Cooperatives in the Philippines : a study of past performance, current status and future trends

aid, the spirit of cooperativism in Filipino society predates the American presence and draws on traditional cultural values which stress group consciousness, community service, and self-help. This study documents the economic and development effects of the cooperative movement on Filipino society in the 20th century, sketches the movement"s present status under the 1987 Constitution, and examines the objectives and plans of leading organizations responsible for its future development. While historically the Government of the Philippines has recognized the importance of cooperatives in providing services, improving income distribution, creating employment, and establishing fair market prices, and has sought to accelerate the expansion of cooperativism, its efforts have often proven counterproductive and at times have served only partisan political interests. Despite these realities, the cooperative movement in the Philippines has shown tremendous resiliency and has managed to firmly establish its presence as an important democratic institution capable of contributing to the task of national development. One table, 3 charts, and 42 references (1968-87) are included. (Author abstract, modified)