About Philippines
History of Cooperative Housing in the Philippines
Cooperative housing in the Philippines began gaining traction in the mid-20th century, inspired by the global cooperative movement and the country’s need to address urban housing shortages. Early efforts were driven mainly by government agencies and non-governmental organizations promoting affordable, community-based housing solutions.
The Philippine government institutionalized cooperative development with the Cooperative Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 9520) enacted in 2008, which provided a modern legal framework for cooperatives, including housing cooperatives. This law aimed to strengthen the cooperative sector by offering better regulation, support, and incentives.
Housing cooperatives typically focused on enabling low- and middle-income families to access affordable housing through collective ownership and pooled resources. Many of these cooperatives developed township-style projects with shared amenities and infrastructure.
Current Situation
Today, cooperative housing remains an important part of the Philippines’ housing landscape, especially in urban and peri-urban areas facing rapid population growth and housing shortages.
Key points about the current state include:
- Membership and Reach: Thousands of housing cooperatives exist nationwide, providing shelter to tens of thousands of families.
- Government Support: The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) oversees cooperative registration and provides technical support. Various government housing agencies collaborate with cooperatives for land allocation and funding.
- Sustainable Development Focus: Increasingly, housing cooperatives integrate sustainability principles such as renewable energy, food security, and resilient building materials.
- Challenges: Housing cooperatives face issues like limited access to financing, land scarcity, regulatory hurdles, and governance challenges.
- Community Services: Many cooperative housing projects include community facilities like health centers, multipurpose halls, and learning centers to enhance quality of life.
- Disaster Response: Cooperatives have played roles in resettlement projects, especially after typhoons and natural disasters, providing affordable, sustainable housing for displaced families.
Examples
Federation of Peoples’ Sustainable Development Cooperative (FPSDC)
The Federation of Peoples’ Sustainable Development Cooperative (FPSDC) is a coalition of 154 co-operatives and civil society organizations across the Philippines. FPSDC focuses on promoting sustainable development among its members through targeted programs and services.
The Co-op Housing Facility: Building Sustainable Communities
One of FPSDC’s flagship initiatives is the Co-op Housing Facility. This project aims to create sustainable communities by integrating key elements such as food security, renewable energy, and livelihood opportunities. The houses within this community are constructed using environmentally friendly and sustainable materials, reflecting FPSDC’s commitment to ecological responsibility.
Co-op Ville: A Resettlement and Sustainable Living Project
A central part of FPSDC’s six-year Sustainable Development Plan is the establishment of Co-op Ville, located in Barangay Mambuaya, Cagayan de Oro City. This housing facility occupies 2.5 hectares of the Federation’s total 5-hectare landholding.
Co-op Ville was originally developed as a resettlement site for families displaced by Typhoon Sendong in 2011. The community now provides homes for approximately 150 families.
Community Facilities and Services
In addition to housing, Co-op Ville includes several communal facilities to support residents’ well-being and social development. These facilities include:
- A Multi-purpose Hall for meetings and events
- A Covered Court used for sports and gatherings
- A Health Center providing basic medical services
- A Learning Center for educational programs and skills training
Impact and Ongoing Development
Co-op Ville exemplifies FPSDC’s holistic approach to cooperative housing by combining shelter with sustainable living practices and community development. The integration of renewable energy systems and livelihood programs helps ensure long-term resilience and self-sufficiency for residents.
ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative and Its Housing Initiative
ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative (ACDI MPC) is the Philippines’ largest cooperative, serving Armed Forces personnel, the Coast Guard, their families, and civilian employees. With 144 offices nationwide and over ₱33 billion in assets, it plays a leading role in the country’s cooperative sector.
Recognized in 2018 as the Most Outstanding Cooperative (Large Category) in the National Capital Region by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), ACDI MPC is known for its commitment to empowerment, social development, and sustainability.
Tackling the Housing Crisis
ACDI MPC is now responding to the national housing shortage by launching initiatives aimed at delivering affordable and sustainable housing.
Cooperative Township Project
Their flagship effort is a Cooperative Township in Ibaan, Batangas, located on a 10-hectare portion of a 68-hectare property. This project aims to create self-sufficient communities by combining housing with essential services and cooperative-owned businesses.
Still in early stages, the township is envisioned as a scalable and replicable model for cooperative-led urban planning in the Philippines. It reflects ACDI MPC’s long-term goal: affordable living rooted in shared ownership and cooperative values.
Resources Tagged "Philippines"
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Financing and Development Global Report
Explore public policies supporting cooperative housing worldwide in this comprehensive report. Discover how governments and cooperatives collaborate to create sustainable and affordable housing solutions globally.Read More
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Governance Global
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Community Global Report
The Blueprint for a Co-operative Decade is a worldwide campaign to “take the co-operative way of doing business to a new level”. The five key elements of the Blueprint are participation, sustainability, identity, legal frameworks and capital. The Blueprint is particularly relevant to co-operative housing and the Blueprint interpretation for co-operative housing below explains how.Read More
Governance Global
