Co-ops needed for job generation

Interior and Local Governments Secretary Joey Lina sought yesterday the active participation of local government units (LGUs) in jobs generation through strengthened operations and promotion of cooperatives.

Lina recently directed all DILG regional directors, provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, to help local cooperatives market their products and services in the mainstream economy.

In a memorandum circular, the DILG head called on all local chief executives, through the Provincial Cooperative Development Councils, to encourage the participation of cooperatives in their respective areas in the forthcoming "2nd Cooperatives and SMEs Trade Fair 2002."

The fair is held by the Department of Trade and Industry in cooperation with the DILG and the Cooperative Development Authority. It is co-organized with the Gateway East Inc. It will be held on March 21 to 24, 2002 at the Megatrade Hall 1, Building B, SM Megamall.

"The challenges on LGUs cover not only governance but also jobs generation and productivity of constituents," said Lina, who noted that the fair serves as an "opportunity for cooperatives and SMEs to promote and market test their products and services to a wider consumer base."

"The success of the cooperatives movement in the Philippines has a direct bearing on the lives of a great number of Filipinos in the countryside," Lina said, adding that the fair also provides a venue for cooperatives to network with established SMEs.

Cooperatives and SMEs that wish to participate may contact Carina Bautista of Gateway East at 634-8671; 634-0588.

Gateway East, led by its managing director Cesar Cueto, has initiated education and market-oriented projects that respond to LGUs’ needs for networking, marketing and financing information.

Lina also noted that the four-day activity is in pursuit of the UN International Labor Organization’s recommendation for the global promotion of cooperative movement through regulatory, fiscal and legislative means.