Local Government Code of 1991
Section 487. Qualifications, Powers and Duties.
(a) No person shall be appointed cooperative officer unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the local government unit concerned, 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, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have experience in cooperatives organizations and management of at least five (5) years in the case of provincial or city cooperatives officer, and three (3) years in the case of municipal cooperatives officer.
The appointment of the cooperatives officer is optional for the provincial and city governments.
(b) The 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 governor or mayor, as the case may be, in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of 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 governor or mayor, as the case may be, implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the integration of cooperatives principles and methods in programs and projects which the governor or mayor is empowered to implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to provide for under this Code;
(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the 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;
(iii) Assist cooperatives in establishing linkages with government agencies and non-government organizations 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 calamities and disasters, to aid in their survival and, if necessary subsequent rehabilitation;
(5) Recommend to the sanggunian, and advise the governor or mayor, as the case may be, on all matters relative to cooperatives development and viability- enhancement which will improve the livelihood and quality of life of the inhabitants; and
(c) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.