PCCCC Chairperson attends the National Cooperative Month Meeting

Last October 1, 2020, a meeting was hosted by the Cooperative Development Authority to declare the National Cooperative Month open. This was first observed last 2004 when then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo made it official by signing it on October 29, 2003. This year’s theme is Cooperative: Amidst the Pandemic, Stand for Resiliency, Strive for Sustainability. Carl Duenas and Diosdado Luna from the Cooperative Development Authority were the Zoom Meeting Host and the Master of Ceremonies respectively. The event kicked of at exactly 9:45am with the cooperative pledge led by ASec Virgilio Lazaga.

Mr. Rey Elevazo then made his opening remarks. He explained this year’s theme. Keynote on his speech was inspire the cooperative members around the country when he stated that the cooperative sector shall be resilient and must strive for sustainability as the sector has provided a lot for the government, its people and all the members of the society, especially the needy. He also stressed the importance of the advocacy of “Cooperativism”

Mr. Orlando Navalera addressed those present with his welcome remarks. He too emphasized on the theme and urged everyone to be strong as we can ride down the wave of this pandemic and the cooperative sector is in the forefront of this. He pointed out cooperatives giving aid both to the government and its people. He encouraged all members to make non-members believe in this cause through mass recruitment, this is to help those during this trying times

Next was the inspirational message from Ariel Guarco, an Argentinian and is the President of the International Cooperative Alliance. He mentioned in his speech the beauty of the Philippines and the indomitable spirit of its people. He stressed on the growth of the cooperative in the Philippines as the country has the biggest potential to be one of the major players in the cooperative sector worldwide.

Martin Andanar, Secretary to the President was supposed to give his message of solidarity. However, due to technical difficulties, he was unable to deliver.

NATCCO Party List representative Congressman Sabiano “Ben” Canama then gave his speech. He too touched on the fact that the Filipino people are the epitome of the indomitable spirit and the cooperative is second to that list. He mentioned the fact that there are only a number of cooperatives who were inoperable and only a small amount closed unlike other business during this pandemic. He encouraged the spirit of brotherhood and “cooperativism” and implored macro-cooperatives to serve as a big brother to the medium and micro members of the sector.

Congressman Rico Geron, also a NATCCO representative was next in line to give his talk. He emphasized on equity and social justice while requesting government officials to give support to cooperatives for stability. He expressed that should all sectors of the government alongside the cooperative sector join the fight for social justice, we can achieve equity regardless of the corruption that is rampant in the government. He told all those in attendance to be a proud member of the cooperative sector as it is the most self-sustaining even when the government gives little to no credit to it.

Senator Miguel Zubiri then delivered his own address to the members present during the zoom meeting. He was the proponent of the House Bill 1807. He acknowledged the contribution of the cooperative sector to the society. He is also proud of the persistence of the said sector and is happy that the members of said sector are helping the government during this time of crisis and is prouder that the members of cooperatives are helping themselves by running their own business. He is glad that the Macrocoops and even the microcoops are all striving hard to make sure that the cooperative sector is giving all the help it can to the Filipino people. He stated that he will always and forever will be, an ally of the cooperative sector.

Atty. Gloria Futalan of the PFCCO also indulged the people with her talk. She stressed on the cooperative’s strength and the sector being the pillar of the masses. Swore that her federation will be a big brother to all cooperatives under their wing.

Divina Quemi of the Department of Tourism declared the cooperative month open. Mr. Luna then introduced the official Facebook page and Youtube channel of the United Coop Movement Philippines. Carl Duenas then flashed on the screen the tentative schedule of activities for the month.

After the meeting, Mr. Nodado then coordinated with Mr. Sedigo for the possible activities the PCCCC can enlist. Mr. Sedigo will update via email.

Special Guests at the event included the following: Asec Virgilio Lazaga of the Cooperative Development Authority

Rey Elevazo Executive Director Cooperative Development Authority

Senator Miguel Zubiri Senator Christopher Lawrence Go

Orlando Navalera, CSEE, Cooperative Development Authority

Ariel Guarco, Argentina, President of International Cooperative Alliance

Secretary Martin Andanar, Presidential Communications Office

Congressman Sabiano Canama, NATCCO Party List

Congressman Rico Geron, NATCCO Party List

Atty. Gloria Futalan, PFCCO President

Divina C. Quemi, Department of Tourism and CEO of Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives PCCCC Member/s in attendance:

Jay Francis Oliver Nodado, PFCCO