainable Development and Social Justice”.
- Ran youth leadership camps, healthcare access programs, and tech-enabled training initiatives to empower co-op members and communities.