PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday highlighted anew the importance of amending the Cooperative Code of 2008 to “ensure a stronger and more dynamic cooperative sector” and to promote agricultural development in the country.
The President, during the National Cooperative Day celebration in Malacañang, also called on the country’s cooperative movement to start the consolidation process for local farmers cooperatives associations (FCAs), vowing government support in carrying out the effort.
Marcos, who had been advocating for a stronger cooperative movement in the country, said he had already mentioned in his previous State of the Nation address (SONA) the need to amend the Cooperative Code not just to promote a dynamic cooperative sector but also to promote the welfare and ensure assistance to more farmers and fisherfolk, especially to increase their production.
He said the proposed amendment to the Cooperative Code is part of the priority measures endorsed during the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).
“We will continue to work on this. But we have to work together, the government cannot do it by itself, cooperatives cannot do it by themselves. We really have to work together,” he said, adding that he envisions a movement, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the government working together.
The President said he had been promoting the amendment of the Cooperative Code even when he was still a senator and is well aware of what the cooperatives need to make it stronger and more applicable to the present time.
Marcos said he had been advocating for the establishment of cooperatives when he first entered politics, shortly after their family returned to the country and he had helped form cooperatives of teachers and farmers in his province of Ilocos Norte.
He said strong, well-funded, well-managed cooperatives will help the members such as farmers thrive.
Marcos again called for the consolidation process for local farmer cooperatives associations to form a bigger body, which can help make the farming process easier, lower the cost of production, and provide more and better yield.
He added one farmer may find it difficult to have his concerns heard but a cooperative made up of many farmers will have a stronger voice.
