Section 42Sec./Art. 42

The Provincial Cooperatives Officer. -(a) The provincial cooperatives officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in business administration with special training in cooperatives or any related course from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in cooperatives organization and management.

The appointment of a provincial cooperatives officer is optional.

(b) The provincial cooperatives officer shall perform the following duties and functions:

(1) Take charge of the office for the development of cooperatives, and pursuant thereto, perform the following:

(i) Formulate measures for the consideration of thesanggunianand provide technical assistance and support to the provincial governor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of services and the provision of adequate facilities through the development of cooperatives, and in providing access to such services and facilities; and

(ii) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the provincial governor, implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the integration of cooperatives principles and methods in programs which the provincial governor is empowered to implement and which thesanggunianis empowered to provide under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;

(2) Assist in the organization of cooperatives;

(3) Provide technical and other forms of assistance to existing cooperatives to enhance their viability as an economic enterprise and social organizations;

(4) Assist cooperatives in establishing linkages with government agencies and nongovernmental organizations involved in the promotion and integration of the concept of cooperatives in the livelihood of the people and other community services;

(5) Be in the frontline of cooperatives organization, rehabilitation or viability enhancement, particularly during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or calamities, to aid in their survival and, if necessary subsequent rehabilitation;

(6) Recommend to thesanggunianand advise the provincial governor on all other matters relative to cooperatives development and viability enhancement which improve the livelihood and the quality of life of the inhabitants; and

(7) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and functions as may prescribed by law or ordinance.