CEBU, Philippines — Senator Cynthia Villar assured cooperatives that she will push for legislations to support their growth and development.
Villar sees cooperatives as the most ideal partners for change and development and that they complement with the programs and projects of the government to reduce the poverty levels in the country.
"Rest assured, that I will continue to pursue legislations that will spur the growth and development of cooperatives such as yours, including agricultural ones, na importante dahil tayo ay nasa isang agricultural country. On my part, I really make sure that the bills I author will benefit farmers as well as cooperatives directly or indirectly," Villar said.
The senator was the speaker in the 46th Annual Representative Assembly of Cebu People's Multi-Purpose Cooperative with the theme "Ang Kinabukasan ng Pamilyang Pilipino sa Kooperatiba Sigurado."
Villar said the support and assistance that cooperatives give are more direct and thus reach the beneficiaries faster.
Villar commended the more 50,000 members of the cooperatives for their relentless commitment and tireless efforts in making a positive difference in people’s lives and various communities that they serve and ultimately to the country.
CPMPC itself is one of the awardees of Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG) as an Outstanding Community Enterprise of Villar SIPAG Awards on Poverty Reduction.
"Without doubt, CPMPC has been one of the major driving forces in promoting cooperativism in the country," said Villar, who was also endorsed by the cooperatives as one of the senatoriables that they will be supporting in the May national and local elections.
Villar further said that the essence of the existence of cooperatives is to help improve the lives of the people, especially in the rural areas.
"Cooperatives are truly the government and the private sector's partners in promoting agriculture-driven growth and entrepreneurial development. Nothing can equal the assistance being given by cooperatives in the development of communities, small businesses as well as to the farmers and fisherfolks," the senator added. (FREEMAN)