The Philippines officially launched the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025 last Friday, January 31, 2025, at Quezon City Memorial Circle, drawing over 5,000 cooperative leaders from across the country.
Spearheaded by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the National Alliance of Cooperatives (NAC), the event celebrated the crucial role of cooperatives in promoting economic development, social inclusion, and community resilience.
With the theme "Cooperatives Build a Better World," the launch emphasized the cooperative movement's contribution to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event commenced with a parade featuring cooperatives from various regions, symbolizing unity and strength within the sector.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, in her keynote speech, highlighted the importance of cooperatives in fostering an inclusive society and outlined the city's initiatives to support their growth.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through a video message, lauded the cooperative sector as an essential partner in the nation's pursuit of sustainable progress.
Representatives from the legislative sector, including COOP-NATCCO Party-list Representative Felimon Espares and AGAP Party-list Representative Nicanor "Nikki" Briones, stressed the cooperatives' pivotal role in delivering essential services and strengthening the national economy.
One of the program's key highlights was the signing of a solidarity statement by cooperative leaders, symbolizing their collective commitment to advancing the sector.
This was followed by a solidarity chain, where participants held hands to signify unity.
CDA OIC Asec. Myrla Paradillo and Administrator Santiago Lim emphasized that cooperatives exemplify people-centered development and reaffirmed the CDA's commitment to providing resources, policy support, and opportunities for cooperatives to thrive in a dynamic environment.
NAC President Ret. Major General Gilbert Llanto described the event as a call to action beyond mere celebration.
He underscored the theme as a reaffirmation of cooperatives' commitment to building strong communities, achieving shared prosperity, and fostering collaboration.
Llanto highlighted that cooperatives are not merely business enterprises but vital support systems for Filipino families, empowering individuals through access to resources, employment, and economic independence.
Llanto elaborated on the six cooperative clusters contributing to the country’s development, stating that finance cooperatives promote financial inclusion and resilience, while agricultural cooperatives ensure food security and empower farmers.
He noted that consumer, producer, logistics, and marketing cooperatives support local industries and fair trade, while human services cooperatives improve healthcare, housing, and workers' rights.
Public utilities cooperatives advocate for renewable energy and transportation innovation, while education and advocacy cooperatives promote cooperative identity and leadership development.
He further emphasized that development must be inclusive and people-centric, creating economic opportunities, fair wages, and pathways out of poverty.
Llanto called for stronger collaboration between cooperatives, the government, private institutions, and global organizations to accelerate cooperative-led solutions to global challenges.
The International Year of Cooperatives 2025 marks a significant milestone for the cooperative sector in the Philippines.
Through continued unity and cooperation, the vision of a more prosperous and humane society becomes increasingly achievable.