Cooperatives, solution to poverty

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – One way of fighting poverty is through the efforts of the cooperatives in the community.

This was emphasized by Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Administrator Eulogio Castillo in his message during the Bataan Cooperatives and Entrepreneurs’ Night held at the Plaza Mayor de Balanga.

Castillo commended Bataan for dedicating a night for cooperatives and entrepreneurs in line with the celebration of the Philippine Veterans Week and the 76th Araw ng Kagitingan.

“We will now use the cooperative as a weapon in the pursuit of fighting poverty and unemployment,” he said.

According to Castillo, the country is now facing food security and employment crisis which cooperatives can address.

“In our Constitution, it orders us to use cooperative as an instrument to solve social justice and economic development of our country,” the official added.

Meanwhile, CDA Regional Director Marieta Hwang extolled about 500 businesspeople and cooperative members comparing them to Filipino heroes.

“I would like to greet all members of the cooperatives because aside from our heroes, members of the cooperatives are truly valiant Filipinos as well,” Hwang said.

The activity was organized by the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office in partnership with the Provincial Tourism Office.

Other activities in Bataan for Kagitingan 2018 include Galing Bataan Trade Fair, History Quiz, Parangal sa mga Beterano, Senior Citizens’ Night, Bataan Freedom Run, Foot Parade, Military Band, Parade of Floats, and Koro Bangkal Magbikin Concert.

Contributed by Mar Jay S. Delas Alas, PIA-Bataan