The Provincial Government of Bohol, in partnership with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the Philippine Cooperative Development Council (PCDC), concluded the Philippine Cooperative Month with a program held at the Bohol Cultural Center on October 27, 2023.
The event, which was attended by more than 500 cooperative leaders and members from various sectors, featured the theme “Cooperatives: Building Climate Resilient Communities”.
Gov. Aris Aumentado, the guest of honor and speaker, lauded the cooperatives for their resilience and contribution to the economic and social development of Bohol, especially amid the pandemic and the natural disasters that hit the province.
He also urged them to align their vision and mission with the Strategic Change Agenda, a framework that aims to transform the cooperative movement into a globally competitive and sustainable sector that promotes inclusive growth and poverty alleviation.
Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who graced the event, expressed his support and appreciation to the cooperatives for their role in nation-building and peace and order. He also assured them of his legislative agenda that will benefit the sector, such as the amendment of the Cooperative Code and the creation of a Cooperative Development Fund.
Other guests who delivered their messages were CDA Regional Director Cristina Villamil, Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite, PCDC Chairperson and Board Member Lucille Lagunay, and former Usec. Art Evangelista.
The program also included an orientation of unions, which are federations of cooperatives that provide services and advocacy to their members, and a presentation of the programs and projects of various national government agencies that cater to the needs and interests of the cooperatives.
The Philippine Cooperative Month, which is celebrated every October, is a nationwide observance that aims to recognize and promote the role and achievements of cooperatives in the economic and social development of the country.