Publisher’s Note
Cooperativism: a wake up call for other sectors
C
ooperatives have done their part in transforming the dismal
conditions of poverty into possibilities for reforms and economic
growth opportunities, the improvement of incomes and uplifting
the well-being among its stakeholders. Aside from these plus
points, cooperatives have also proven their mettle in social
responsibility, extending their helping hands and hearts to assist
in improving the lives of marginalized sectors like minorities
and PWDs, as well as communities in which they serve. Yes, they even do their
part in helping reduce the effects of climate change.
The Philippines alone has 14 million members of cooperatives, and this
continues to grow. The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) closely
coordinates with the private entity the Philippine Cooperative Centre (PCC)
which is the apex organization of the movement in helping advocate cooper-
ativism as a pragmatic and holistic approach to combat poverty while instilling
the concept of social entrepreneurship at the same time. With the hosting of
the ASEAN Cooperative Development Meet last September 6 and 7 at the Pan
Pacific Hotel Manila, such event levels up the role of Philippine cooperatives in
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations while helping
tap its very good growth prospects in a strong, unified market like ASEAN.
So much have been said about the virtues of cooperatives in transforming
lives and societies. The growth of the movement in the Philippines as well
as the ASEAN Coop Development Meet can truly be a wake-up call for other
sectors such as seafarers and OFWs to consider cooperativism as their means
to transform themselves and their loved ones from a life of uncertainties into a
future with great growth opportunities.
In a world where socio-economic reforms are abundant, the spirit of
cooperativism will redefine the concept of 'Owning Among Stakeholders Is
The New Sharing For Everyone' into greater heights.
PHILIP O. ORTALEZA
Related Stories . . .
56th PAFT Convention, a great opportunity to highlight role of cooperatives . . . pp 62
Cooperatives’ contributions to PHL lauded at ASEAN Dev’t Meet . . .pp 64
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