PASAY CITY – About 242 co-op leaders from all over the country gathered at the  Sequoia Hotel on September 21 and 22 for the 8th National Party Congress of the COOP-NATCCO Partylist with the theme COOP-NATCCO Party List: Dalawamput-Anim na Taong Nagtataguyod ng Boses at Adhikain ng mga Kooperatiba sa Kongreso.

The historic event marked the significant milestone in the journey of 26 years that the Partylist has been in Congress for “advocacy and relentless pursuit of the cooperative movement’s goals within the legislative framework, discuss pressing challenges, and strategize directions.”

Indicating a significant trend was the attendance of leaders of transport cooperatives.  Previously, most of the participants in the CNPL events were credit, agriculture, and multi-purpose cooperatives.

Former CNPL Representative and currently Mayor of Tangub City Ben Canama also paid a visit to inspire the leaders to campaign hard for the Partylist to gain three seats in the upcoming elections in May 2025.

He pledged to give full support to the Parytlist and thanked the leaders for offering him a third term in Congress, but he graciously gave way to the current representative Filemon Espares.  He also expressed confidence in the capacity of the current crop of Party leaders to continue the winning ways of the CNPL.

Giving the Opening Remarks was Party President Alexander Raquepo.  He is also Chairperson of  Santa Cruz Credit and Development Cooperative in Ilocos Sur.

CNPL Secretary General, Carlitos Duenas reported that the 242 participants comprised of 63 voting delegates from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, 30 members of the National Directorate, three ex-officios, eight nominees ( candidates to be representatives in Congress), co-op leaders, and CNPL and Congress staff. 

Duenas confirmed a quorum in the meeting.  

Raquepo replied that the Party never had such numbers in previous Congresses.

The Vice Presidents for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, Renato dela Cruz, Ebonito Alivio, and Romeo Manzano, Jr, respectively, inspired the co-op leaders to give their all in the upcoming elections.

Raquepo presented to the participants the minutes of the 7th Congress held in Iloilo City in December 2023.  The body accepted the minutes. 

He also reported that the National Directorate conducted strategic planning in Antique in August 2024 and that henceforth, all decisions would be implemented.  

Also approved was the Resolution in May confirming and approving the consolidated results of the Performance Evaluation of Congressman Espares.

Also confirmed was the retention of Congressman Felimon Espares as the “First Nominee” of the CNPL by virtue of his excellent performance, and being the incumbent.

Raquepo also reported that there are currently 96 local chapters of CNPL – 33 in Luzon, 34 in Visayas, and 29 in Mindanao.  Meetings are being conducted in other areas to strengthen local chapters and to empower local leaders who serve as front liners on the ground.  

Included in the targets of the CNPL, based on the August 2029 Strategic Planning sessions in Antique  are 1) 1.5 million votes in 2025 (for three seats), 2) Php 50 Million campaign funds from cooperatives, 3) Education and advocacy campaign, 4) Formation of a National Campaign Team, and 5) institutionalized Party operations.

The CNPL represents the sector in meetings with various agencies of the Government.  Raquepo said: “We ensure that the voice of the cooperative sector is heard, policies are shaped in favor of their members, and timely solutions are provided to challenges such as regulatory changes, economic concerns, or sector-specific issues.  

The CNPL coordinates frequently with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on tax exemption issues, and the Land Transportation & Franchising Board (LTFRB) and the Dept. of Transportation (DoTr) regarding transport cooperatives.