Bataan cooperatives did it again!

CITY of BALANGA, Bataan – To conclude the celebration of the 100 Years of Philippine Cooperatives which started in 1915 when Act 2508 or the Rural Credit Cooperation Law was signed, mandating the organization of rural associations, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the Philippine Cooperative Centennial Committee held the Culmination Rites of the Philippine Centennial Year and the Philippine Cooperative Expo at the Philippine Trade Training Center, Roxas Blvd in Metro Manila last October 20-23. Theme of the celebration is “Isandaang Taong Pagpupugay, Tulay sa Maunlad na Buhay”.

Among the relevant plenary topics discussed by well-known speakers during the 4-day event are: Climate change and the vital roles of cooperatives; Lumad empowerment; Challenges of cooperatives in the next century; Risk management of labor service cooperatives; Product designing; Orientation on product standards and regulations. Simultaneously, products produced by the cooperatives themselves were showcased for marketing and partnership opportunities.

The highlight of the celebration was the Gawad Parangal Awarding Ceremony held in the evening of October 23 where the Province of Bataan once again got the Most Outstanding Cooperative Development Council Award, second to the province of Isabela.

A consistent winner is the Watchlife Multipurpose Cooperative based in Mariveles headed by its Chairperson, Ms. Ofelia Hipolito.

In line with the Province’s vision of becoming the preferred location for eco-industrial investments leading to the highest human development index in the country by 2020, the Provincial Cooperatives and Enterprise Development Office (PCEDO) is committed to support initiatives that will contribute to the attainment of said vision.

Mandated to promote and accelerate the growth and development of economically competitive and socially responsive cooperatives in the province, as of December 31, 2014 the Coop Sector of Bataan boasts of 24,624 members; Php 1.3 B assets; Php 1.5 B combined volume of business and capitalization and savings of Php 890 M.

Indeed, Bataan cooperatives are major contributors to the attainment of our vision.