Polytechnic University of the Philippines
College of Social Sciences and Development
DEPARTMENT OF COOPERATIVES AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTEmbedded Files
The Department of Cooperatives and Social Development originated as an Institute of Cooperatives (IC) on March 31, 1989. This program was established upon the reinstatement of Dr. Nemesio E. Prudente, as President of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Amongst the important milestone programs during Dr. Prudente's term was the creation of the 1) University Center for Human Rights Education, 2) the Open University System, and the 3) Institute of Cooperatives, as a flag-bearer in the promotion, advocacy, and development of cooperatives in the country.
The IC, now Department of Cooperatives and Social Development (DCSD) pursues academic excellence by responding to the needs and demands of the Philippine cooperative movement for the last 3O years with its relevant, and responsive curriculum, congruent to international and national development agenda, specifically, the Sustainable Development Goals (2030), the International Cooperative Alliance's Cooperative Agenda (2020), Ambisyon (2040) and Philippine Development Plan (2017-2022).
With the enactment of the House of Representatives of the RA 11535, and signed into law by His Excellency, President Rodrigo R. Duterte, mandating the position of a cooperative development officer in every province, city and municipality, clearly concretizes the recognition of cooperatives as a viable people's enterprise, governed with democratic processes, wealth creation for community development and people empowerment. These developments are indicative of the trajectory of the graduates of the BS Cooperatives four-year degree course, with two major specializations; 1) Cooperative Social Enterprise Management and 2) Cooperative Education and Community Development.
With the Vision of the new president, Dr. Manuel Muhi for PUP to become a National Polytechnic University, DCSD aims to achieve its goals, commits itself to respond to the growing need for relevant and continuing education and services geared towards economic self-reliance, sustainable development, social responsibility and cooperation as a way of life.
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
Dr. Raul Rolan Sebastian
Cooperatives and Social Development have always been important components of the social sciences. In the Philippines, cooperatives have always served as integral aspects of the development of individuals and communities. This is because cooperative institutions have always been providing support to the marginalized sectors and the remote areas, making economic activities more sustainable and dynamic. Consequently, social development becomes possible even to the distant areas through cooperative endeavors.
The spirit and values of cooperatives take a deep psyche on Filipino culture and values. The spirit of bayanihan is an exemplification of cooperativism because it exudes brotherhood, unity and cooperation. It is no wonder, then, that cooperative institutions are established to promote unequivocally the welfare of their members by uplifting their economic, social, and cultural conditions by rendering various services. With the presence of cooperatives, one can see the concept of No one is left behind because, like the spirit of bayanihan, the members have sense of initiative and cooperation towards their progress.
Due to the great benefit of cooperatives in many communities in the country, there is a need to strengthen the study of cooperatives. Similarly, relevant researches must be conducted to widen the scope of knowledge pertinent to cooperatives. Extension works must be enhanced to capacitate communities in organizing their own cooperative institutions or to abet these burgeoning institutions and transform their respective areas into self-sustaining and thriving communities. Accordingly, the study of Cooperatives becomes palpably essential as it yields betterment to communities and, hence, to the whole nation.
Keep up the good work Department of Cooperatives and Social Development! Mabuhay!
The spirit and values of cooperatives take a deep psyche on Filipino culture and values. The spirit of bayanihan is an exemplification of cooperativism because it exudes brotherhood, unity and cooperation. It is no wonder, then, that cooperative institutions are established to promote unequivocally the welfare of their members by uplifting their economic, social, and cultural conditions by rendering various services. With the presence of cooperatives, one can see the concept of No one is left behind because, like the spirit of bayanihan, the members have sense of initiative and cooperation towards their progress.
Due to the great benefit of cooperatives in many communities in the country, there is a need to strengthen the study of cooperatives. Similarly, relevant researches must be conducted to widen the scope of knowledge pertinent to cooperatives. Extension works must be enhanced to capacitate communities in organizing their own cooperative institutions or to abet these burgeoning institutions and transform their respective areas into self-sustaining and thriving communities. Accordingly, the study of Cooperatives becomes palpably essential as it yields betterment to communities and, hence, to the whole nation.
Keep up the good work Department of Cooperatives and Social Development! Mabuhay!
MESSAGE FROM THE chairperson
Dr. Hilda F. San Gabriel
Three major challenges unfold, first, the digital divide, affirmed in the World Economic Forum in its meeting of stakeholders and global leaders outlined the importance of being able to adapt to technological advancements. Second is the continuing threat of virus, covid-19 pandemic and other variant mutations (recorded delta, and just recently, omicron) and lastly, the persistent poverty incidence which is even aggravated by lack of employment opportunities affecting vulnerable sectors of society.
Amidst all these challenges, we at the Department of Cooperatives and Social Development – College of Social Sciences and Development was able to continue to steadfastly provide the much needed education for our students because believe that their future lies in the education that we provide today. We have recaliber and raised our visibility by responding to varying needs, we have re-tooled and attended to enhancement trainings and transition to flexible mode of delivery of learning management system that will allow our program students/graduates to reach their full potential. It was not an easy task and as we continue on, it has become even an ardous one. The trick of the trade I have learned is through open communication, cooperation, solidarity, mutual trust and passion and dedication for what we do. I rename it Resieliency formula and it proved to be beneficial in the long run due to the support of multi-stakeholders, from the administration, the partner organizations, cooperative sector, the faculty, employees and the students and everyone involved.
We hurdled the challenges and we are creating impact in the lives of our students. I am grateful for the resilience and persistence and the passion, liberating from the chain of poverty and ignorance is an arduous task and I have always believe that education shall continue guiding the individual person to the path of establishing social economy enterprises, that is truly a people’s enterprise.
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