PRESS RELEASE

COOPERATIVES: PIONEERING THE PATH TO RECOVERY AMIDST MODERN CHALLENGES OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND FOOD SECURITY

We have witnessed how climate change has significantly altered the natural and physical landscape in recent decades. Its consequences have particularly affected food production, especially in countries where agriculture remains the primary livelihood.

The aftermath of climate change has disrupted food security, leading to several painful consequences: extreme weather conditions causing both droughts and floods, a lack of effective solutions to mitigate crop yield challenges due to seasonal variations, rising food prices that can trigger socio-political instability, and an increase in crop and livestock pests and diseases, leading to potential epidemics due to malnutrition. Additionally, other biological disasters, such as wildfires, have emerged as concerns.

“ The worsening climate scenario is indeed alarming, yet it presents an opportunity for cooperatives to explore their potential contributions to addressing this pressing dilemma. ”[1]

Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge the invaluable efforts that the cooperative movement can make in addressing this challenge while simultaneously promoting the production of more nutritious foods and agricultural products. Many cooperatives engaged in agricultural activities, located in rural areas worldwide, have success stories in mitigating the after-effects of climate change.

Firstly, cooperatives are effective proponents of the concept of self-help through collaboration within their communities. Leveraging this concept, cooperatives strategically allocate their savings and capital to produce goods and services that benefit marginalized sectors, thus addressing the imbalances in food production caused by climate change.

Secondly, cooperatives have significantly contributed to poverty reduction and empowerment of their members, offering greater socio-economic opportunities. Beyond providing employment, cooperatives encourage members to think innovatively and explore ways to improve themselves and their communities through outreach programs.

Lastly, cooperatives, in their subtle yet confident manner, have set benchmarks for sustainable agricultural development. Their holistic approaches have demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of irregular climate conditions while promoting environmentally friendly practices.

Indeed, as we commemorate National Cooperatives Month, let us wholeheartedly applaud the efforts of our cooperators in reducing the impact of this global challenge, all while setting examples through pragmatic solutions.

In celebration of National Cooperative Month, the Philippine Cooperative Center, its members, and affiliates have lined up the following events:

• Credit Information Corporation (CIC) and Philippine Cooperative Center Webinar titled “Credit Registry and Cooperative Partnerships: Enhancing Cooperative Performance, Building Trust, and Resilience” (Online, October 6, 2023).

• Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives (NSCC) Chairpersons, CEOs, and Managers’ Congress (NSCC Plaza, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, October 9, 2023).

• Sectoral Apex Organization-Finance Cluster 2023 Congress, themed “Fostering Synergy: Integrating Financially Sustainable Cooperatives for Climate and Food Resilience” (Sequoia Hotel, Quezon City, October 10, 2023).

• Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) 70th Anniversary: “Advancing for Free Farming, Robust Economy, and Prosperous Lives for Every Filipino” (4th Floor, National Meat Inspection Service, NMIS Building, Visayas Avenue, Quezon City, October 25, 2023).

• Union of Metro Manila Cooperatives (UMMC), in partnership with One-Cooperative Federation (OCF), Regional Cooperative Development Council – NCR, and the Cooperative Development Authority-NCR, Metro Manila Cooperative Congress 2023 (Novotel, Cubao, Quezon City, October 28, 2023).

• Launching of the National Union of Cooperatives (Location: To Be Announced, October 30, 2023).

Contact persons:

Edwin A. Bustillos                                                                              Ray JP Santiago

09178017309                                                                                      09564490166

[1] Dr. Nanette Antequisa during the Philippine Cooperative Center’s Board of Directors and CEOs Dialogue