Making the Position of a Cooperatives Development Officer Mandatory in the Municipal, City and Provincial Levels, Amending for the Purpose R.A. No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991), as Amended

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 11535

Mandatory Appointment of Cooperatives Development Officer (CDO)
- Amends the Local Government Code of 1991 to make the position of a CDO mandatory at the municipal, city, and provincial levels. (Sections 1-3)

Qualifications, Powers, and Duties of the CDO (Section 4)
- Qualifications:
  - Philippine citizen, preferably a resident of the local government unit
  - Good moral character
  - College degree in cooperatives, business administration with special training in cooperatives, or related course
  - First-grade civil service eligible or equivalent
  - Experience in cooperatives organization and management:
    - 5 years for provincial or city CDO
    - 3 years for municipal CDO

- Powers and Duties:
  - Formulate measures and provide technical assistance to the local chief executive in delivering basic services and facilities through cooperatives
  - Develop plans and strategies for integrating cooperatives values, principles, and practices in programs and projects
  - Identify groups, sectors, or communities that can be organized into cooperatives for poverty reduction, job creation, and socioeconomic development
  - Assist prospective cooperatives in pre-registration seminars, pre-membership education, and registration documents
  - Provide technical assistance to registered cooperatives in areas like training, education, business management, finance, and financial management
  - Assist cooperatives in establishing linkages with government agencies, cooperative unions, federations, academe, and NGOs
  - Assist cooperatives in developing risk management and business continuity plans for calamities and disasters

Repealing Clause and Effectivity (Sections 5-6)
- Repeals inconsistent laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, and regulations
- Takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation