Empowering Philippine Cooperatives: The Imperative of Professional Credit Personnel

The IPO registration of CCLP is driven by the rapid growth of cooperatives and the need for professional credit personnel. In the Philippines, cooperatives based on savings and lending activities are growing significantly, marked by an increase in assets and membership. According to data from the Cooperative Development Authority, the cooperative growth rate in the country has been higher than the GDP growth. Unfortunately, cooperatives in the Philippines have not been supported with good and professional human resources, as seen from the lack of professionalism. Most of them lack proper training and education in cooperative lending and financial management.

In the savings and lending service sector, cooperatives in developed countries have been using the services of competent professionals through various training and certifications. With the dynamics and complexities of the global economy, competent professionals who have a strong understanding through training and certification are highly needed to support the success of savings and lending cooperatives, especially in developing countries like the Philippines.

This is also aligned with Prof. Ian McColl's statement that the sector needs the fifth cooperative principle, which considers education and training "a favorable environment to develop" the members so that they can enhance their welfare.

But what is CCLP?

CCLP is an acronym for Certified Cooperative Lending Professional, which is a highly regarded certification earned by credit personnel who complete the Cooperative Lending Management Program (CLMP). The CLMP consists of three modules covering 15 topics that participants must complete before they can take the certification exam. Once a participant passes the exam, they can be officially recognized as a Certified Cooperative Lending Professional.

In the Philippines, CLMP training and CCLP certification as a pioneer training service for people working in savings and credit cooperatives are highly needed to professionalize them; they are also expected to become the bridge and encouraging factors for the development and success of cooperatives and the welfare of the members. In essence, the integration of professionalization among credit personnel transcends mere credentialism; it embodies a commitment to excellence, integrity, and member-centricity.