Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11535)
Republic Act No. 11535 establishes the mandatory position of Cooperatives Development Officer (CDO) in municipal, city, and provincial governments by amending the Local Government Code of 1991 to support the development of cooperatives.
The position of Cooperatives Development Officer (CDO) is mandatory in all municipalities, cities, and provinces in the Philippines as specified under Sections 443, 454, and 463 of the Local Government Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 11535.
A Cooperatives Development Officer must be a Filipino citizen, preferably a resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in cooperatives, business administration with special training in cooperatives or related courses from a recognized university, and possess a first grade civil service eligibility or its equivalent. The person must have at least five years’ experience in cooperatives organizations and management for provincial or city CDOs and at least three years for municipal CDOs.
Yes. Municipalities and cities have the option to appoint either a full-fledged CDO or merge the position with an existing official in a related office, unit, or department.
The CDO formulates measures for the sanggunian's consideration, provides technical assistance to the local chief executive, develops plans and strategies with the cooperative sector, leads in identifying potential cooperatives, assists in pre-registration and education seminars, provides technical and other assistance to registered cooperatives, fosters linkage with government and non-government organizations, and helps cooperatives develop risk management and business continuity plans.
Yes. If a municipality, city, or province appoints a full-fledged CDO, it has the option to set the rank, remuneration, and other emoluments subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations.
The CDO assists cooperatives in developing and implementing risk management plans and business continuity plans to address anticipated or unexpected man-made and natural calamities and disasters to ensure their survival and rehabilitation if necessary.
The CDO collaborates with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Department of Trade and Industry, other government agencies, cooperative unions and federations, the academe, and private organizations to provide technical, educational, and managerial assistance to cooperatives.
All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with Republic Act No. 11535 are repealed or amended accordingly.
Republic Act No. 11535 took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation following its approval on April 9, 2021.