EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
F irst R egular Session 
)
of thf feffri-wrp
SENATE
20 
FE B - 5  
P 3 H 3
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
AN ACT DECLARING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER OF EVERY YEAR AS THE
NATIONAL COOPERATIVE MONTH
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This year, the cooperative movement in the Philippines is celebrating its 105th 
year anniversary.
In more than 100 years, there are more than 20,000 cooperatives registered in 
the Cooperative Development Authority with approximately 11 million individual 
members. These cooperatives produced billions of pesos worth of goods and services 
and have generated around 600,000 direct and indirect employment.
This showcases the significant contribution of the cooperative movement in our 
national development.
Through 
its various programs and services, the cooperative 
movement 
contributes to the development and governance of communities, improvement of 
quality of life of families, and empowerment of individuals, particularly the poor and the 
marginalized.
This showcases the significant contribution of the cooperative movement as an 
instrument in promoting social justice and social development.
Given the importance of cooperatives as instruments of equity, social justice and 
economic development, and the recognition of the State to the right of the cooperatives 
to initiate and foster within their own ranks cooperative promotion and organizations, 
this bill seeks to institutionalize the annual celebration of the principles, values, and 
contribution of the cooperative movement by declaring the month of October of every 
year as National Cooperative Month.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
RIS;A HONTIVEROS 
U 
Senator


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
F irst R egular Session 
)
Denali.'
cl ll)0 *r-rrtr,r4
SENATE
20 
FE B - 5  
P 3  :13
RECEIVED
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
AN ACT DECLARING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER OF EVERY YEAR AS THE
NATIONAL COOPERATIVE MONTH
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Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
Sec. 1. D esignation. - The month of October of every year is hereby declared as the 
National Cooperative Month.
Sec. 2. Goals and A spirations. - The National Cooperative Month aims to:
a. Raise public awareness on the invaluable contributions of the cooperative in 
sustainable development, poverty reduction, employment generation, and 
social integration;
b. Highlight the strengths of the cooperative business model as an alternative 
means of doing business and furthering socio-economic development;
c. Further strengthen the cooperative movement by increasing public awareness 
about cooperatives and their contributions to advance national development, 
community empowerment, and quality of life of families and individuals; and
d. Institutionalize annual celebration of the cooperative and its contribution.
Sec. 3. Theme. - The Cooperative Development Authority, through its Chairperson and 
Board of Directors, in partnership with the National Cooperative Development Council 
shall determine the theme of the annual celebration.
Sec. 4. Im p le m e n ta tio n  S tructure. - The Chairperson of the Cooperative 
Development Authority, as the lead, in coordination with cooperative development 
councils, national and local federations and union of cooperatives, and other 
government agencies of the government, is mandated to conduct activities and 
programs that promote the principles and values of cooperatives and encourage 
cooperative movement.
Sec. 5. Im p le m e n tin g  Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days after the 
effectivity of this Act, the Chairperson of the Cooperative Development Authority shall 
issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
Sec. 6. E ffe ctivity Clause.- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,