IT SEEMS that the set of guidelines on mainstreaming gender and development (GAD) in cooperatives is new to the sector.
Even the modern father of cooperatives in Benguet and Benguet Provincial Cooperative Development Council (BPCDC) chairperson, Mr. Miguel Luma-ang, mentioned in one of the council’s meetings that he did not encounter such policy among coops in the country’s salad bowl.
“As a group, we need to come up with GAD policies to be given to cooperatives for their reference”, he said.
The foundation of the topic is the Cooperative Development Authority’s (CDA) Memorandum Circular Number 2013-22 entitled Guidelines on Mainstreaming Gender and Development in Cooperatives. After almost five years, it’s only now that the sector is serious in implementing such mandate.
The purpose of the circular is to support the government in its bid of ensuring the promotion of gender equality and institutionalization of GAD in policies, programs, and activities of the different sectors in the society. On the other hand, this shall also mandate the monitoring of progress in the implementation of GAD programs and activities of the cooperatives towards achieving gender equality.
Under the provisions of the memorandum, co-ops are directed to implement GAD mainstreaming by approving and implementing GAD-related policies, integration of gender issues in the Cooperative Development Plan, allocation of budget for gender concerns and establishing other mechanisms and instruments for a GAD responsive cooperative.
The mechanisms include the creation of committees, appointment of GAD Focal Person and inclusion of gender-related programs in the Education and Training Program.
To supplement the first circular, Memorandum Circular Number 2017-04 was approved known as the Tool for Assessing Progress of Gender Equality (GE) in Cooperatives just last year. The tool determines the extent to which the cooperative live the universal cooperative principles of equality, equity, social responsibility, and caring for others. The result can be used as a basis for crafting the cooperative’s gender and development plan and policies.
The Asian Women in Co-operative Development Forum, Swedish Cooperative Centre, CDA, Gender Equality Resource Center, and partner cooperatives developed and improved the tool over a period of time.
It is with high hopes that the BPCDC will come up with a localized GAD policy for coops. Ever since its inception, the council is continuously working and fighting for the cause of Benguet co-ops.
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The Municipality of La Trinidad will be conducting a Forum on Licensing and Registration of Quality and Safe Products on June 28 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Local entrepreneurs especially those engaged in food manufacturing are encouraged to attend the activity.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-Cordillera will be orienting the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on the standards of Licensing and Registration of products. At the same time, FDA will be presenting its programs and functions for the benefit of the business sector. The aim of the activity is to make sure that the products of La Trinidad entrepreneurs are of good quality and safe for consumption. Thus, compliance with food standards and regulations is necessary.
Participants are advised to bring their Department of Trade and Industry Business Name Registration, Business Permit, Certificate of Attendance from a Food Handling or Good Manufacturing Practices Seminar, Tax Identification Number, any government issued ID and two pieces of 2x2 ID picture.