QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES – Jointly, the NAPC Cooperative Sectoral Council and the Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives, Inc. (Coop Chamber) are poised to champion the economic viability and fundamental rights of the cooperative sector at the highly anticipated National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Cooperatives Sectoral Congress 2026. This pivotal event was held yesterday, September 16, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Sotogrande Neopolitan Hotel in Fairview, Quezon City.
Driven by the compelling theme, “Strengthening Cooperatives, Advancing Inclusive Development: From Fiscal Equity to Adequate Housing,” the congress is designed to address the most urgent legislative and socio-economic hurdles facing cooperatives today. As a proud member of the International Cooperative Alliance, the Coop Chamber, in partnership with the NAPC Cooperative Sectoral Council, remains steadfast in its mission to elevate the sector’s concerns to the national stage.
A central pillar of the congress will be the Taxation Forum, which will spotlight the results of a comprehensive nationwide consultation. To foster diplomatic and constructive dialogue, the session will feature a panel discussion bringing together officials from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) alongside reactors from the NAPC-CSC, the Coop Chamber, and cooperative representatives.
Mr. Noel D. Raboy, Chairperson of the Coop Chamber, who is slated to deliver an inspirational message at the event, issued a powerful call to action regarding the sector’s economic treatment:
”Cooperatives are the lifeblood of the marginalized, not mere profit centers. Our pursuit of fiscal equity is a demand for justice and a plea to empower the very institutions that build our nation’s resilience from the ground up. We cannot speak of genuine, inclusive development without ensuring that our taxation policies nurture, rather than stifle, the cooperative spirit.”
Beyond taxation, the congress will passionately address the fundamental human need for shelter. The afternoon agenda features a dedicated learning session titled, “The Cooperative Housing Agenda: Securing the Fundamental Rights: Right to Adequate Housing”. This initiative will be underscored by a high-level panel discussion with officials from PAG-IBIG, aiming to forge actionable pathways for cooperative members.
OIC Sectoral Representative Sofronio Talisic echoed the sector’s diplomatic yet resolute stance on driving tangible progress:
”Housing is not a privilege; it is an absolute fundamental right. Through strategic collaboration with agencies like PAG-IBIG and the unified force of the cooperative sector, we are transforming the dream of adequate housing into a concrete reality for our members. True diplomacy requires bold action, and our solidarity demands measurable results for every Filipino family.”
The Congress will be reinforced by solidarity and keynote messages from esteemed national leaders, including CDA Undersecretary Hon. Alexander Raquepo, Coop NATCCO partylist Hon. Felimon Espares, and Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan, and Imee Marcos. To ensure discussions lead to concrete outcomes, the event will culminate in the presentation and validation of agreements and an action matrix.
The Coop Chamber proudly reiterates its rallying cry: “OUR COOP, OUR VOICE!”. We invite all partners, policymakers, and stakeholders to stand with us in forging a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous future.
About the Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives, Inc.
The Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives, Inc. (Coop Chamber) is a leading advocate for the cooperative movement, serving as the national umbrella organization and unified voice of primary cooperatives in the Philippines. Founded by some of the country’s leading cooperatives, the Coop Chamber advances the sustainability and development of the cooperative sector while protecting and promoting the rights and privileges of cooperatives as vital engines of economic growth and social justice.
The Coop Chamber is duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and maintains its principal office at No. 20 Stanford St., Brgy. Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City.
About the National Anti-Poverty Commission Cooperative Sectoral Council
The National Anti-Poverty Commission Cooperative Sectoral Council is one of the basic sectors represented under the country’s Social Reform Agenda and serves as a platform for cooperatives to directly engage the government, particularly the Office of the President, on sectoral issues and concerns related to poverty alleviation and social development.
Its office is located at 2f & 3f PCS Building, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City
For media inquiries, please contact the Secretariat.
Contact Person for Coop Chamber:
Edwin A. Bustillos
Mobile Number: 09178017309
Email: coopchamber.ph@gmail.com
Contact Person for NAPC Cooperative Sectoral Council
Reliet O. Avila
Viber Number: 09071435064
Email: csc@napc.gov.ph
