RA11535: AN ACT MAKING THE POSITION OF A COOPERATIVES DEVELOPMENT OFFICER MANDATORY IN THE MUNICIPAL, CITY AND PROVINCIAL LEVELS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991", AS AMENDED
This Act mandates the appointment of a Cooperatives Development Officer (CDO) in municipal, city, and provincial governments, significantly strengthening support for the cooperative sector at the local level. The CDO's role includes formulating measures for the sanggunian, providing technical assistance to local chief executives in delivering basic services and facilities through cooperatives, and developing plans and strategies in consultation with the cooperative sector. This institutionalization aims to identify groups for cooperative organization, assist in registration, provide technical and business management support, and help cooperatives establish linkages with various agencies, ultimately fostering poverty reduction, job creation, and socioeconomic development.
The law also sets qualifications for CDOs, requiring them to be Philippine citizens, preferably residents of the local government unit, with good moral character, a relevant college degree, and civil service eligibility, along with a specified number of years of experience in cooperative organizations and management. Furthermore, it tasks CDOs with assisting cooperatives in developing and implementing risk management and business continuity plans to aid in their survival and rehabilitation during calamities. This emphasizes the long-term impact of the CDO on the resilience and sustainability of cooperatives, which are vital for local economic growth and community welfare.