Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 96)
The scope pertains to the functions and powers of various local government units in relation to cooperatives operating within their area of jurisdiction.
The State fosters the creation and growth of cooperatives as instruments for social justice and economic development, promoting self-reliance and harnessing people power towards economic development and social justice.
The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) is tasked to coordinate cooperative development.
LGUs shall contribute to the development of cooperatives within their jurisdiction by assisting in promotion, organization, regulation, development, appointing a local cooperative officer, and implementing programs aligned with national plans.
LGUs must recognize cooperatives as autonomous associations aimed for socio-economic betterment based on self-reliance and self-management; promote cooperatives as instruments of equity and economic development; support cooperative institutional development without interfering with their management; and ensure government assistance is free from restrictions that violate cooperative principles.
LGUs may appoint local cooperative officers, assist in cooperative promotion and organization, help in cooperative registration evaluation, support CDA regulatory functions like collecting reports, mediation of disputes, preliminary investigations, monitor compliance, initiate cooperative programs, and provide data to CDA.
LGUs assist in collection of annual cooperative reports and financial statements, mediation and conciliation of member disputes, conducting preliminary investigations on violations, and monitoring cooperative compliance with CDA rules and decisions.
The CDA conducts training seminars for LGUs, develops manuals for cooperative promotion, provides policy information to LGUs, assists LGUs in cooperative development, supplies updated cooperative lists, and coordinates cooperative sector efforts with LGUs.
Yes, the CDA and LGUs may enter into Memoranda of Agreement to fully implement EO No. 96 and for cooperative development purposes consistent with the Cooperative Code and Local Government Code.
Government assistance shall be free from restrictions or conditions that infringe on the objectives and character of cooperatives, maintaining the policy of non-interference in their management and operations.