The month of October was declared National Cooperative Month via the Republic Act No. 11502 which was approved in December 22, 2020. However, long before the law, the cooperatives have been embracing the tradition as an annual event, uplifting every member and the Movement itself for many years.
The cooperatives in Antipolo City are taking part in this celebration in various forms and ways. This 2021, a beautiful activity was conceptualized by the members of Antipolo City Cooperative Federation (ACCFED) under the leadership of its Chairperson Ms. Rowena Zapanta.
The month of October was indeed made more remarkable by ACCFED by mobilizing cooperatives to raise a total cash donation of PhP38,500.00 and in-kind donations consisting of rice, food goodies, and health kits. Such fund and items are used to benefit fellow cooperative members who needed it the most in this time of pandemic, particularly the members of Antipolo Caddies Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Balikatan Multi-Purpose Cooperative of the Blind, Rizal Public Utility Vehicle Transport Service (RPUVTS) and MultiPurpose Cooperative, and Person with Disability (PWD) Antipolo Consumers Cooperative (PWD Coop). These cooperatives are the most affected groups among the organizations in Antipolo City as the movement of their livelihood were still hampered by the pandemic.
By sharing a portion of their Cooperative Development Funds (CDFs), the members of ACCFED was able to provide food packages for 264 beneficiaries on October 1 and October 2, 20221.
Truly, the ACCFED is stepping up to the Theme of this year’s Coop Month celebration, KOOPERATIBANG MATATAG: Tumutugon sa mga Hamon, Daan sa PagbangonNagbibigay Pag-asa sa Makabagong Panahon! The members of the federation have showcased their strength and solidarity by serving other members. They also conquered the challenge of steering through the sea of trials imposed by the worldwide pandemic and serving others that needed saving and letting them ride on their strong ship of cooperative love and unity. What a perfect way to celebrate. Happy cooperative month to all! (By: Ms. Jeramel B. Valdez)
