From free skills training to zero-interest loans, the Davao City Cooperative Development Office (CCDO) continues to strengthen livelihood opportunities for Dabawenyos through the Cooperative Livelihood Development Program Start-up Capital Assistance (CLDP-SUCA) and Cooperative Financial Assistance Program (CFAP), helping residents start businesses and build sustainable sources of income.
CCDO Officer-in-Charge Prialyn Carpio told the City Information Office (CIO) that the programs aim not only to provide assistance but also to give Dabawenyos greater access to livelihood opportunities and financial independence.
“Amoa man gud na gina emphasize sa atoang trainings even sa tanan services for the welfare of the Dabawenyos. Even marginalized ug mga PWDs gina welcome pod nato sila sa atoang skills training. Kay para matabangan gyud sila ilabi napod tung mga walay trabaho. So, why not mu capital sila maskin gamay, mag tukod sila og negosyo, unya tabangan namo (We really emphasize that in our training and all services, this is for the welfare of the Dabawenyos. Even marginalized individuals and PWDs are also welcomed in our skills training. Because we really want to help them, especially those who are unemployed. So, why not give them some capital, even a little, so they can start a business, and we will also help them),” she said.
Under CFAP, micro and small cooperatives can borrow between Php 100,000 and Php 300,000, payable within three years, while medium and large cooperatives may access Php 301,000 to Php 1 million, payable within two years.
Through CLDP-SUCA, cooperative members can avail of Php 10,000 to Php 20,000 in zero-interest assistance, payable within one year. Members who already operate a business may access Php 30,000 to Php 50,000, payable within three years, also without interest.
As of 2026, a total of 182 cooperative members have benefited from CLDP-SUCA, while 51 cooperatives have availed of the CFAP assistance.
“The quality of life that every Dabawenyo, dako kaayo ni og tabang sa ilaha personally kay pwede ni nga self-employment napod sa ilaha. Kay kung wala kay trabaho, laing ginabuhat or kita, with the livelihood training nato and sa atoang financial assistance program, dako gyud ni og panimula sa ilahang capital para makatukod og negosyo. Gamiton lang gyud siya sa tamang paraan and with the help of our office. Kay mu guide man gyud mi sa kung unsaon pag manage sa ilahang coop or Negosyo (The quality of life that every Dabawenyo will have, this greatly helps them personally because it can also lead to self-employment. Because if you don’t have a job or something that you can earn, with our livelihood training and our financial assistance program, this really serves as a significant starting capital for them to establish a business. It should be used in the right way and with the help of our office. Because we will really guide them on how to manage their coop or business),” she added.
Davao City currently has 871 registered cooperatives, all of which undergo specialized training in governance and financial literacy to ensure they are not only financially supported but also equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive.
To qualify for the livelihood programs, applicants must be residents of Davao City, cooperative members, and graduates of CCDO skills training. They must also have a good repayment record and no outstanding loan balance.
“Ang atoang opisina nagatabang gyud sa mga cooperative sa ilahang mga requirements, sa accreditation nila ug sa mga process kay para ang coop mahimo siyang visible unya mulahotay. Kay mao gyud na ang atoang tumong nga ang atoang mga cooperative dinhi kay mas mu dako (Our office really helps the cooperatives with their requirements, their accreditation, and the processes so that the coop can become visible and sustainable. Because that is really our goal, for our cooperatives to grow more),” she said.
Interested Dabawenyos may coordinate with CCDO’s district offices, email coop@davaocity.gov.ph or citycooperative.davao@yahoo.com, or visit the CCDO office at the City Hall Annex along Magallanes Street, Davao City. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal