Chapter III.pdf - NEDA-RDC VI

Iloilo and Bacolod cities are well known for their antiques
and centuries old edifices like the old steam engines that still
haul wood and bagasse (cane residue) in Negros Occidental, the
more than a hundred years churches of Miag-ao and Sta.
Barbara, and Asia’s largest bell in the Province of Capiz.
B. STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
The key factors and drivers identified in the situational analysis
were subjected to options development and evaluation of alternatives
vis-a-vis macro objectives. As a result, the following elements of the
strategic framework were established:
1. Strengthen Cooperatives and Encourage Bulk Buying
Cooperatives will be strengthened through sustained
capability building and skills development and encourage them
to purchase agricultural inputs in bulk to avail of lower prices.
To foster the creation and growth of cooperatives as a
vehicle for promoting self-reliance and to ensure their viability as
instruments of equity, social justice and economic development,
cooperatives should be strengthened and bulk buying as a
strategy to avail lower prices must be encouraged. This can be
achieved by accelerating capital build-up and savings
mobilization among cooperatives through alternative and
innovative credit schemes, creating viable structures conducive
to greater productivity and higher incomes, and enhancing the
provision of technical assistance to cooperatives by government,
financial institutions and non-government organizations.
To further strengthen the cooperatives, continuing
education and assistance in funds sourcing, training and
marketing should be in place.
Local government units should designate a Cooperative
Development Officer out of the existing positions in the
Agriculture Office. Women cooperatives will likewise be
strengthened and assisted for them to fully participate in
economic growth and development.