In our fight against hunger and poverty, many actions have been formulated, many band-aid solutions were produced. Most are short-lived, and if not, benefit only a few.
Experts are continuing to research to find the best way to ease the current state of the poor for a permanent and sustainable situation and many suggestions have been proposed. Many have tried, many have failed and still, no one has ever made something that could change the depreciating pattern.
In the recent ASEAN Business Cooperatives Forum, international and local delegates unite to declare their commitment to advance agricultural cooperatives in their belief that this is a key towards ‘inclusive development.’
Cooperatives, in a simpler sense, are association of people geared towards meeting their common needs through a joint business.
“They strongly advocate for sustainability especially on food sovereignty,” said Orlando Ravanera, Chairperson of CDA.
In a world where dog eats dog, the poor could not escape their current status, while the rich can’t inhibit themselves in upgrading their lives. Sadly, most of the poorest of the poor belong to the sector of the farmers supplying the food we eat.
With over 300,000 agricultural cooperatives in the ASEAN region, their integration with each other will definitely blow a powerful impact to the low lives of our peasants.
“Cooperativism is key in the fight against poverty and social equity, ” Ravanera added.
Supporting cooperatives by buying their products will definitely help to boost employment and livelihood of people involved.
International integration through the ASEAN will give a lot experience in inspiring each other, exchanging knowledge and enhancing each other skills.
Cooperatives is recognized by the International Labor Organization as an effective tool to advance the lives of farmers as it is one of the major contributors on economic development as it already generated 100 million jobs worldwide. (Ace Palaganas)
