PRESS RELEASE: Region-Wide Consultation on the Proposed Amendments to Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008, and regional formation of Coop Chamber
DAVAO CITY-The Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives Inc. recently conducted a region-wide consultation on the proposed amendments to the Philippine Coop Code of 2008. The aim was to gather ideas and recommendations from cooperatives and their leaders on how to strengthen the cooperative sector in the ongoing review of the said law.
The Chairperson and Founding Trustee of the Coop Chamber, Mr. Noel D. Raboy, emphasized the importance of involving cooperatives and their leaders in crafting the proposed amendments. By doing so, they can further strengthen the cooperative movement and give more importance to the role of cooperatives in poverty alleviation, as well as in the pursuit of a more robust economy and social development.
Many leaders present at the forum expressed their all-out support for the passage of a new law amending the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008 based on the position paper of the Coop Chamber, CLIMBS Life, and General Insurance Cooperative, among others. A Supplemental Position Paper will be submitted on April 22, 2024, to Senator Imee R. Marcos, the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Cooperatives, for consideration.
In addition, Mindanao Cooperative leaders convened their first-ever assembly to form a co-op chamber in the region to advance the interests and concerns of the cooperative sector. Around 78 leaders from 30 cooperatives gathered at Acacia Hotel and formally organized a regional co-op chamber, the first since its national launching in November 2023.
The leaders recognized the importance of collaborative efforts among the leaders from the national level and the role of the leaders of primary cooperatives at the regional level in promoting and advancing cooperativism, its principles, and values. The establishment of a regional Coop Chamber can help achieve this by actively engaging in policy formulation at the regional level; promoting the cooperative identity, products, and services, advocating programs and projects in partnership with the local government unit and other stakeholders; all for the betterment of their members and the region in general.
The Coop Chamber aims to be the advocacy center of the Philippine Cooperatives by fostering the growth and development of cooperatives in the Philippines in both the national and regional levels through advocacy, education, and collaboration with different stakeholders and institutions.
The Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives Inc. (PCCI), operating under the name Coop Chamber, is a non-stock, non-profit organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It works to serve its members through collaboration, advocacy, education, and networking facilities; all for the advancement of the cooperative movement.
Along with the regional consultation, the organization of AD HOC Officers in Region 7 also took place during the latter part of the program. Most of the leaders volunteered in taking immediate action and being part of the movement including Mr. Agripino “Ping” Torres from Magsige MPC, Atty Rolando C. Casaway from Nabunturan Integrated Cooperative (NICO), Ms. Meriam Mae L. Requillo from Panabo Multipurpose Cooperative (PMPC), Mr. Glenn Merida from Samal Island Multipurpose Cooperative, Mr. Michael John Gestopa from Agdao Multipurpose Cooperative, Ms. Elizabeth Billanes from Cateel Farmers Fisherfolks Producers Cooperative (CAFFPROCO), Ms. Nenita E. Lumaad from Visayan Village Tagum Rural Waterworks Multi-Services Cooperative (VITRUWASCO), Mr. Roberto U. Padilla from Pantukan Chess Club Multipurpose Cooperative (PCC MPC), and Ms. Anabel Sayson from Bansalan Multipurpose Cooperative.
Contact person:
Edwin A. Bustillos
Executive Director
CP# 09178017309