Section 41September 7, 2007, Sec./Art. 41

The Provincial Cooperatives Officer. - (a) No person shall be appointed provincial cooperatives officer unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in business administration course with special training in cooperatives or any related course from a recognized college or university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have experience in cooperatives organization and management for at least five years.

The appointment of a provincial cooperatives officer shall be mandatory.

(b) The provincial cooperatives officer shall take charge of the office for the development of cooperatives and shall:

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

(2) 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 the sanggunian is empowered to provide for under the Local Government Code of 1991;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the provincial cooperatives officer shall:

(i) Assist in the organization of cooperatives;

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

(iii) Assist cooperatives in establishing linkages with government agencies and NGOs involved in the promotion and integration of the concept of cooperatives in the livelihood of the people and other community activities;

(4) 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;

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

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