Heroes Hall, Malacañan Palace
October 16, 2023
“More than the celebration of Cooperative Month, which we annually observe every October, this event is also an opportunity to acknowledge the existing problems that hound our cooperative sector,” stated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as he announced the inclusion to amend the Cooperative Code of 2008 in the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) Common Legislative Agenda.
The President made these remarks as he led this year’s National Cooperative Day under the theme, ‘Cooperatives: Pioneering the Path to Recovery Amidst Modern Challenges of Climate Change and Food Security,’ at the Heroes Hall in Malacañan Palace.
A staunch advocate of the cooperative movement, the Chief Executive recounted his time as representative of the 2nd District of Ilocos Norte when he helped establish teachers’ cooperatives.
“We are hoping that the cooperative movement will organize the cooperatives… Para mabawasan natin ang presyo sa production, at mas magandang quality at mas magandang hanapbuhay ng mga farmers,” he said.
“Cooperative Movement is very closely related to agriculture because for the simple reason that we need to consolidate our farmers,” the President said, emphasizing the importance of consolidation to address the challenges in the agriculture sector and to boost local farmers’ production.
“’Yan ang hinihiling ko sa mga cooperative movement, na simulan na natin ang proseso ng pag-consolidate sa ating mga farmers association, ng ating mga cooperatives, lahat ‘yan para mapunta tayo sa kalagayan na malalaki na ang ating pinoprocess, ang ating tinataniman na lupa,” the President urged.
Speaking before the cooperative leaders convening for the event, President Marcos Jr. also assured them of the government’s unwavering commitment to address their needs, emphasizing that the proposed amendments will remedy and improve the current situations.
“Asahan ninyo na nauunawan ng Pangulo ninyo, ng buong pamahalaan kung gaano kahalaga ang trabaho ng buong cooperative movement. Kaya’t kailangan talaga na kapit-bisig tayo dito dahil malaking trabaho ito,” he added.
“I look forward to your continued partnership and even heightened participation in executing these programs, including those that concern food, transportation, financial literacy and social services,” he concluded in his message.
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