The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) has given recognition to the Ministry of Cooperative and Social Enterprise Development of the Archdiocese of Manila.
This was announced by Joseph Encabo, chairman, in a message sent to Radio Veritas 846.
“As servants of the Lord, we are called to love and serve our neighbors, especially those who are in need,” said the official.
“I am glad that this ministry aims to do just that by helping church-based cooperatives, volunteers, and the vulnerable sectors of our society to create more sustainable livelihoods,” he added.
Encabo urged the organization to “keep on serving your members and the Filipino community with honor and courtesy.”
“May the ministry be a beacon of hope and an instrument of positive change for those who need it most,” he said.
“Let us unite in upholding our collective principles of cooperativism, excellence, commitment, integrity, and teamwork,” he added.
The Archdiocese of Manila has earlier announced that it has established a new ministry to support social cooperatives.
The ministry aims to encourage parishes to create more cooperatives to help provide livelihoods and opportunities for the poor in their communities, as well as for less-fortunate church workers and volunteers.
One of the immediate tasks of the organization is to gather and unite all church-based cooperatives in Metro Manila.
The ministry will also provide education and training to enable leaders and members of cooperatives to improve opportunities for all.
According to the Cooperative Development Authority, there are 18,000 cooperatives nationwide with some 11 million members.
Father Anton Pascual said the creation of the new ministry fulfils Pope Francis’s vision to establish more Church cooperatives and strengthen the existing ones.
