INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has declared October 19 of every year as a day to recognize the Transport Cooperative Program (TCP).
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. made the declaration through Proclamation No. 273 dated October 28 and uploaded to the Official Gazette on November 1.
“Through the years, transport cooperatives have played a significant role in promoting government-cooperative sector collaboration, empowering communities, and advancing public transportation, as highlighted in the success of the Public Transport Modernization Program,” the proclamation read.
The Department of Transportation with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board as well as the Office of Transportation Cooperatives were tasked to lead the yearly observance.
The TCP aims to encourage public utility vehicle drivers to organize themselves into cooperatives.
It was created through Memorandum Order No. 395, issued on October 19, 1973 by Marcos’ father and namesake, then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
“Transport Cooperative Week” was previously celebrated from October 18 to 24, 1993 by a proclamation by then President Fidel Ramos for the program’s 20th anniversary.