A misplaced agency that could be a more aggressive tool to empower the people and uplift the economic situation of the masses is the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). I have been wondering why it is under the Department of Finance. It should be under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), together with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Both are tasked to register businesses operating under Philippine Laws.

Under the DTI, the CDA can tap foreign investors for the Cooperatives, and likewise, the foreign investors can tap the cooperatives as partners. This way, the masses in the countryside are given almost equal chances with the rich businessmen in getting lucrative businesses and livelihood, instead of being driven out of their farms and homes to become squatters and beggars in their own country.

I hope the people in the government especially the officials of the present administration can appreciate the value of Cooperatives for our people and for the country.