Mandatory Cooperatives Development Officer Position

Republic Act No. 11535 amends Republic Act No. 7160 by modifying the officials of local governments and integrating the mandatory Cooperatives Development Officer (CDO) position.
The Act amends Section 443 (Municipal Government officials) of Book III, Title Two, Chapter 2 of Republic Act No. 7160.
The Act amends Section 454 (City Government officials) of Book III, Title Three, Chapter 2 of Republic Act No. 7160.
The Act amends Section 463 (Provincial Government officials) of Book III, Title Four, Chapter 2 of Republic Act No. 7160.
The Act amends Section 487 of Book III, Title Five, Article Seventeen of Republic Act No. 7160 by revising Article XVII: THE COOPERATIVES DEVELOPMENT OFFICER.

Section 443 requires that each municipality shall also appoint a municipal Cooperatives Development Officer (CDO).
Section 454 requires that each city shall also appoint a city CDO.
Section 463 requires that each province shall also appoint an Al provincial CDO.
Sections 443 and 454 allow a municipality or city to choose either to appoint a full fledged CDO or merge the position to an existing position or official in a related office, unit or department.
Section 463 similarly provides that, for a full fledged CDO, the province shall set the rank, remuneration and other emoluments subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.

A municipality has the option to appoint a full fledged CDO or to merge the position into an existing position or official in a related office, unit or department.
If a municipality appoints a full fledged CDO, it may set the rank, remuneration and other emoluments of the municipal CDO subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.
A city has the option to appoint a full fledged CDO or to merge the position into an existing position or official in a related office, unit or department.
If a city appoints a full fledged CDO, it may set the rank, remuneration and other emoluments of the city CDO subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.
A province sets the rank, remuneration and other emoluments for a full fledged CDO subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.

Section 487 states that no person shall be appointed cooperatives development officer unless the person is a citizen of the Philippines.
The CDO must preferably be a resident of the local government unit concerned.
The CDO must have good moral character.
The CDO must be a holder of a college degree, preferably in cooperatives, business administration with special training in cooperatives, or any related course from a recognized college or university.
The CDO must be a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent.
The CDO must have experience in cooperatives organizations and management or comparable experience of at least:
- five (5) years for a provincial or city cooperatives development officer; and
- three (3) years for a municipal cooperatives development officer.

Section 487 declares the position of the cooperatives development officer to be mandatory for the municipal, city and provincial governments as specified under Sections 443, 454 and 463 of Republic Act No. 7160.
The cooperatives development officer takes charge of the office for the development of cooperatives registered with the Cooperative Development Authority.

Section 487 requires the cooperatives development officer to formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and to provide technical assistance and support to the governor or mayor in carrying out measures to ensure delivery of basic services and provision of facilities through organizing, promotion, and development of cooperatives.
The CDO must provide measures and technical support to ensure cooperatives provide access to basic services and facilities through organizing, promotion, and development.
The CDO must develop plans and strategies in consultation with the cooperative sector.
The CDO must implement approved plans and strategies after approval by the governor or mayor.
The CDO must focus particularly on integrating cooperatives values, principles and practices into the governor’s or mayor’s programs and projects and the sanggunian’s facilities and program empowerment under the Code.

The CDO must take the lead in identifying groups, sectors or communities that can be organized into cooperatives as vehicles in poverty reduction, job creation and socioeconomic development of the municipality, city or province.
In collaboration with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), the CDO must assist prospective cooperatives in conducting the required pre-registration seminar and/or pre-membership education seminar.
In collaboration with the CDA, the CDO must assist prospective cooperatives in the preparation of the required documents for registration.

In partnership with the CDA, the Department of Trade and Industry, other government agencies, cooperative unions and federations, the academe, and other private organizations, the CDO must provide technical and other forms of assistance to duly registered cooperatives.
The assistance to duly registered cooperatives must enhance their viability as an economic enterprise and social organization, including training and education, business management, finance and financial management.
The CDO must assist cooperatives in establishing linkages with government agencies, cooperative unions and federations, the academe, and non-government organizations involved in promotion and integration of the cooperatives concept in the livelihood of the people and other community activities.

The CDO must assist cooperatives in developing and implementing risk management plans and business continuity plans and management.
The risk management and continuity plans must respond to anticipated or unexpected man-made and natural calamities and disasters.
The assistance aims to aid cooperatives’ survival and, if necessary, subsequent rehabilitation.

Section 5 provides a repealing clause: all laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, issuances, or parts thereof inconsistent with Republic Act No. 11535 are repealed or amended accordingly.