Vice Governor Rene Relampagos and the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bohol (SP) approved on its third and final reading, the proposed ordinance creating the Provincial Cooperatives Development Office (PCDO).
The creation of the said office is in compliance with the requirement under Republic Act No. 11535 for the mandatory creation of a PCDO.
The said proposed ordinance will likewise serve as the basis for the effective operation and implementation of the local cooperative development programs in the province.
The PCDO shall, among others, provide technical and other forms of assistance to duly registered cooperatives to enhance the cooperatives’ viability as an economic enterprise and social organization.
The PCDO shall also formulate measures for the consideration of the SP, and provide technical assistance and support to the governor in carrying out measures to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of basic services to cooperatives operating in the province.
According to Peter Ross Retutal, Provincial Budget Officer, there is already a budget allocation for the PCDO in the 2022 annual budget of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh).
Relampagos is optimistic that the new office will greatly strengthen cooperative movement and to encourage people to organize themselves and create cooperatives.
He believes that cooperatives can help improve the quality of life and economic standing of people in the province.