Allow me to continue on the role of different stakeholders in the promotion, organization and development of cooperatives. The current challenge is how to harness existing opportunities for all stakeholders to unite and advance the aim of reducing inequities the cooperative way.
I am glad that some local government units are responsive to the call and embraced the provisions of RA 9520 and the Local Government Code. Some municipal and provincial governments in CAR created cooperative permanent and job order plantilla positions. Add to this is the allocation of funds that support cooperative undertakings. As a manifestation of the established partnerships of local government units with cooperatives in community development, some have institutionalized the recognition patterned after the CDA Gawad Parangal.
Last November 12, 2019, I was privileged to attend the La Trinidad Gawad Parangal Program that recognized cooperatives and cooperative leaders courtesy of the Regional Director who tasked me to represent him. Unique practice during the La Trinidad Gawad Parangal is the grant of plaques of appreciation together with cash incentives and the highest was P10,000.00 per awardee. In his message, Mayor Romeo K. Salda insinuated to increase the cash incentives to attract more cooperatives to join the search for outstanding leaders and cooperatives.
In the Province of Kalinga, I learned from Ms. Arlene B. Oyando, Kalinga Provincial Cooperative Officer that since 2018 the Provincial Government had institutionalized awarding of various categories of cooperatives with the highest cash incentive of P 25,000.00 per awardee. Special performances of assisted cooperatives are also recognized. Tabuk City also recognized micro and small cooperatives operating within the component City.
Other local government units in the region sponsor free seminars, cooperative congresses and budget to help advance cooperatives. In some instances, they invite CDA personnel as resource persons during the sponsored training or activities.
The critical part of local government units in promoting cooperatives as vehicles in sustaining development is their recognition that cooperatives are peoples’ organization or civil societies that influence communities. Commendation is due to all local government units that assimilated the significance of cooperatives. The issuance of accreditation by respective Sangguniang Bayan/Panglungsod and Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the grant of privileges as part of their compliance to the provisions of the Local Government Code and RA 9520 manifests healthy relationships.
Moreover, recent information reached us on the conduct of strategic planning and inclusion of plans and programs as integral part of the municipal and provincial development plans and investment plans of some LGUs. How I wish all local government units in CAR appoint or designate cooperative officers that looks into the plight of registered cooperatives operating in their jurisdiction.
