DGRV-NATCCO Agreement Bolsters Education, Risk Management

QUEZON CITY — The German Cooperative Federation (DGRV) and the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) signed on February 9 an addendum to a 2024 agreement that is seen to bolster the Philippine cooperative sector. Originally signed on January 29, 2024, the partnership is officially extending its collaborative efforts into 2026 through a recently outlined Addendum.

The DGRV-NATCCO partnership enhances NATCCO’s educational services and risk management capabilities, focusing on two main pillars: The Cooperative Academy of NATCCO Network (CANN) which will strengthen educational and talent acquisition services for primary cooperatives, and 2) The Stabilization Fund System (SFS) that develops conducts financial risk monitoring and control among member cooperatives.

DGRV will provide technical support, funding and salary subsidies for NATCCO to implement several major initiatives. The 2026 work plan will: 1) establish an automated databank that captures financial data from cooperatives that will enable the NATCCO federation to monitor financial risk; 2) Developing an Institutional Protection Scheme Framework, alongside enhanced risk-based evaluation tools and an Auditors Manual; certify auditors, and hire new personnel for the Stabilization Fund Team.

This strategic alliance is a vital component of the second phase of the regional project, “Economic Inclusion through Sustainable Cooperative Systems” (WINGS II), which is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The DGRV-NATCCO partnership enhances NATCCO’s educational services and risk management capabilities, focusing on two main pillars: The Cooperative Academy of NATCCO Network (CANN) which will strengthen educational and talent acquisition services for primary cooperatives, and 2) The Stabilization Fund System (SFS) that develops conducts financial risk monitoring and control among member cooperatives.

Under the agreement, DGRV acts as the funding and advisory partner—drawing on its global network and technical expertise—while NATCCO autonomously implements the agreed-upon activities, hires necessary personnel, and meticulously tracks project progress. To ensure accountability and transparency, the MOU outlines strict governance standards. NATCCO is Required to adhere to rigorous financial controls, procurement procedures, and regular quarterly reporting.

The MOU and its 2026 Addendum will remain in full force and effect until December 31, 2026. This project demonstrates NATCCO and DGRV’s continued commitment to the sustainable development and professionalization of cooperatives across the Philippines.