NATCCO Network Joins Global CoopsDay 2025 Celebration

Cooperators all over the country spent Saturday morning on July 5 and joined millions of cooperators worldwide to celebrate the International Day Cooperatives through an online meeting, highlighting the theme: “Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World”.

Celebrating the International Day of Cooperatives (CoopsDay) focuses on what can be achieved through the power of cooperation. CoopsDay is an opportunity to raise awareness about cooperatives’ role in delivering evidence-based, people-centered solutions. This year’s CoopsDay is a special celebration due to 2025 being the second United Nations International Year of Cooperatives.

Cooperatives are active in every sector of the economy, including agriculture, finance, retail, housing, healthcare, education, energy, industry and services. They employ 10% of the world’s population, providing decent employment and advancing social justice, economic democracy, and ecological sustainability.

Their track record of promoting the economic and social development of all people, including marginalised groups, was recognised in the 2023 UN Secretary-General Report on Cooperatives in Social Development. In his message at the occasion of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 launch, the Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted how “cooperatives are driving development across communities large and small, fighting poverty and social inclusion, strengthening food security, helping local entrepreneurs across international markets. Your united efforts are essential as our world confronts complex challenges and strives to achieve the sustainable development goals”.

ICA President Ariel Guarco said the day is one of the most important moments since the global movement began celebrating the International Day of Cooperatives over a century ago.

“Now is the time to strengthen that impact and expand the reach of our actions—actions rooted in the principles and values that unite us and guide our daily work toward the common good. Thanks to this identity, we remain strong around the world. And at the same time, we’re able to express cooperative principles in every region, culture, and country, adapting our values to each community’s development strategy. In this way, we offer local solutions to global challenges—and we can truly live out our motto: that cooperatives build a better world,” he added.

Nicolas Valentin, Board Vice Chairperson welcomed the more than 300 participants from all over the country: “Today we join millions of cooperators all over the world in celebrating the power of cooperating, democracy and shared prosperity.  This year’s theme “Driving inclusive and sustainable solutions for a better world” captures not just our noble aspirations, but also  defines the very essence of cooperatives.  What truly defines our success is the transformation we bring in the lives of our members.”

He added: “Inclusion has always been at the heart of cooperativism.  From the start, we have been about people helping people, regardless of their status or circumstances.  As cooperatives, we exist not for profit alone, but to uplift the lives of the marginalized – the farmers and fisherfolk, women and small entrepreneurs, youth, transport workers, and professionals . . . many of whom have been excluded from exclusive economic systems.”

Leni San Roque, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (AACCU) inspired co-op leaders: “We, the credit union movement rise, not just in celebration, but in conviction.  This moment calls for more than words.  It calls for hearts committed to service and leadership rooted in purpose.  Cooperatives exist to uplift lives, but that impact only reaches its full impact when our boards, committees carry a fire within.  A genuine desire to help.  A deep belief in the dignity of each member.  This is the power behind inclusive loan, every shared risk, every training, every decision made in the Board room and beyond.  Serve with heart.  Let every decision reflect care.”

International Cooperative Alliance in Asia-Pacific Executive Director Balasubramanian Iyer said: “I am delighted to join you in celebrating the 31st International Day of Cooperatives.  2025 is special because it was declared an International Year of Cooperatives by the United Nations.  As the world faces economic and political uncertainties, climate risks, and inequalities, cooperatives offer a proven people-centered model that puts communities first.  Cooperatives are showing that development can be democratic, inclusive, and rooted in solidarity.”

Mr. Iyer cited cooperatives in India, Philippines and Japan responding to this call.

International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) President Ariel Guarco said: “This is an exceptional opportunity to enhance the impact and leadership of cooperatives in every country, in every region, and on a global scale.  We are called to amplify the message that we are building a better world, and now is the time to show the results of our efforts.  Let’s invite public and private actors across the social and economic spectrum to join us in putting cooperative values and principles into action.  In a world facing serious economic, social, environmental and cultural challenges, it is time to join forces in a cooperative framework to build a sustainable, democratic and peaceful future.”

Launched at the celebration was the new podcast of NATCCO Network entitled “Boses ng Kooperatiba: Malakas!”

Three co-op leaders showcased their respective cooperatives and their personal experiences as co-op managers: Joel Joson of NEC Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Quezon City, Roselle Valencia of Valenzuela Development Cooperative, and Maureen Astorga of Excellent Peoples’ Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Taguig City.