SP Declares October as Coop Month

By: Rafael C. Mosuela, GPC-SP

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The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of La Union approved on final reading, the declaration of the month of October of every year as the cooperative month in the Province of La Union and to enjoin all local government units to implement program of activities in celebration of the same.

Board Member (BM) Gerard G. Ostrea, principal author of the said ordinance, mentioned that the legislative measure is anchored in the provision of Republic Act 9520 - Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008, which provides for the creation and growth of cooperatives as a practical vehicle for promoting self-reliance and harnessing people power towards the attainment of economic development and social justice.

He emphasized that one way of doing so is to initiate programs and activities which may include, but not limited to Livelihood Training, Basic Community Tour Guiding, Gender Sensitivity Program, Seminars on Ownership, Credit Management and Risk Management, Search for Outstanding Cooperatives, Visitation of La Union Farm Tourism Sites and Successful Cooperatives.

The amount of Php 500,000.00 is hereby appropriated from the General Fund of the Province for C.Y. 2019 and every year thereafter for the expenses to be incurred and for the programs and activities to be implemented for its celebration.

BM Ostrea added that said ordinance would be of great help to the people of the province especially the poor, thus improving their quality of life. The Cooperative Month Celebration encourages public participation and awareness and understanding about cooperatives, its importance in nation building and contributions to sustainable economic development. Through these vital undertakings, the cooperative movement is strengthened and united.

Recognizing the important role of cooperatives in promoting inclusive growth, the Provincial Agriculture Office led the celebration of Cooperative Month at the PasaLUbong Center, City of San Fernando, La Union on October 22, 2019.