Co-op stakeholders from all over the Philippines and abroad welcomed the idea of the different types of co-operatives discussing how they can integrate their businesses to improve the people’s lives.

At the first ever National Cooperative Business Congress (NCBC), 400 co-op leaders from all over the country were in attendance, with more attending online.  

The theme of the NCBC was Cooperative Enterprises: Catalysts for Socio-Economic Development.  

Ariel Guarco, president of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) told the co-op leaders: “We must put the capital accumulated goes into development. This means that when we integrate our businesses, we can overcome and have overcome all kinds of difficulties that arise in the history of the world.  I am confident that the co-op movement in the Philippines is ready to face challenges. Strengthening the co-operative business model will solve the demands in your country.”

Balu Iyer, Executive Director of the International Cooperative Alliance for Asia & Pacific (ICA-AP) said: "The war between Russia and Ukraine is raising prices of commodities and affecting food security. There is rapid inflation as central banks raise interest rates. These highlight the importance of our cooperative values as against market-oriented models that feature low levels of social capital.  We must pay attention to the supply chain. We must adopt new technologies through cooperation among cooperatives. We must recruit young people. We must continue the cooperative value of solidarity!”

House Cooperative Development Committee Chairperson and AGAP Partylist Representative Nicanor M. Briones said: “I urge you to reflect the essence of “Bayanihan” (co-operation) in our country.  I am your partner in the advancement of cooperatives.”

Co-op Sector Representative to the National Anti-Poverty Commission Sofronio V. Talisic, said: “Many decades have passed, the cooperative movement in our country is still in turmoil on how to become one.  We have been dreaming this for so long so that we fulfill our Vision as what our Cooperative pledge emphasizes.  I have made my stand to support the Philippine Cooperative Center in leading this business congress.”

Celia Atienza, President of the League of Cooperative Development Officers, said: “The NCBC is a fitting event for our cooperatives to continuously expose themselves to experiences and best practices of other cooperative enterprises (and) ignite the purpose of existence of every single cooperative, which is to contribute and play a significant role in the socio-economic development of the community and the nation in general.”

Lucy G. Furo, Chairperson of the National Cooperative Development Council said: “This event brings together key and top financial pillar cooperatives and leaders to carefully think about and make a decision on how equity and fairness in a co-operative’s economic activity can be strengthened especially in times of crisis being in the frontline.”

“Cooperatives contribute to rapid economic growth because of the power of cooperatives to mobilize savings and capital which can serve as inputs in the production of goods and services of the less privileged members of the nation.  Co-ops generate employment, boost food production, empower the marginalized, especially women, and promote social cohesion and integration, thereby improving livelihoods and reducing poverty,” she added.

Divine C. Quemi, Chairperson of the Philippine Cooperative Center and Chief Executive Officer of the highly successful Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives in the Ilocos Region, said: “Co-operatives transform lives, communities and enterprises.  The Co-op system is a successful marriage between enterprise and social responsibility, welfare, and justice.  Unlike other business entities, cooperative-run entities generate greater socio-economic wealth and benefits for everyone.”

Dr. Quemi has also served as NATCCO Chairperson.

Elizabeth N. Lopez de Leon, Assistant Secretary for Community Participation in the Dept. of Interior and Local Governments said: “It is laudable that the Philippine Cooperative Center (PCC) recognizes the need to encourage the establishment of cooperative enterprises, especially in the rural communities.  Cooperatives change and rehabilitate the jaded financial and social system.  This two-day Congress is a concrete step towards achieving that by bringing together key and top financial pillar cooperatives and their leaders to present and discuss their programs and practices that could help alleviate or solve the crises the country is facing.”

The event was held in the newly-constructed NOVADECI Convention Center.