Community participation through cooperatives in addressing basic services: The Philippine experience

In the Philippines much still needs to be done and an important dimension of inclusive development involves the participation of poor people. Through cooperatives, individuals and groups participated actively in decisions that affect their lives and interests. Savings and credit cooperatives have driven to a large extent the country’s remarkable network. Various types of cooperatives have taken up effective partnership with the national and local governments to share risks and costs in addressing basic needs of the people. However, several factors constrain the effective contribution of the cooperative movement to be consistent with its pro-poor agenda.