Section 18Sec./Art. 18

Partnership with the Cooperative Sector. -A strong partnership between the Authority and the cooperative sector and the academe shall be established in implementing the developmental functions of the Authority as stated in Section 4, paragraphs (a), (b), (aa), (bb), (cc), (dd), (ee), (ii) and (jj), and Section 17 of this Act to ensure the maximum participation of the cooperative sector on matters of government plans, projects and policies affecting cooperatives.

The Authority, the cooperative sector, and the academe shall formulate guidelines for the implementation of the partnership that may give rise to the recognition of apex organizations and a national alliance representing all types and categories of cooperatives, as provided for under Section 4(z) of this Act, that shall function as the overall consultative and coordinating body with the Authority.

The Authority shall recognize cooperative unions and federations under Articles 24 and 25 of Republic Act No. 9520, and issue guidelines to promote and develop these secondary cooperatives.