Report on the National Orientation Seminar on Member Participation and Housewives Involvement in Consumers Cooperatives, Philippines,1992

Abstract

The Cooperative Movement in the Philippines was viewed by both the private and government sectors as voluntary and self-help organization with the vision of providing limited resources and services to individuals. Cooperatives were also viewed as vehicles for securing employment, improving income distribution and establishing market value by promoting private sector competition. However, major deterrent prevented the cooperative movement from improving the social, economic and cultural situation of the Filipino people. The lack of financial and efficient management resources, the need for effective education and training as well as previous government restrictive policies were just some of the obstacles which impede the growth of cooperatives in a truly expanded dimension. These deterrents did not restrain the movement from struggling hard to buUd a sound fovmdation, in which institutional framework has to play an important role. Organizationally, operationally, and economically, the movement needs to be strengthened and revitalized, with the consumer cooperative sector still remaining its weakest link.