Understanding the Power of Collective Action
What is Cooperative?
Cooperative is an autonomous and duly registered association of persons, with a common bond of interest, who have voluntarily joined together to achieve their social, economic, and cultural need and aspirations by making equitable contributions to the capital required, patronizing their product and services and accepting a fair share of risk and benefits of the undertaking in accordance with universally accepted cooperative principles. (RA 9520 Article 3)
Cooperative
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Member-owned and operated, with each member having equal voting rights.
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Mission-driven, prioritizing the welfare of members over profits.
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Decisions are made democratically, ensuring all members have a voice.
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Focus on community development, mutual aid, and shared benefits.
Big Business
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Large-scale operations with significant market influence.
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Profit-driven with shareholders as primary beneficiaries.
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Hierarchical structure with centralized decision-making.
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Focus on maximizing revenue and growth.
Small Business
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Independently owned and operated, with limited scale.
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Profit-driven but typically serves local or niche market
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Owner(s) make decisions and manage day-to-day operations.
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Personal relationships with customers; flexible business practices
Fair Share of Risks and Benefits According to Global Cooperative Principles
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COOP Members Own the Cooperative
Every member has ownership and equal rights in the cooperative, contributing to its decision-making and direction.
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COOP Business Owned by Members
The cooperative's business activities and assets belong to the members, ensuring that they have a direct stake in the organization's success.
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Business Output/Performance is Shared
Whether it's profit or loss, the outcome of the cooperative's operations is shared among the members based on their participation.
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The Rise and Fall of the Cooperative Depends on its Members
The success and sustainability of the cooperative rely on the active involvement and responsibility of its members.
Cooperative Values
Ethical Values
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Self-Help (Pagtulong sa Sarili)
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Self-Responsibility (Responsibilidad sa Sarili)
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Democracy (Pagiging Malaya/Demokrasya)
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Equality (Pagkakapantay-pantay)
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Equity (Katarungan)
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Solidarity (Pagkakaisa)
Social Values
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Honesty (Katapatan)
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Openness (Pagiging Bukas na Isipan)
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Social Responsibility (Responsibilidad sa Lipunan)
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Caring for Others (Malasakit sa kapwa)
7 Cooperative Principles
The Mother Rita Multipurpose Cooperative operates under the globally recognized cooperative principles that guide our mission of empowerment, community development, and mutual benefit.
Voluntary and Open Membership
Membership is open to all individuals who are willing to accept the responsibilities of being a member, regardless of their social, political, racial, or religious background. This principle ensures inclusivity and equal opportunity for everyone to participate and benefit from the cooperative.
Joining is entirely voluntary, and members have the freedom to choose their level of involvement, while also enjoying the shared benefits and responsibilities that come with being part of a cooperative community.
Democratic Member Control
Members play an active role in the decision-making process. The cooperative operates democratically, with each member having equal voting rights, regardless of their financial contribution.
Major decisions, including policies and leadership elections, are made by members, ensuring that the cooperative is governed by the collective will of its people. This principle fosters transparency, accountability, and member-driven leadership, empowering everyone to have a say in the cooperative’s direction.
Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to the capital of the cooperative and have a direct stake in its financial well-being. This includes participating in decisions on how the cooperative's profits (surpluses) are used or distributed.
Members typically receive a fair return on their contributions and decide collectively whether profits should be reinvested into the cooperative, used for member services, or distributed among members. This principle ensures that the cooperative’s financial benefits are shared among those who contribute and participate actively.
Autonomy and Independence
Mother Rita MPC operates as an autonomous, self-governing organization. While cooperatives may enter into agreements with other organizations or receive external support, they remain independent and are controlled by their members.
This principle ensures that the cooperative's decisions, policies, and operations are made by its members without external interference, safeguarding the integrity of the cooperative and ensuring that it continues to serve the interests of its members.
Education, Training and Information
At Mother Rita Multipurpose Cooperative, we believe that continuous learning is essential to the success of our members and the cooperative. We provide education and training to our members, elected leaders, and staff to enhance their skills, knowledge, and understanding of cooperative principles.
Additionally, we ensure that all members are well-informed about the cooperative’s activities, benefits, and opportunities. This empowers members to actively participate in decision-making, contribute to the cooperative’s growth, and maximize the benefits of their membership.
Cooperation among Cooperatives
Mother Rita Multipurpose Cooperative actively fosters collaboration with other cooperatives at local, national, and international levels. By working together, we strengthen the cooperative movement and enhance the collective impact of our efforts.
This principle promotes sharing of resources, knowledge, and best practices among cooperatives, allowing us to support one another, tackle common challenges, and leverage opportunities for mutual benefit. Through such cooperation, we contribute to the overall growth and effectiveness of the cooperative sector.
Concern for Community
Mother Rita Multipurpose Cooperative is committed to the sustainable development and well-being of the communities we serve. We focus on addressing local needs and supporting initiatives that improve the quality of life for our members and their communities.
This principle drives us to implement policies and programs that contribute to the overall health, education, and economic development of the areas we operate in. Our goal is to create a positive impact and build resilient, thriving communities through active engagement and support.
Member Classification
• REGULAR member – one who has complied with all the membership requirements and entitled to all the rights and privileges of a member.
• ASSOCIATE member – one who has no right to vote nor to be voted upon and is entitled only to limited rights, privileges and membership duration as provided in the by-laws of the cooperative, RA 9520 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations
•Note: an associate member who meets the minimum requirements of regular membership and continues to patronize the coop for two (2) years, and signifies his/her intent to remain a member shall be considered a regular member
Regular Member – Rights and Privileges
✔ To vote
✔ To be voted upon
✔ Attend General Assembly meetings and recommend policies as may be deemed necessary
✔ To inspect and examine the Books of Accounts, the audited reports, Minutes Book, Share Register and other records of the cooperative within reasonable office hours
✔ Avail himself of the services of the Co-operative, subject to certain conditions as may be prescribed by the BODs as per POLICIES
✔ Participate in the continuing education and training program of the cooperative
✔ Such other rights and privileges as may be granted by the General Assembly
Associate Member – Rights
✔ Attend and participate in the deliberation of any issue during General Membership meetings
✔ Avail himself of the services of the Co-operative, subject to certain conditions as may be prescribed by the BODs
✔ Inspect and examine the Books of Accounts, the audited reports, Minutes Book, Share Register, and other records of the cooperative within reasonable office hours
✔ Such other rights and privileges as may be granted by the General Assembly
