Best Practices and Policy Gaps in the Partnership between Cooperatives and Local Government Units in Negros Oriental, Philippines

Abstract

This study determined the best practices and policy gaps in the partnerships between the cooperatives and the local government units in Negros Oriental. Relative to this, it determined the profile of the cooperatives with noteworthy characteristics and achievements, the extent of assistance extended by local government units to cooperatives in terms of financial, trainings, and other support. The partnership primarily centered on the provision of financial, training and other support services. The best practices were examined in five areas. These were: (a) technology improvement; (b) enhancement in the performance of functions of officers and members; (c) expansion in membership; (d) enhancement of systems and procedures, and (e) increased in logistics. The findings revealed that the policy gaps were influenced by some limitations, as: (a) no common interpretation of the guidelines issued by the Commission on Audit regarding financial assistance to cooperatives; (b) delayed implementation of approved projects that led the cooperatives to allocate additional budget; (c) most policy makers were not grounded on the privileges granted by law to cooperatives; (d) some LGU officials used cooperatives in their political activities; and (e) difficulty in complying with the requirements for financial assistance. In view of the results, it is concluded that public- private partnership between cooperatives and the local government units played a supplemental role in the improvement of the quality of life of the people. Thus, this study recommends strengthening the partnerships between the cooperatives and the local government units and broadening their base of cooperation.