Experiences in cooperative-barangay local government unit (BLGU) collaborations in Luzon: Strengthening the cooperative movement and its contributions to community development

• Main Authors: Santiago, Mary Ann G., Tomanan, Kristine Joy L.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2018
• Subjects: Community development—Philippines; Cooperative societies—Philippines; Local government—Philippines; Community-Based Research; Politics and Social Change
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/12534
• Institution: De La Salle University

Barangay local government units (BLGUs) as frontliners are confronted with the challenges of addressing basic service delivery, infrastructure, resources, and welfare of their communities. Meanwhile, the contribution of cooperatives to community development (CD) is undervalued and often untapped. This study describes the experiences of selected coops and BLGUs in pursuing CD projects and activities in the Philippines. Focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and records reviews were data collection methods used. From January 2017-February 2018, four cooperatives and barangays located in Ilocos Sur, Cagayan Province, Quezon City, and Taguig City participated in the study. Results showed that financial resources greatly affect the delivery of basic services and development projects. For coops, net surplus for distribution and CD funds are dependent on their financial position and revenue. BLGUs in collaboration with coops have more CD projects/activities implemented in their communities. Infrastructure and public works, services, and tourism/sports were usual entries for involvement. Shared responsibilities, gaining mutual support and counterparts, and promotion of local development agenda were enabling factors. In contrast, inadequate budget, misunderstandings or disagreements on areas of concern, failure to meet expectations, and lack of recognition or support on assistance being provided were challenges of coop- BLGU partnerships. Factors identified for non-engagement were political affiliations and dynamics, identity and autonomy of both parties, level of relationship, and lack or inadequate knowledge of roles/contributions as well as ways to involve each other in CD projects/activities. Based on the four cases, while coops and barangay LGUs are autonomous, collaborations between the two can help bridge existing gaps. Skills on negotiation, engaging and maintaining partnerships are essential for successful community development projects and activities. The presence of cooperatives in the community can facilitate enabling conditions and initiate actions that lead to relevant and sustainable impacts on local development.