Statement of Policy and Objectives
- The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) is mandated to promote cooperative growth as an instrument of social justice and economic development.
- Recognizes the role of Guardian Cooperatives in developing minors socio-economically through Laboratory Cooperatives.
- The guidelines aim to govern the creation, organization, supervision, and monitoring of Laboratory Cooperatives.
Scope and Coverage
- Applies to all Laboratory Cooperatives recognized by CDA under RA 9520 and its implementing rules and regulations.
Definitions
- Affiliation: Formal connection of a Laboratory Cooperative to a Guardian Cooperative.
- Area of Operation: Geographic area where the Guardian Cooperative operates and draws members.
- Articles of Cooperation & By-Laws: Registered documents of the Guardian Cooperative, including amendments.
- Authority: Refers to the Cooperative Development Authority.
- Certificate of Recognition: Issued by CDA confirming recognition of a Laboratory Cooperative as affiliate.
- Guardian Cooperative: A duly registered cooperative affiliated with a Laboratory Cooperative.
- Minor: Individual below 18 years of age.
- Laboratory Cooperative: A cooperative formed and managed primarily by minors affiliated with a Guardian Cooperative.
Jurisdiction
- Applications for recognition of Laboratory Cooperatives shall be filed with the CDA Extension Office having jurisdiction over the Guardian Cooperative.
Organization of Laboratory Cooperatives
- A Laboratory Cooperative may be organized by a cooperative assisting at least 15 minors who are Filipino citizens and students or out-of-school youth within the Guardian Cooperative's area of operation.
Purposes of Laboratory Cooperatives
- Serve as training grounds for cooperative membership preparation.
- Promote thrift and savings mobilization.
- Instill cooperative values, financial discipline, business, and leadership skills.
- Advocate Filipino social and cultural values, financial education, ecological awareness, and sustainable development.
Affiliation
- Each Laboratory Cooperative must affiliate with a registered Guardian Cooperative.
- School-based Laboratory Cooperatives may affiliate with the school’s cooperative or select another within the area of operation.
- Out-of-school youth Laboratory Cooperatives affiliate with a cooperative of their choice within or nearest their area.
Documentary Requirements for Recognition
- Guardian Cooperative must submit:
- Articles of Cooperation and By-Laws including acceptance of responsibilities as Guardian.
- Board Resolution affirming responsibility and liability as the Guardian Cooperative.
- Existing cooperatives must amend their governing documents to comply.
Manual of Operation
- Required submission includes:
- Name, purpose, business activities, membership qualifications, rights, duties, responsibilities.
- Area of operation and postal addresses.
- Common bond of membership and organizational structure.
- Officers’ duties and responsibilities.
- Meeting rules, quorum, voting, and business procedures.
- Interest rates (if applicable).
- Duties and responsibilities of the Guardian Cooperative.
- Other operational matters.
Name Requirement
- The Laboratory Cooperative’s name must include "Laboratory Cooperative of (Name of Guardian Cooperative)".
Issuance of Certificate of Recognition
- Certificate issued upon fulfillment of requirements.
- Certifies recognition and affiliation but does not confer juridical personality.
- Valid unless revoked or cancelled.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Guardian Cooperative
- Formulate educational and training programs for members.
- Supervise officers and general assembly meetings.
- Represent the Laboratory Cooperative in external transactions.
- Implement internal control policies as in the manual of operations.
- Maintain membership records, financial ledgers, passbooks.
- Collect savings deposits via systematic procedures.
- Submit annual reports on activities and economic operations.
Liability of the Guardian Cooperative
- The Guardian Cooperative is liable for violations committed in the Laboratory Cooperative’s operations.
Election of Officers
- Officers elected according to the organizational structure prescribed by the Guardian Cooperative.
- Guardian Cooperative issues election guidelines.
Termination of Membership
- Causes include:
- Reaching 18 years of age.
- Other causes as stipulated in By-Laws and Manual of Operations.
Option on Reaching Age of Majority
- Members reaching majority may opt to join the Guardian Cooperative by complying with membership requirements.
Supervision
- A Guardian Cooperative may supervise multiple Laboratory Cooperatives.
Effect of Dissolution of Guardian Cooperative
- Dissolution results in revocation of the Laboratory Cooperative’s Certificate of Recognition.
Separability Clause
- Invalid provisions do not affect the enforceability of the remaining provisions.
Repeal Clause
- Previous inconsistent circulars or guidelines are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- Effective upon Board approval and 15 days after filing with the Office of National Administrative Registry (ONAR).