The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently welcomed a lawmaker for a courtesy meeting aimed at strengthening support for the country’s cooperative sector.
During the meeting, officials discussed the important role cooperatives play in generating economic opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship, and strengthening local communities across the country.
According to the DTI, the discussions with COOP-NATCCO Party-list Rep. Felimon Espares centered on expanding cooperatives’ access to government programs and services, regardless of their size, while reinforcing institutional support mechanisms that can help them grow and remain sustainable.
The agency emphasized that stronger support for cooperatives can contribute significantly to enterprise development, job creation, and inclusive economic growth. Efforts to enhance cooperation between government institutions and the cooperative sector are also expected to improve the capacity of cooperatives to serve their members and communities.
The meeting underscored the government’s continuing commitment to empowering cooperatives as key partners in promoting grassroots economic development and broad-based prosperity.