La Trinidad strengthens business enterprise with local coop code

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Business opportunities in this capital town got a boost with the recent passage of a local Cooperative Development Code  (Ord. No 5-2021).
The main purpose of this ordinance, with its principal author, Councilor Francis Lee, Committee Chairman  on Cooperative, POs and NGOs, “is to give opportunity for all cooperative movements in the municipality to reflect on their shared principles and encourages public participation, awareness and understanding about the value and spirit of belonging to a cooperative as it promotes its importance to nation building and its vital role in contributing sustainable economic development.
The local code has  identified 21 types of cooperatives as defined in RA 9520 which include: credit, consumers, producers, marketing, service, multi-purpose, cooperative bank, education, electric, water, housing, insurance, transport, and  workers, among others.
A Municipal Cooperative Development Council (MCDC) has also established ,creating   its own staff, and  funds provided.
The council  shall perform the following functions—to coordinate, harmonize and monitor the implementation of various cooperative development plans, programs and projects, and to formulate implementing guidelines, among others.
The local coop code, co-authored by Vice Mayor Roderick Awingan and 10 other municipal councilors that include – Nestor Fongwan,Jr, Jayson Dangwa, Renato Tereng, Guiller Galwan,John Botiwey, Arthur Shontogan, Teddy Walang, Pendon Thomson, Charles Canuto and Apolinario Bagano, Jr., declared that 1st Friday of October shall be declared as La Trinidad  Cooperative Day.
A “Gawad Parangal “ Awards is also set to recognize cooperatives, cooperative officers and leaders for their exemplary performance; to search for model cooperatives best practices and good governance.
Actually, the local measure  follows   Republic Act No. 9520,otherwise known as the “Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008,” provides that the Government and all its branches, subdivisions, instrumentalities and agencies shall ensure the provision of guidance, financial assistance and other services to enable said cooperatives to develop into viable and responsive economic enterprise.
Under Section 34 of the Local Government Code of 1991 has mandated LGUs to promote the establishment and operation of People’s Organizations (POs) and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) to become active partners in the pursuit of Local autonomy.”
Likewise, Republic Act No. 11535, also known as “Act making the position of a cooperative development officer mandatory in the municipal, city and provincial levels.”
Primo Agatep(ABN)
Amianan Balita Ngayon