Cooperativism active in CV

The spirit of cooperativism is very much alive in the region, despite the recorded "slight increase" in the registration of newly formed cooperatives in the year 2005.

Cletus Villamor, Cooperative Development Authority 7 information officer, yesterday said people in the region are already aware of the sense of cooperativism and several of them may already be members of cooperatives already.

Although, Villamor said, an individual can be a member of different cooperative organizations as long as he has the capability to capitalize. Also, to own and patronize the services of the cooperative.

In the Status of Registration Table presented by Villamor yesterday, the number of newly registered cooperatives in the region increased from 125 in 2004 to 162 last year.

This brings to a total of 3,010 registered cooperatives in Central Visayas, most of them are in Cebu province with 1,663 member coops.

Of the 3,010 registered in 2005, 1,378 are non-operating while 1,558 are operating.

However the 1,378 non-operating, Villamor said does not mean they are no longer existing unless they are recorded "Cancelled".

Villamor said these coops are given two years time to comply with the annual requirements such as reports, information sheets, financial statements and Certificate of Operation.

Last year though, there are 74 cooperatives that were cancelled due to non-submission of requirements and failure to operate within two years since the issuance of their permits or accreditation.

Top two performing cooperatives in the region are Perpetual Help Community Cooperative in Negros Oriental and Cebu CFI Community Cooperative in Cebu province.

Cooperatives are encouraged to help members achieve a lawful and common economic and social end. - Ferliza C. Contratista