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Secretary General Edwin Bustillos Statement delivered during the October 21, 2025 Coop Month Celebration of the Cooperative Union of Batangas

The Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives, Inc. (Coop Chamber), under the leadership of Chairperson Noel D. Raboy, stands in solidarity with the Cooperative Union of Batangas (CUB), headed by Chairperson Dr. Angelito B. Bagui, in celebrating the Cooperative Month, with the national theme “Cooperatives United in Purpose and in Action, Sharing Prosperity to Build a Better World,” taking place today, October 21, 2025, at the Ashley Grand Ballroom, Solano Hotel, Lipa City.

Since its founding in 1979, the CUB has played a significant role in strengthening and capacitating its members through training, access to information, education, and communication. Its continuous efforts to raise awareness, advocate for policies, and promote cooperative development in Batangas align with the Coop Chamber’s vision and strategies at the regional and national levels.

To create a better world, cooperative members must understand the issues that affect their lives. Promoting Cooperative Principles—especially the 5th Principle: Education, Training, and Information—encourages active membership and community engagement while highlighting the vital role of cooperatives in social and economic development.

Cooperative education empowers leaders and members to assess realities, advocate for change, and strengthen governance rooted in solidarity, democracy, equity, and social responsibility—ultimately supporting both economic growth and social justice.

Another essential aspect of this principle is advocacy. It is crucial to advance the executive and legislative agenda of the cooperative movement to promote cooperativism and highlight its role in alleviating poverty, generating employment, and fostering inclusive development.

We commend the dedication and passion of the leaders of the Cooperative Union of Batangas, together with its management and staff, for their continued commitment to uplifting the lives of members and their families, and contributing to a just, prosperous, and peaceful society.

The solidarity between the Coop Chamber and the CUB extends beyond Batangas with the creation of the Region 4A Coop Chamber, where many cooperative leaders hail from the Province of Batangas. This exemplifies the strong leadership and cooperative spirit that drive regional empowerment.

In partnership with the Cooperative Union of Batangas, the Provincial Cooperative, Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development Office, the AGAP Party List, and other champions from the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Coop Chamber works to advance the interests of cooperatives in Batangas, Calabarzon, and across the country.

We must continue to advance these agendas:

EXECUTIVE AGENDA

1. Ensure proper taxation by Local Government Units in accordance with the Philippine Cooperative Code.
2. Advocate for the Non-Requirement of TIN of individual cooperative members during the application or renewal of the Certificate of Tax Exemption (CTE).
3. Advocate for the same validity date of the CDA Certificate of Compliance (COC) and BIR Certificate of Tax Exemption.
4. Ensure the Full Implementation of RA 11535, particularly the mandatory appointment of Local Cooperative Development Officers (LCDOs).
5. Strengthen cooperative partnerships with key national and local government institutions, ensuring meaningful representation in governance mechanisms.
6. Propose amendments to Credit Information Corporation (CIC) Circular No. 2023-04.
7. Advocate for Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management measures.
8. Push for the Full Implementation of Article 58 of the Cooperative Development Act and propose amendments to DOLE Order No. 174-17 (Rules on Contracting and Sub-Contracting).
9. Recommend amendments to the Criteria for Performance Appraisal of Cooperatives for Financial Purposes.

LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

1. Amend Republic Act No. 9520 (Philippine Cooperative Code) based on Cooperative Values and Principles.
2. Amend Republic Act No. 3844 (Agricultural Land Reform Code) and lobby for additional cooperative representation in the Landbank of the Philippines Board.
3. Institutionalize the PUV Modernization Program ensuring a humane and just transition.
4. Review the Regulatory Powers of the SEC and CDA concerning registration of organizations and cooperatives.
5. Review Republic Act No. 11364 (CDA Charter), particularly its developmental functions and its role in organizing NAC, SAOs, and RCOs.
6. Conduct a Legislative Inquiry on the Preferential Rights of Small and Marginalized Fisherfolk in Municipal Waters.

These agendas will continue to evolve with new recommendations from Regional Coop Chamber members. Supported by CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative, NaFeCoop, and the Cooperative College of the Philippines, the Coop Chamber will sustain its capacity-building initiatives focusing on policy lobbying and advocacy for cooperative leaders.

To further advance these goals, a Lobby Group has been established—composed of Metro Manila and Region 4A cooperatives—to lead lobbying, delegation, and mobilization efforts toward the realization of the cooperative agenda.

It is vital to reinforce our partnerships with the Senate, House of Representatives, National Government Agencies, Local Government Units, Cooperative Federations and Unions, and most importantly, the Cooperative Union of Batangas. By working together, we can elevate cooperative capacities and strengthen their role in nation-building—propelling economic development while upholding social justice through cooperativism.

Happy Cooperative Month! Mabuhay ang Cooperative Union of Batangas! Mabuhay ang Kilusang Kooperatiba!