Question & AnswerQ&A (CDA Memorandum Circular No. 2015-03)
The Guidelines aim to govern the creation, organization, supervision, and monitoring of Laboratory Cooperatives to promote their viability and growth as instruments of social justice and economic development, particularly for minors.
The Guidelines are pursuant to Section 15, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution which mandates the promotion of cooperatives as instruments of social justice and economic development.
A Laboratory Cooperative is a cooperative duly recognized by the Cooperative Development Authority, formed and managed primarily by minors, and affiliated with a registered cooperative called the Guardian Cooperative.
Members must be minors (below 18 years old), Filipino citizens, either students or out-of-school minors, studying or residing within the nearest area of operation of the intended Guardian Cooperative.
A Guardian Cooperative is a duly registered cooperative responsible for affiliating with, supervising, and monitoring the Laboratory Cooperative. It also assumes liability for the Laboratory Cooperative's operations and provides training and support.
The Guardian Cooperative must submit its Articles of Cooperation and By-laws indicating acceptance of responsibility as Guardian Cooperative, a board resolution accepting such responsibility and liability, and a manual of operation for the Laboratory Cooperative.
No. The Certificate of Recognition serves as evidence that the Laboratory Cooperative is recognized as an affiliate of the Guardian Cooperative but does not confer juridical personality.
Membership terminates upon the member reaching the age of majority (18 years) or other causes provided in the Guardian Cooperative's by-laws and the Laboratory Cooperative's manual of operations.
The member has the option to join the Guardian Cooperative by fulfilling the membership requirements of the Guardian Cooperative.
The dissolution of the Guardian Cooperative results in the revocation of the Laboratory Cooperative's Certificate of Recognition.