Public Statement
The Coop Chamber is thrilled and deeply honored to share a historic milestone for our organization and the entire Philippine cooperative movement. As officially detailed in the formal announcement letter, the Coop Chamber has been officially admitted into the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) as an Associate Member.
This phenomenal achievement marks the beginning of a vibrant new chapter for our Chamber, guided by Chairperson Noel D. Raboy, Secretary-General Edwin A. Bustillos, the entire Board of Trustees, and the Regional Council of Leaders, and most importantly, sustained by our valued primary cooperative members across the nation.
Why This Great Milestone Matters to the Coop Chamber and Our Membership
Becoming part of the ICA, the global voice for the cooperative movement, is not just an accolade; it is a transformative gateway that brings invaluable opportunities straight to our membership:
Global Networking: Our members are now structurally linked to the largest range of cooperative organizations and enterprises across the globe, cutting across all sectors and sizes. This allows us to share local innovations and build international solidarity.
Adopting Global Best Practices: This membership gives us direct access to world-class learning systems. We will bring the latest global standards in cooperative governance, innovative funding, and modern marketing back home to elevate the performance of our local primary cooperatives.
Stronger Global Representation: The unique voices, challenges, and triumphs of Philippine cooperatives will now be heard on the grandest stages, ensuring our local realities are understood and acted upon at a global level.
Influencing Global Direction: While full decision-making powers remain reserved for full members, the Coop Chamber, as an Associate Member, has officially entered the corridors of global influence. Through active participation in the structures of the ICA, we now hold the capacity to help shape the direction, strategies, and future of the international cooperative movement.
A Message of Gratitude and Commitment
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the International Cooperative Alliance for this warm welcome. This milestone is a powerful testament to the dedication, resilience, and unity of our primary cooperative members. By connecting our local efforts to a global reach, we are more equipped than ever to champion the cooperative principles, advance sustainable development, and uplift the lives of millions of cooperative members.
Furthermore, the Coop Chamber would like to express its profound gratitude to the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), through the leadership of its Chairperson, Usec.Alexander Raquepo, for posing no objection to the Coop Chamber’s membership in the ICA.
This vital support highlights the strong spirit of cooperation between public regulatory bodies and independent cooperative chambers in advancing our movement to the global stage.”
We stand ready to collaborate closely with ICA President Ariel Guarco, ICA AP Regional Director Balu Iyer, Director of Membership, Mrs. Gretchen Hacquard, and the global cooperative community to fully activate this partnership and unlock its immense potential for everyone involved.
Mabuhay ang Coop Chamber!
Mabuhay ang Kilusang Kooperatiba!
Our Coop, Our Voice.
