Cooperatives are self-help organizations formed by people with the desire to improve the quality of life they enjoy in this world. Some would say cooperatives are apolitical but this typical full blooded Benguet lad thinks otherwise. It might have been the theory and practice of our forebears but the evolution of development and structural adjustment programs changed the trends leading to a shift of paradigm among cooperative practitioners. As a growing sector willing to advance development based on grassroots initiatives and member participation, involvement on policy initiatives and directions to protect the welfare of cooperators is a silent political exercise. Ensuring realization of net surplus from the business operations assures sustenance of cooperative life to further advance its social, economic, political and environmental programs for the welfare of its members and the community as a whole.
The bond that ties cooperators depend on the need they would like to address and often anchored on the type of business they would like to undertake. While the intention is to serve the needs of its members, cooperatives must yield returns to fund its statutory funds at the same time provide interest on share to its shareholders and patronage refund to member-users. This brings us to the realization that cooperatives no longer exist as mere self-help groups but as business institutions willing to undertake economic activities competitive with other micro, small, medium and large industries operating in the country. As economic enterprises that provide array of services, cooperatives require support from all stakeholders to level up its recognition as a champion for genuine economic reforms. Its 14 million membership spread all over the different barangays and islands of the Republic attest to the viability of peoples’ organization as effective partners of the government in the development process.
Moreover, the diversification of cooperative businesses include ownership of social facilities like health facilities (hospitals, laboratory clinics, pharmacies etc.); schools and other real properties devoted to funeral parlors, filling and gasoline stations, cooperative marts, etc. contribute to the delivery of social and basic services in various parts of the country. Bank-like operations, money transfers, bills payment centers and growing number of automated teller machines established in far flung areas complement the efforts of the private sector to help realize the essence of neoliberal concepts. The good thing is that unlike governments of the world, cooperative operations are not attached to the mighty Asian Development Bank, International Monetary Fund and World Bank (I stand to be corrected if not true). It sounds absurd to compare but may I request those who oppose of the idea to consider assets of some millionaire and billionaire cooperatives that have higher budgets as compared to some local government units in the country. It cannot be denied that some may have acquired domestic and foreign assistance to beef up operations but autonomy and independence often prevails in cooperative operations.
Further, the presence of statutory funds like the reserve fund, cooperative education and training fund, optional fund and community development fund that serve as institutional capital. Such funds enhance the delivery of social services to the members and community when used properly. The granting of scholarship programs to poor and deserving students, health assistance to the sick, mutual aid to deceased members and community residents, and financial assistance to victims of natural and man-made calamities manifest the importance of cooperatives in social development. Periodic general assembly meetings; attendance to trainings and seminars; field/exposure trips and tours; public consultations and fora promote social interactions that enhances cohesion among cooperative practitioners, advocates and stakeholders.
Furthermore, employing member economic participation in the management of business operations, cooperatives significantly contribute to political stability in a given community. Adhering to democratic control principles, cooperative entities gradually influence host communities and empower its people through the constant practice of decision making by using the rule of majority. When issues and concerns are raised affecting the members, it is usually decided by the General Assembly and affirmation of majority vote is required. Some concerns involving the cooperative like amendments to the articles and by-laws may require 2/3 vote of all members with voting rights. As agents of socio-economic and political development, cooperative often use consensus building and rule of the majority in arriving at decisions or actions. Constant practice of this democratic process when imbibed by the members and applied in their daily lives gradually shape a community to observe such principles.
Finally, cooperatives as one of civil society organizations help fill-up the gaps of public service. Involvement in the political process through mobilization of cooperative members to collectively effect social transformation and foster democracy, influence policy-making and decision making of local and national officials; promotes collaboration, consultation and cooperation in the establishment of alternative businesses that supply goods and services; mobilize internally generated resources and provide check and balance. Cooperatives at present might not have earned attention from different media outfits but sooner this emerging sector will have a social and political impact in the lives of the Filipino people.
