A study of the operations and performance of selected credit cooperatives in the Philippines

This study attempts to provide an adequate understanding of what a credit cooperative is, in terms of operations and policies, financial performance, and membership. Specifically, the major objectives of the study are: a. to determine the effectiveness of credit cooperatives in meeting the needs of their members and, where applicable, to suggest ways and means to improve services; and b. to identify possible management financial weaknesses in their operations. Thus, the analysis is divided into three major groupings: 1. Operations and Policies a. the policies and practices associated with the savings and lending activities of credit cooperatives; b. the degree of flexibility they adopt in implementing credit cooperative rules and regulations; c. the issues and problems encountered in their regular operations, and the way to handle them; d. their relationship with other savings and credit institutions, both formal and informal, and the extent of competition among themselves and with other institutions of similar functions; and e. the relationship and/or affiliations of primary credit cooperatives with associations or federations. 2. Financial Performance a. the growth performance and patterns of credit cooperatives; and b. the problems and constraints in their growth process. 3. Membership a. the overall profile and characteristics of credit cooperative members; b. the saving and borrowing behavior of members; c. the extent of membership participation in cooperative activities; d. the lending behavior of members; and e. the members' level of awareness about cooperative issues and related matters.