QUEZON CITY– The Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives Inc. is proud to be part of the global cooperative movement in celebrating the 102nd International Cooperative Day this coming Saturday, July 6, 2024, with the theme, Cooperatives Build and Better Future for All.
The Cooperative Movement has been in existence for more than a century. Despite its ups and downs in our history, the movement has steadfastly supported the state and other institutions, especially in times of chaos and crisis. The principle of cooperativism, which is the care for the community, has been at the forefront during such situations. The cooperative movement continues to work towards promoting self-reliance and harnessing people’s power towards economic development and social justice. It has also played a crucial role in fighting poverty and improving the standard of living for its members and their families.
In the Philippines, there are around 11,000 cooperatives involved in various industries listed in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, including agriculture, tourism (hotels and restaurants), manufacturing, banking and finance, transportation, health services, and more. These cooperatives are organized into six clusters: Agri-Agra, Marketing, Finance, Human Services, Education and Advocacy, and Public Utilities. They directly employ about 400,000 workers and indirectly contribute to the creation of millions of jobs. These cooperative enterprises play a crucial role in sustaining the country’s economic activities and supporting its post-pandemic recovery. Specifically, cooperatives in the finance, agriculture, human services, marketing, and public utility clusters have been successful in benefiting their members and their communities, as well as the country as a whole.
Cooperatives also work towards the sustainable development of their communities including mitigating the effects of climate change for the preservation of the environment and ensuring its sustainability for future generations. Cooperatives’ community development fund is used for relief operations for victims of disasters and calamities. Other cooperatives have embarked on environmental programs as part of their contribution to climate justice campaigns.
The cooperative movement also contributes to women’s agenda, highlighting the important role of women in promoting and advancing
gender equality and women’s empowerment in the cooperative movement and society, underscoring that the progress of our nation is impossible without women’s meaningful and active participation in all decision-making processes, governance, economic development, and social justice.
The Coop Chamber is committed to addressing vital issues and concerns affecting cooperatives through legislative advocacy and lobbying efforts to advance national and regional agendas supporting cooperative ideals, principles, and values.
At the national level, the Coop Chamber actively engages in the Review and Proposed Amendments to RA 9520 or the Philippine Cooperative Code to address several sections that will further the development and vibrancy of the cooperative sector particularly the agricultural cooperatives etc., the Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Act maintaining the tax exemption privileges of the cooperatives, the National Sectoral Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture in developing the roadmap of the Philippine Salt Industry Development Roadmap as part of the food security agenda, Public Modernization Transport Program with just transition among others.
To maintain and sustain its advocacy for the development of cooperatives both at the national and regional levels, the Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives Inc. has organized sixteen regional coop chambers (representing primary cooperatives from 16 regions, from the Cordillera Administrative Region to CARAGA). Its first National Leadership Conference will happen later this month, emphasizing the need to create a supportive environment for cooperative enterprises to thrive, further promoting and supporting the growth and development of cooperative enterprises in a particular area or region.
Thus, the Coop Chamber will present a possible partnership and collaboration between Senator Imee R. Marcos, the Board of Trustees of the Coop Chamber, and the 16 Regional Coop Chambers in promoting the cooperative agenda (especially mentioned in issues and concerns), identity, ideals, programs, and services.
“The Coop Chamber truly represents cooperation and collaboration with various stakeholders to promote and develop cooperatives in the country. By doing so, a bright future is possible because “Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All,” as emphasized by Mr. Noel D. Raboy, Coop Chamber Chairperson, in his address to the 150 primary cooperative leaders of the 16 Regional Coop Chambers celebrating International Cooperative Day.” Happy International Cooperative Day today and beyond!
