Bulacan eyes Cooperative Capital of the Philippines title

CITY OF MALOLOS – Known for having the most number of registered cooperatives, Bulacan is vying to be the Cooperative Capital of the Philippines officially.

This objective was highlighted during the Cooperative Parade and Opening Program of the Cooperative Month celebration in the province with the theme “Kilusang Kooperatiba: BUong LAkas sa KAunlaran ng PamayanaN” held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium here, Thursday morning.

Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said that since Bulacan has already been recognized as the cooperative capital, having 393 active and compliant cooperatives, it is time to make it official and to acknowledge its contribution in the betterment of the country.

“Mahalagang bigyan ng ibayong pansin at suporta ng pamahalaan ang pag-aangat at pagpapalakas ng kalagayan ng mga kooperatiba upang ganap silang maging kabahagi ng estado sa pagtataguyod hindi lamang ng ekonomiya, bagkus ay ng mahahalagang gawaing panlipunan,” Alvarado said.

Meanwhile, in her message delivered by her Chief of Staff Atty. Regie Tamaña, Senator Cynthia Villar said that cooperatives are truly the government’s arm that can help in alleviating poverty.
“Ako po ay nakiisa upang ipaglaban at i-retain ang tax exemption ng mga kooperatiba under the new tax reform law upang mas lumago at mas marami ang makinabang,” Villar said.

As a show of support, Cong. Jose Antonio “Kuya Jonathan” R. Sy-Alvarado of the First District of Bulacan announced that he will file a bill next week that pushes to make the province of Bulacan the “Cooperative Capital” of the country.

Also, Cooperative Development Authority Regional Director Marietta Hwang encouraged the cooperatives in Bulacan to write a resolution recommending the province worthy of the said title as support to Cong. Alvarado’s bill.

The celebration started with the parade of cooperatives from the Bulacan Sports Complex in Sta. Isabel and ended at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium with raffle draws and a short program.
Municipalities of Pandi and San Ildefonso and City of Malolos were awarded the biggest delegations and took home plaques and cash incentives amounting to P20,000 each.