UMVA has learned that the Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives has unveiled a bold vision to lift the nation’s farmers, fisherfolk, and agribusinesses through a sweeping reform of agricultural cooperatives.
The Chamber’s statement arrives as lawmakers wrestle with a suite of bills designed to revitalize the agri‑sector, a field that has long struggled under heavy debt, erratic markets, and climate shocks.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the Chamber argues that policy changes alone are insufficient; the true engine of growth lies in the collective power of cooperatives, where farmers can share resources, negotiate fair prices, and access new technologies.
In a passionate appeal, the Chamber highlighted the urgency of a clear, national agricultural roadmap that would catapult the Philippines into the ranks of top rice and high‑value crop producers, while safeguarding food security for its people.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the Chamber pointed to a recent national address that underscored the government’s recognition of cooperatives as a cornerstone of agricultural resilience.
Under the Chamber’s guidance, lawmakers are urged to amend the Cooperative Code, a move that would unlock fresh capital, streamline governance, and expand market access for smallholder groups.
The Chamber’s call comes as House hearings last week tackled six key bills—House Bills 1023, 2417, 3249, 3466, 5130, and 5315—each aimed at strengthening the legal and financial foundations of cooperatives.
UMVA has uncovered that a follow‑up meeting is slated to finalize the bills and draft a Committee Report, setting the stage for a decisive debate in the House plenary.
In this pivotal moment, the Chamber’s message is clear: the future of Philippine agriculture hinges on united, empowered cooperatives that can navigate the challenges of a global market while securing the livelihoods of millions of farmers.
