The House of Representatives approved on second reading a bill requiring the designation of a cooperative officer in local government units to ensure a safe and viable cooperative movement as well as an atmosphere that is conducive to growth, a press release from Congress said.

House Bill 5567 authored by Reps. Isidro Lico (Party-list, Ating Koop) and Jose Ping-ay (Party-list, COOP NATCCO), seeks the mandatory appointment of a cooperative officer in every municipal, city and provincial local government units.

It amends Book III, Title V, Section 487, Article XVII of Republic Act 7160 or the "Local Government Code of 1991", the press release said.

Under Section 487, Article XVII of Republic Act 7160, the appointment of a cooperative officer is optional for the provincial and city governments.

The measure provides the LGU the option to either appoint/designate an incumbent employee to attend to the cooperative affairs in the locality or create a position for cooperative development officer.

The bill clarifies that a mandatory appointment does not require the creation of a new position.

It also emphasizes the need for a cooperative officer to promote the concept of cooperativism as a practical vehicle for economic growth, the press release said.*

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