Lapu coops face risk of revocation

CEBU, Philippines - Twenty cooperatives in Lapu-Lapu City may face cancellation of permit to operate after they reportedly failed to comply with all necessary requirements set by the Cooperative Development Authority.

Fe Talaboc, who has been tasked by the CDA regional office to oversee the activities of all cooperatives in Lapu-Lapu City, said some of the 98 cooperatives failed to comply with requirements even if they have been existing for several years.

Talaboc said some of these cooperatives were affected when the companies, where most of the workers were employed, closed or changed management.

She said this happened to some companies inside Mactan Export Zone.

She further said CDA required the members of cooperatives to undergo the continuing seminars and hire private accountants to conduct audit of their yearly operations.

But according to Talaboc, some of these cooperatives complained they cannot afford to hire the services of private accountants.

Despite this, she stressed they should comply with all the requirements because it is mandated by law.

If all the members of the cooperative will cooperate with each and other and support all their programs and activities, Talaboc said this will benefit the whole organization.

Meanwhile, Fiscal Manuel Degolacion said proper education is important for the people to know about cooperatives.

Degolacion said in spite of starting from scratch, a number of cooperatives succeed because of the support of their members.

He further said forming cooperatives among the urban poor is the best option today citing that most of them need the support to improve their living. Cooperatives, according to Degolacion, could help the poor in their goal to address their housing needs.  (FREEMAN)