CITY OF MALOLOS — Bulacan Gov. Daniel R. Fernando underscored the crucial role of cooperatives in driving inclusive economic growth, saying development must translate into concrete opportunities and improved livelihoods for workers, small entrepreneurs and families in rural communities.
Fernando emphasized that cooperatives can serve as a vital engine of grassroots development by empowering communities, strengthening local enterprises and ensuring that the gains of economic progress reach ordinary Bulakenyos.
Speaking during the Cooperative Parade and Kick-Off Ceremony held on Saturday (October 3), at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasiumthe governor stressed that cooperatives serve as a foundational pillar in nation-building by turning small-scale enterprise into sustainable livelihood.
“Sa lalawigan ng Bulacan, ipinagmamalaki po natin na isinusulong ang people-centered economy, isang ekonomiyang hindi lamang malalaking negosyo ang umuunlad, kundi maging ang maliliit na tindahan sa kanto, ang kooperatibang binubuo ng mga manggagawa at mga magsasaka at mangingisda, dahil ang pag-unlad ay hindi lang dapat nakikita sa malalaking gusali, malalaking puhunan o malalaking negosyo, nakikita rin ito sa tindahang nakapagpatuloy, sa magsasakang may magandang kita, sa pamilyang nagkaroon ng sariling kabuhayan at sa kooperatibang unti unting lumalakas,” Fernando said.
Organized by the Provincial Government of Bulacan through the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (PCEDO), the celebration brought together thousands of cooperative members, officers, and local stakeholders. The event marked the official start of Cooperative and Enterprise Month in the province under the theme “Sustaining inclusive growth thru cooperative empowerment.”
“Kooperatiba ang nagsasalba sa kahirapan. Kooperatiba ang nagsasalba sa maliliit na negosyante, para sa mga nagsisimula pa lamang, para sa mga pamilya na naghahanap ng dagdag na kita, isang kilusang patuloy na nagpapa angat ng ating ekonomiya, nagbibigay ng pag asa sa mga pamilya, nagbubukas ng mas maraming oportunidad para sa bawat Bulakenyo,” the governor added.
The day began with a lively parade from the City of Malolos Amphitheater to the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, demonstrating the province-wide solidarity of the movement.
Distinguished leaders joined the event to express their support for the sector, including Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro, Coop NATCCO Partylist Congressman Felimon M. Espares, Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Chairperson Usec. Alexander B. Raquepo, CDA Regional Director Marieta P. Hwang, and former Governor Roberto “Obet” Pagdanganan, the “Father of Modern Philippine Cooperativism”.
Delivering a member-centric keynote message, Congressman Espares reminded stakeholders to keep their core mission at the forefront as they grow.
“Habang lumalakas ang ating kooperatiba, dapat din natin tignan bakit tayo nag-kooperatiba, ang sentro ng lahat ng ginagawa natin is for our members, their welfare, their voice and their future. We would like to remind everybody to renew our shared commitment, let us create more opportunities for our members, working together for a more progressive community,” Espares shared.
Meanhwile, CDA Regional Director Hwang pointed out that cooperatives touch lives well beyond basic commerce.
“Ang cooperative month ay panahon upang kilalanin ang mahalagang ambag ng mga kooperatiba, ito ay hindi lamang tungkol sa negosyo, ito ay tungkol sa tao, sa kanilang kabuhayan, pamilya, pangarap at kinabukasan,” Hwang noted.
CDA Chairperson Raquepo echoed this sentiment, pointing out how the system grants financial accessibility to those who need it most.
“Dito lang sa koop binibigyan natin ng oportunidad ang maliliit, dito lang sa koop binibigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang mga walang wala, dito lang sa koop pinapautang natin ang mga walang maikolateral, pagpapatunay na ang kooperatiba ay talagang isang matatakbuhan at maaasahang organisasyon,” Raquepo stated.
Furthermore, Pagdanganan outlined the long-term economic vision for Bulacan, underscoring how empowering cooperatives helps secure a balanced, resilient society.
“Ang Bulacan ay isang dakilang lalawigan na progresibo kung saan malakas ang gitnang uri at lahat ng mamamayan ang may pantay pantay na pag-abot sa oportunidad at resources. To achieve our vision, with strategy that can increase family incomes and improve the quality of life of our people,” the former governor said.
Adding a forward-looking step to the province-wide gathering, the event featured the official launch of the GoLab Koop Onboard Program, an initiative designed to modernize cooperative operations and streamline development across Bulacan. (UnliNews Online)
