PHILIPPINE COOPERATIVE HISTORY (2016)

Summary

Filipinos have a rich history with cooperatives dating back to the 18th century, with figures like Francisco de Goya and Dr. Jose Rizal promoting self-sufficient communities. The first cooperative law, Act 2508, was enacted in 1915, focusing on rural agricultural associations. Cooperatives expanded during WWII due to food shortages and continued to grow post-war with government support. The 1987 Constitution recognized cooperatives, and subsequent laws, including the Cooperative Code of 1990, aimed to promote their development. Today, cooperatives in the Philippines advocate for social justice and inclusive growth.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The tradition of cooperatives in the Philippines dates back to the 18th century, with Francisco de Goya leading an uprising in Bohol Island where followers lived in self-sufficient farming communities.
• 🌾 Dr. Jose Rizal, a national hero, initiated an agricultural marketing cooperative in 1893, highlighting the early recognition of cooperatives as tools for social and economic development.
• 📚 In 1897, Emilia Zito organized a commercial marketing cooperative in San Pedro, Laguna, further demonstrating the involvement of national heroes in promoting cooperatives.
• 📈 The first cooperative law in the Philippines, Act 2508, was enacted on February 5, 1915, regulating the creation and operation of rural agricultural cooperative associations.
• 🌾 During World War II, the number of cooperatives increased significantly due to severe food shortages, with 5,000 consumer and producer cooperatives initiated under the leadership of Antonio Sevilla.
• 🇺🇸 Post-war, the Philippine government continued to promote cooperatives, enacting Commonwealth Act 713 on November 1, 1945, to organize cooperative associations and create the National Cooperative Administration.
• 💼 In 1962, Republic Act 81 was passed, establishing an agricultural credit and cooperative financing system to help small farmers secure credit and market their products more efficiently.
• 🏭 The late 1950s saw the passage of a law for non-agricultural cooperatives, with Republic Act 2023 creating a Cooperative Administration Office under the Department of Commerce and Industry.
• 🔌 President Ferdinand Marcos signed Republic Act 603 in 1969, leading to the creation of the National Electrification Administration to develop electric cooperatives.
• 📜 The 1987 Philippine Constitution, adopted after the 1986 EDSA Revolution, was the first to recognize cooperatives, mandating Congress to create an agency to promote cooperatives as instruments for social justice and economic development.
• 🏛️ The Cooperative Code, known as RA 6936 and RA 6939, was signed into law in 1990, further refining the legal framework to develop cooperatives in the Philippines.

Q & A

Who led the longest uprising by Filipinos in the island of Bohol?

Francisco de Goya led the longest uprising by Filipinos in the island of Bohol from 1744 to 1829.

What did the followers of Francisco de Goya establish in the mountainous interior of Mahal Island?

The followers of Francisco de Goya established self-sufficient farming communities in the mountainous interior of Mahal Island.

When did Dr. Jose Rizal initiate an agricultural marketing cooperative?

Dr. Jose Rizal initiated an agricultural marketing cooperative in 1893 while in exile in Dominican Mindanao.

Who organized a commercial marketing cooperative in San Pedro, Laguna in 1897?

Emilia Zito, a national hero, organized a commercial marketing cooperative in San Pedro, Laguna in 1897.

What was the first Philippine labor Federation called, and who headed it?

The first Philippine labor Federation was called the 'Bullion Apres la Democratie', and it was headed by Isabela de los Reyes in 1902.

Why did Edward Filene believe cooperatives should be established in the Philippines?

Edward Filene believed cooperatives should be established in the Philippines to get rid of futures and landlords who kept the masses in continual debt slavery.

When was the first cooperative law in the Philippines enacted?

The first cooperative law in the Philippines, known as Act 2508, was enacted on February 5, 1915.

How did the number of cooperatives change during World War Two?

The number of cooperatives increased tremendously during World War Two due to severe food shortages.

What was the purpose of the cooperatives overseen by Handle Sevilla during the wartime government?

The cooperatives overseen by Handle Sevilla during the wartime government were initiated to meet the high demand for food in Manila and other urban centers.

When was the National Cooperative Administration established?

The National Cooperative Administration was established by Commonwealth Act 713 on November 1st, 1945.

What was the focus of cooperatives under the administration of President Carlos Garcia?

Under the administration of President Carlos Garcia, recognition began to be given to non-agricultural cooperatives, and Republic Act 2023 created a Cooperative Administration Office.

What did the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines recognize for the first time in the country's history?

The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines recognized cooperatives for the first time in the country's history, mandating Congress to create an agency to promote their viability and growth.