NAPC-Cooperatives Sectoral Council

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗖 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗿. 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗕. 𝗥𝗮𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗽𝗼 𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹-𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 (𝗖𝗗𝗔).

The NAPC CSC wishes you success in your new role. May your leadership bring new opportunities and create a lasting impact for cooperatives and the communities they serve.

The National Anti-Poverty Commission—Cooperatives Sectoral Council (NAPC-CSC) proudly joins the cooperative movement in celebrating National Cooperative Month. This celebration aims to promote the cooperative movement and recognize its contribution to the country's economic growth.

This year’s theme, “Cooperatives: Stronger Together Today for a Brighter Tomorrow,” emphasizes the collective strength and resilience cooperatives champion through unity. By coming together, we can uplift our communities, promote economic empowerment, and develop sustainable solutions to poverty.

Throughout the years, the cooperative movement has made significant inroads in alleviating poverty, generating employment, and fostering community development across the nation. Through collaboration, cooperatives have become powerful tools for social and economic transformation.

NAPC-CSC remains committed to advocating for the interests of cooperatives, ensuring that the agenda of the cooperative sector is represented across all levels of governance. By actively engaging with policymakers and stakeholders, we can further strengthen the cooperative movement and enhance its contributions to the socio-economic landscape of the Philippines.

Together, let us celebrate the spirit of cooperation and work towards a future where every community can thrive.

‘Just Transition’ measure pushed amid PTMP issue The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) is calling for a “just transition” bill to protect jeepney drivers and operators affected by the government’s transp

'Just transition' pushed amid call to stop transport modernization MANILA – The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) has called for the introduction of a Just Transition Bill ensuring fair and equitable process for jeepney drivers and operators affected by the government’s transport modernization program. In a news release on Wednesday, the Cooperatives…

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲
𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 (𝗣𝗧𝗠𝗣)

The Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), commonly referred to as the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), seeks to modernize the country’s public transportation by replacing old, deteriorating units with newer and more environmentally friendly vehicles. However, Senate Resolution No. 1096, filed by 22 Senators on July 30, 2024, proposes for the temporary suspension of the program due to concerns about its unplanned and rushed implementation. The Senate resolution to temporarily suspend the PTMP, as reckoned by our good Senators, has raised several valid and urgent concerns among the affected drivers, groups, unions, and transport cooperatives.

While we acknowledge the legitimacy of the issues and understand the apprehensions of those calling for postponement or abolition of the modernization program, the Cooperatives Sectoral Council of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC-CSC), alongside the Philippine Cooperative Central Fund (PCF), the Philippine Cooperative Center (PCC), and the National Confederation of Transportworkers Union (NCTU), strongly opposes the Senate proposal for the suspension of the PTMP. The sector firmly believes that continuing with the modernization plan is more plausible and beneficial for the long-term sustainability and efficiency of our public transportation system.

The proposal has seemingly not taken into account the substantial financial investments made by the government, cooperatives, and private financial institutions in support of the program. Concerns arise regarding the 80% of consolidated operators and cooperatives burdened with debt from their acquisition of modernized units under the program. Many operators and cooperatives have already taken loans to acquire modernized units in compliance with the PTMP, but with the potential suspension of the program, it becomes unclear now how these cooperatives will repay their loans and yet continue to operate. The financial strain on these cooperatives is a major issue that must be addressed and resolved immediately.

The NAPC-CSC, PCF, PCC, and NCTU agree that, despite its seeming imperfections, the PTMP is still reckoned to be the best and most realistic solution for improving public transportation in the country. Continuous delays in or outright suspension of the program undermine the substantial progress that has been made and could lead to an outdated transportation system that is detrimental to public safety and economic progress.

Worker leadership and pro-people are essential for a truly just transition in the public transportation sector, and it must guarantee that no workers are lost in the process. The implementation of just transition measures would have to result from careful consideration that considers upskilling opportunities, substitute occupations, or ways to support individuals who may be negatively impacted by the implementation of new technology and renewable energy sources.

The workers who keep our economy running should not have to bear the brunt of this transformation.

We are proposing a Just Transition in Transport Modernization:

1. Just Transition Bill: We call for the introduction of a Just Transition Bill that ensures a fair and equitable process for all those affected by transport modernization. This bill should safeguard the rights and livelihoods of workers and operators throughout the transition period.

2. Comprehensive National Transport Plan: A well-defined and inclusive national transport plan is essential to address the diverse needs of communities and regions across the country. This plan should prioritize safety, accessibility, and sustainability in public transportation.

3. Increase in Public Funding: Adequate public funding is crucial to support the successful and equitable implementation of transport modernization initiatives. Increased funding will ensure the availability of resources to meet the needs of operators and communities.

4. Development of Locally Made Eco PUV/Modern Jeepney: Encouraging the production and adoption of locally manufactured eco-friendly public utility vehicles (PUVs) and modern jeepneys to address also the prices of units will promote environmental sustainability, economic growth, and innovation within the local manufacturing sector.

In solidarity with the Transport Service Cooperatives and the entire cooperative sector, we call upon President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., to issue a clear statement supporting the continuation and fine-tuning of the PTMP. This support is essential to mitigate the financial burdens already incurred and to prevent significant financial losses and livelihood disruptions. By addressing the challenges faced by consolidated operators and cooperatives, implementing a Just Transition Bill, developing a comprehensive national transport plan, increasing public funding, and promoting locally made eco PUVs/modern jeepneys, we aim to create a transport system that benefits all stakeholders and contributes to a greener, more efficient future for public transportation in the Philippines.

EXCITING TIMES AT NAPC!

Assembling 1,400 basic sector organizations nationwide at St. Giles Hotel Makati and Manila Hotel Tent City from December 1 to 3, the NAPC National Sectoral Assemblies (NSA) paved the way for the formation of new Sectoral Councils. The election of Council Members per sector and subsequent nomination of three (3) representatives marked a significant step. Post-clustered Regional Sectoral Assemblies, the NSA ensured broad basic sector involvement and regional equity. Joint Sectoral TWC Meetings, aligning with the Revised IRR of RA 8425, were conducted in preparation.

In the Cooperatives Sector breakout session, 74 delegates actively engaged. Beyond council member elections, discussions encompassed the prior council's accomplishments, agenda prioritization, and a comprehensive review of the Sectoral Ground Rules and Election Code for NSA 2026.

Join us on December 15 at the Selah Pods Hotel Manila for an insightful policy forum on national government programs for agricultural cooperatives. The event will also be open for virtual participants via Zoom, so everyone can join in the discussion.

Check out this link: https://bit.ly/3RCoHDB
Meeting ID: 817 1104 2662
Passcode: talakayan

Learn about the latest policies and initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and empowering our farmers and cooperatives! Register here: https://forms.gle/aVY4qsM4MuiWwE4d7

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation and make a difference in our agricultural sector. See you there!