Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and Vice Mayor Robert "Dodot" Jaworski Jr. expressed their support for the city's cooperatives as it kicked off celebrations for the "Cooperatives Month."
In a speech on Monday, Oct. 2, Sotto lauded the multi-purpose cooperatives of Pasig as "successful, active, and efficient," saying they have significantly contributed to the city's economy.
"Ang kooperatiba ay isang partner ng pamahalaan para sa growth and development, sa lalo pang ikauunlad ng ating lungsod (The cooperative is a partner of the local government for growth, development, and further progress of the city)," said Sotto.
He reminded the cooperative officials to remain steadfast in serving the public and continue the projects of previous cooperatives.
Previously, Sotto urged cooperatives to prioritize transparency and financial accountability after a meeting with the Pasig City Employees Multipurpose Cooperative (PCEMPC).
"Habang dumadami ang miyembro ninyo, habang lumalaki ang co-op ninyo, at lumalago din ang mga negosyo at aktibidades ninyo, uunlad din ang buhay ng bawat Pasigueño (While your members multiply, your co-op gets bigger, and your businesses and activities grow, the lives of each Pasigueño will also improve)," the mayor added.
On behalf of the 11th City Council, Jaworski voiced their commitment to strengthen and multiply the cooperatives in the city.
"Ang kooperatiba ay ang original na public-private partnership (The cooperative is the original public-private partnership)," he said.
Noting how around 90 percent of cooperatives tend to fail, the vice mayor emphasized the importance of discipline and responsible citizenship among members of successful cooperatives.
"Nawa'y kayo'y maging ehemplo sa ating mga kababayan sa lungsod, dumami pa sana ang inyong miyembro. Nandito lang po ang City Council para tulungan ang bawat isang kooperatiba (We hope you will become examples to our citizens, and your membership will increase. The City Council is here to help each cooperative)," added Jaworski.
The local government opened "Cooperatives Month" with a trade fair at the City Hall Quadrangle. The fair featured food, garments, crafts, and other products made and sold by members of the cooperatives.