September 25, 2011, 8:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Cooperatives, whether they are groups of
farmers, fishermen, vendors, or electricity users banding together for a
common purpose, are people-centered organizations formed to benefit its
members. They are government partners in the delivery of livelihood and
micro-entrepreneurial activities geared to addressing the problems of
illiteracy and poverty. They help alleviate the living conditions of
members through marketing support, credit facilities, new technology,
adult education, livelihood opportunities, and scholarships for
children.
In the Philippines, cooperatives are registered with the Cooperative
Development Authority, created by Republic Act 6939, and signed into law
on March 10, 1990, to promote the viability and growth of cooperatives
as instruments of equity, social justice and economic development.
Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility,
equality, equity and solidarity. The members learn honesty,
transparency, social responsibility and caring for others. The use of
funds is for mutual, rather than individual, benefit.
Cooperativism in the Philippines started in the 19th Century when
Filipino travellers to Europe, including the National Hero Dr. Jose P.
Rizal, brought the idea of the economic movement to the country. While
in exile in Dapitan, Dr. Rizal set up a school for the poor and a store
on a cooperative basis.
Today, cooperatives are gaining momentum as vehicles for the economic
empowerment of poor and rural Filipino workers. There are more than
20,00 registered cooperatives nationwide, and they help in the pursuit
of people-oriented projects to benefit target beneficiaries, especially
small farmers and fisherfolk.
It is hoped that given more government incentives as well as private
sector support, the cooperative movement in the country will continue to
flourish and make a difference in the lives of many Filipinos.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/335500/cooperativism-gains-headway-philippines
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