Sustaining change and empowering communities through public policy: The experience of government initiated cooperative and local government unit collaboration in the Philippines

• Main Author: Santiago, Mary Ann R.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2021
• Subjects: Community development—Philippines; Community development—Government policy—Philippines; Public-private sector cooperation—Philippines; Public Policy; Sociology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/13781
• Institution: De La Salle University

This research analyzed the collaboration between cooperative (coop) and local government units (LGU) in various projects to improve commu members' lives. The study also delved into the government-initiated cooperative and the policy support provided to foster the growth of the coop an agent of community development. It also highlights the importance of dynamic partnerships in facilitating the claiming of fundamental huma rights through sustained cooperation between a cooperative and Local Government Unit. The study employed a case study methodology, focusing government-initiated cooperatives with at least fifteen years of operation. The data gathered from structured interviews, observation, and docu reviews to capture the experiences and strategies of the cooperatives were analyzed and processed. Based on the results, the government-initia cooperative evolved through various stages from their formation to progression, with the LGU playing a pivotal role in their development. The LG involvement includes enacting local laws, facilitating the cooperative's participation in regional planning, promoting sectoral representat enhancing access to finance and services, and engaging in public consultation. The study advocates for improved interaction across all governme levels (national, regional, and local) to foster effective policies. These are instrumental in building a more inclusive economy and creating tangibl impactful changes. The government-initiated cooperative has unique formation processes and strategies. Economic, social, and cultural rights e as the most significant areas where a cooperative can support its members collectively. Moreover, the government's regulatory powers should fo on the policies that directly affect the cooperative and its community members, improving services for the cooperatives, such as registration and eligibility, capacity development, financing, and technical assistance. Both the cooperative and LGU employ diverse strategies for community development. Local government units provided the cooperatives with material, financial, and policy support. The cooperative must actively pu spaces and strategic positions to facilitate people's fundamental human rights and influence decision-makers and players