Cotabato City, Philippines โ The staff and volunteers of Transforming Fragilities, Inc. (TFI) took a significant step toward economic and community empowerment by participating in a Pre-Registration Seminar conducted by the Cooperative and Social Enterprise Authority (CSEA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on May 30, 2025. The seminar, held at the TFI office, marks the organizationโs formal move to establish a multi-purpose cooperative, intentionally excluding “Riba” (interest)-based financial activities in alignment with Islamic principles.
The initiative to form a cooperative stems from the collective desire of TFIโs staff and volunteers to address economic challenges, foster mutual support, and contribute to community development. By organizing into a cooperative, members aim to supplement income and access financial services. promote mutual support, enhance community development, and advance worker empowerment.
TFIโs proposed cooperative is notable for its commitment to ethical financial practices. By excluding “Riba”-based activities, the cooperative aligns itself with the values of its predominantly Muslim community, ensuring financial inclusivity and respect for religious beliefs.
The Pre-Registration Seminar, facilitated by CSEA, provided essential guidance on cooperative formation, legal requirements, and best practices. CSEA officials emphasized the role of cooperatives in uplifting local communities and fostering socio-economic resilience in the region.
With the completion of the seminar, TFIโs staff and volunteers are poised to proceed with the formal registration and establishment of their multi-purpose cooperative. The groupโs collective action reflects a growing trend among local organizations in the Philippines to harness the power of cooperatives for economic empowerment, social solidarity, and sustainable development.
