Benguet drafts coop development plan to boost livelihood

By Susan Aro

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Cooperatives are now seen to boost growth and livelihood of this province with crafting of five-year development plan for  provincial government to undertake together with  partners in government and private sectors.

In setting the directions for the five-year period, thrusts included coop trainings for officers to strengthen their capabilities; information dissemination campaign to local chief executives and human resources management officers for them to appreciate the role of coops as drivers of economy;  lobby for the creation or designation of MCDOs whose roles are critical in support to coop movement at the municipal level;  provision of livelihood assistance to viable coops, and  coop profiling to determine the gaps, issues and concerns of coops for proper intervention.

Coops serve as practical vehicle for promoting self-reliance and harnessing people’s power for economic development and social justice. Ultimately, it will uplift the living conditions of coop members and their families, officials said.

The provincial government’s role is to push and support coop programs and projects to foster creation and growth of coops. 

The planning workshop was attended by members of the Benguet Provincial Cooperative Development Council composed of representatives from the government, private sector, and cooperative sector together with the Municipal Cooperative Development Officers  and council members.