The House of Representatives led by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco joined the celebration of the 2021 National Cooperative Month, through a program dubbed “Punyagi at Tagumpay sa Gitna ng Pandemya”.
The event organized by the House Committee on Cooperatives Development chaired by Rep. Presley de Jesus (Party-list, PHILRECA) formed part of the activities of the House in celebrating its own “2021 House of Representatives Month: Kayang-kaya sa Gitna ng Pandemya.”
The Cooperative Development Authority and the cooperative sector also joined in the celebration.
In his welcome remarks, de Jesus highlighted that Velasco is an “active and ardent supporter” of the cooperative movement.
“Ang puso niya at isip niya para sa cooperatives natin.”
“He called me up a while ago para pasalamatan kayong lahat. Alam naman ninyo si Speaker always busy dahil sa ating budget. Pero lagi niyang sinasabi, kanina sinabi niya, ang puso niya at isip niya para sa cooperatives natin,” the lawmaker said.
Likewise, in his remarks before the program ended, the legislator assured that he and the Speaker will see to it that all bills for the betterment of cooperatives would be passed in the House.
Meanwhile, in his solidarity message, Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri, chairman of the Senate Committee on Cooperatives, described as fitting the theme of the program “Punyagi at Tagumpay sa Gitna ng Pandemya”.
“The goal of cooperatives ay ang makabigay tulong at serbisyo sa mga Pilipino.”
“Ang dami pong naging success ng ating coop sector despite the challenges of this pandemic. The goal of cooperatives ay ang makabigay tulong at serbisyo sa mga Pilipino,” Zubiri stressed.
For his part, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said that in the spirit of solidarity, the DILG recommits to encourage LGUs, including local cooperatives, to work closely with the House Committee on Cooperatives Development in alleviating poverty and creating opportunities.
“Together, let us advance our cooperative sector and the government’s cause towards sustainable and inclusive growth,” Año said.
Members of the Committee on Cooperatives Development, other government officials, as well as leaders of cooperatives, also gave their solidarity messages.
A digital walk-through capped the program, which showcased a collection of photos and videos of cooperatives across the country and their activities with allied agencies, government financial institutions and other cooperators.
Committee on Cooperative Development Secretary Atty. Ma. Elvira Ursal and Secretariat Staff Marc Lawrence Monterde hosted the event.
