CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — About 3,000 cooperative members across the region took part in the 5th Kooplympics held at the Ben Z. Guiao Convention Center.
Cooperative Development Authority Regional Director Marieta Hwang said the 5th Kooplympics, which is one of the highlights of the celebration of the Cooperative Month in October, aims to unite and develop friendship among cooperative members.
For her part, Senator Cynthia Villar, who served as the guest of honor, enumerated initiatives that will continuously equip and empower farmers and cooperatives to ensure their progress and development.
“We have Republic Act 10848, otherwise known as the Act Extending the Period of Implementation of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund until 2022, which provides education and opportunities to farmers and fisher folks to innovate and boost competitiveness, Villar said.
She also cited the importance of providing government support to cooperatives in promoting agricultural-driven growth and entrepreneurial development, as well as promoting tax exemption for them under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act.
This year’s celebration carries the theme “Cooperatives: Partners for Building Resilient and Empowered Communities Towards a Better and Stronger Philippines.”