QUIRINO Rep. Midy Cua filed a measure that aims to include a cooperative development course in the curriculum of State Universities and Colleges and Local Universities and Colleges.

House Bill 6849 seeks to increase awareness on cooperatives by introducing cooperative development as a required course in undergraduate programs of SUCs and LUCs.

“Through increased awareness on cooperatives and the cultivation of basic skills and competencies related to cooperative development, the proposed bill envisions a cooperative sector that is infused with the passion and zest of the youth,” Cua said in the explanatory note of the bill.

The lawmaker stressed that the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008 mandates the government and all its branches to ensure the provision of technical guidance, financial assistance and other services to enable cooperatives to develop into viable and responsive economic enterprise.

“Despite this, there is limited awareness on cooperatives among the youth,” Cua added.

Cooperatives, the lawmaker said, have the potential to become an instrument for equity, social justice and economic development by allowing individuals to band together and pursue common objectives.