PRESS RELEASE

Strong Roots for the Cooperative Future

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected every sector in the country, and the cooperative movement was among those that were hard hit. But despite such obstacles, there is no reason for the movement to fret. Even against all odds, the movement is ready to regain strength and move forward.

Prodded by such gallant spirit, the United Cooperative Movement of the Philippines (UCMP)[1], together with the cooperative sector, celebrates the National Month of Cooperatives.

October has traditionally been the month of cooperative recognition and celebration in the country. We, as a movement, have been organizing events, seminars and related activities every October during which we showcase the role of cooperatives in national development and as partners of government in delivering services and programs. Sen. Migz Zubiri, in his privilege speech for the National Cooperative Month last 29^th of September, explains the holistic impact of cooperatives: “Sa kooperatiba, ‘di lang iilan ang nakikinabang kundi lahat ng miyembro, pati non-members, and even the community”[2].

To reiterate, this is where the cooperative principle of Cooperation among Cooperatives comes to fore. The said principle readily extends to the partnership between the government and the cooperative sector.

While the pandemic may have changed our ways of celebrating the National Cooperative Month, on, the purpose for celebrating it  remains the same.

Republic Act 11502 or An Act Declaring the Month of October of Every Year as the National Cooperative Month, was approved by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on the 16th of December 2020. The law officially declares the month of October of every year as the designated National Cooperative Month during which time special activities recognizing cooperative participation in community and nation building are conducted.

UCMP Events on the Month of Cooperatives

For the month of October, the United Cooperative Movement Philippines (UCMP) has prepared events and webinars for our fellow cooperators and movement allies. On the 5th of October, UCMP will conduct a commendation event for our fellow cooperators and cooperatives. This will serve as our kick-off event for the Coop Month.

On the 11th of October, PCC together with the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) will conduct an event focused on revisiting and deepening the identity of cooperatives; while on the 13th, PCC will hold a dialogue with the agricultural cluster regarding the issues of the Rice Tariffication law. As we are still plagued by the pandemic, PCC together with the Coop Health Management Federation (CHMF), will offer a free online webinar discussing mental health during the pandemic on the 14th. On October 15, the Liga ng mga Cooperative Development Officers ng Pilipinas (LCDOP) will lead the 10^th national Tripartite Conference. On the 21st , PCC together with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), and the ASEAN Co-operative Organization (ACO) will hold an international conference  about the future readiness of the cooperatives in the country. This event will feature guest speakers from PCC, PUP, and ACO.

As the national elections are nearing, UCMP will also hold “Uniting Coops through the Coop Vote” webinar on the 27th of October. The event aims to consolidate the political voting prowess of the movement in order to create a strong influence in policy making. Last, but not the least, there will be a culminating event on October 29 in order to close the monthlong celebration.

Linkages and Identity

 UCMP aims to partner with other cooperatives and organizations for the fostering of the cooperative cause. Aside from the local partners, PCC links up with international cooperative organizations towards a more globalized approach in cooperativism. These linkages and alliances will be needed as we move forward to the new or better normal, while maintaining our cooperative identity. Marrying the theme of the ICA congress – Deepening our Cooperative Identity – and the theme of the Cooperative Month – Tumugon sa mga Hamon, Daan sa Pagbangon, Nagbibigay Pag-asa sa Makabangong Panahon, only by remembering our roots can we continuously move forward to the future.

UCMP wishes all our fellow cooperators a happy and fruitful celebration of the Cooperative Month. This October, in recognizing and celebrating cooperativism, may these events allow us to revisit our identity: an autonomous association of persons, united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations[3]. As Sen. Migz Zubiri phrases it: “This is what our cooperatives embody-the Bayanihan Spirit”[4].

Contact Persons:

Ms. Lucy Furo (NCDC)

09952389886

Ms Celia Atienza (LCDOP)

09285081526

Dr. Gary Leonardo (PCC)

09178814279

Mr. Alex Raquepo (CNPL)

0919460 5322

[1] United Cooperative Movement of the Philippines is composed of the following Conveners, Philippine Cooperative Center (PCC) , National Cooperative Development Council (NCDC),  Liga ng mga Cooperative Development Officers ng Pilipinas (LCDOP) and the Coop Natcco Party List (CNPL)

[2] From Senator Zubiri’s privilege speech on the National Cooperative Month, dated September 29, 2021.

[3] From ICA’s definition of Cooperatives: https://www.ica.coop/en/cooperatives/cooperative-identity

[4] From Senator Zubiri’s privilege speech on the National Cooperative Month, dated September 29, 2021.