By Jerome Alangui-Muguet Polonio, Ph.D.
From Ideals to Action in Cooperative Life
Introduction: From Ideals to Action
Cooperatives are not ordinary organizations. They are built on seven internationally recognized principles that distinguish them from corporations and government institutions. These principles—voluntary membership, democratic control, member economic participation, autonomy, education, cooperation among cooperatives, and concern for community—form the living foundation of cooperative identity.
In the Philippines, the Cooperative Code of 2008 (RA 9520) and the CDA Charter (RA 11364) provide the legal backbone. In the Cordillera, traditions of bayanihan and ub-ubbo reinforce these principles culturally. Together, law and heritage ensure that cooperative ideals are translated into daily practice.
The Seven Principles at a Glance
· Voluntary & Open Membership
· Democratic Member Control
· Member Economic Participation
· Autonomy & Independence
· Education, Training, & Information
· Cooperation Among Cooperatives
· Concern for Community
(Adapted from ICA guidelines, contextualized in Philippine cooperative law)
The Seven Cooperative Principles in Practice
Voluntary and Open Membership
Inclusivity is central. Cooperatives welcome members regardless of social status, gender, or ethnicity. In Cordillera, this reflects the ethic of shared responsibility—no one is excluded from collective progress.
“A cooperative that excludes is no cooperative at all.” – Elder from Benguet Cooperative Assembly
Democratic Member Control
Assemblies and voting ensure that each member has one voice. Leadership accountability mirrors clan traditions where consensus guides decisions.
Member Economic Participation
Equity contributions and patronage refunds embody shared responsibility. Prosperity is distributed fairly, not concentrated.
Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives safeguard decision-making from external interference, ensuring accountability to members alone.
Education, Training, and Information
Programs for officers and members strengthen governance. In Cordillera, cooperative education is often paired with cultural teachings, ensuring continuity of values.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Federations and alliances amplify resilience. Networks protect against market pressures and strengthen bargaining power.
Concern for Community
Livelihood programs, scholarships, and cultural preservation projects show that cooperatives are engines of social responsibility.
Legal and Institutional Framework
The Philippine Cooperative Code (RA 9520) and RA 11364 institutionalize cooperative principles. The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) enforces compliance through registration, monitoring, and sanctions.
Legal Safeguards
· Mandatory reports and audits
· Sanctions for non-compliance
· Legal protection for cooperative autonomy
Law transforms cooperative ideals into enforceable obligations, ensuring sustainability.
Cultural and Indigenous Dimensions
Cordilleran traditions of bayanihan (communal unity) and ub-ubbo (collective labor) mirror cooperative principles. Clan assemblies and reunions reinforce solidarity and democratic participation.
Example:
· Sagada Multipurpose Cooperative integrates clan rituals into assemblies, ensuring decisions reflect both legal compliance and cultural authenticity.
Challenges in Implementation
· Weak member participation undermines democratic control.
· Commercial pressures risk “cooperative drift” toward corporate models.
· Limited education weakens governance and accountability.
“Without education, principles remain words. With education, they become action.” – CDA Regional Officer
Strategies for Strengthening Compliance
· Continuous education and leadership training
· Transparent governance through reports and social audits
· Stronger networks and federations
· Integration of cultural heritage into cooperative operations
These strategies ensure principles are not only obeyed but lived daily.
Voices of Authenticity
Cordilleran cooperatives provide inspiring examples:
· Benguet State University Cooperative invests in scholarships and cultural preservation.
· Tabuk Multipurpose Cooperative thrives by balancing economic growth with community projects.
“A cooperative without principles is merely a business.” – Cooperative Leader, Ifugao
These success stories show that resilience comes from fidelity to cooperative identity.
Conclusion: Living Principles, Thriving Communities
Cooperative principles are the compass guiding inclusive development. They ensure that cooperatives remain distinct, resilient, and authentic.
The call to action is clear: uphold principles not just in words but in daily cooperative life. By doing so, cooperatives will continue to serve as engines of empowerment, unity, and sustainable development.
In the Philippine and Cordilleran context, cooperatives embody the vision of thriving together—rooted in heritage, safeguarded by law, and strengthened by collective effort.**
