105 YEARS OF COOP PRIDE AND HERITAGE – and a TIMELY GESTURE OF GOODWILL

It was a very bright and sunny January 27 when cooperators from different parts of the country gathered at the North Wing Lobby of the House of Representatives in Quezon City to celebrate National Cooperatives Week, which runs up to the 30^th.

The hosting of National Cooperatives Week is to make the movement’s accomplishments, growth potentials and prospects as well as invaluable contributions to poverty alleviation, countryside development and as that viable economic alterative that incorporates holistic yet pragmatic processes that contribute to inclusive growth be recognized at government level.

Such concerted efforts between entities in the movement such as the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), the Philippine Cooperative Center (PCC) and 30 other stakeholders composed of primaries, multipurpose cooperatives that showcased exhibits promoting their goods and services during the Trade Fair, show how cooperatives bonded together to prove that they are a potent socio-economic and political force to reckon with.

In his keynote speech, Atty Eric Robles, Director–Manila Extension Office, on behalf of Chairman Orlando Ravanera, congratulated the House Committee of Cooperatives Development in putting their extra efforts to host this event that showcases the pride and best practices that cooperatives have, plus their aggressive efforts in widening their horizons in marketing their products, and the success stories that serve as benchmarks towards excellence earned the cooperative way.

“Coops will inspire the next generation who can help transform into greater heights. Buying a coop product is like casting a vote—as this shows support for products that are of high-quality, holistic, and above all, that empower people to rise above adversities and to prove their best as proud members of the movement,” he graciously summed up.

For his part, PCC Chair Gary Leonardo stressed the inspired initiatives that coops are jointly pursuing in partnership with the Committee on Cooperatives Development chaired by Cong. Ben Canama which include the uniform implementation of tax exemption; the coop banking law, R.A. 11364, which calls to strengthen and reorganize the CDA; and to establish an integrated coop financing system, value-chain initiatives and increased growth involvement.

He concluded: “Our twin aspiration in partnership with the CDA at the legislative level and within the movement is to have integration and unification. Through integration, it makes the sector whole by addressing deficiencies, and unification makes ourselves bonded as one; and working together. “

What made the coop week opening day much more enlightening was an act of goodwill: the donation to the victims of the Taal Volcano eruption: P100,000 which came from the office of Cong. Ben Canama; and the other P100,000, from the proceeds of this year’s event, which was donated to LCDOP (League of Cooperative Development Officers  of the Philippines).  This gesture also shows that the movement also stands solid in unifying their strong sense of compassion by lending a hand to support those affected by calamities.