The Impact of Multi-Purpose Cooperatives on the Lives of their Members in the Second District of Negros Oriental

Abstract Cooperatives were established long ago as a response to poverty, with people seeking to improve their lives. Over time, one of the main goals of cooperatives has remained the same: to continue helping their members. Cooperatives help people earn better incomes, feel a sense of belonging, and build stronger communities especially among those who need support the most. They provide access to resources, training, and opportunities that may not be available elsewhere. Because of this, cooperatives are seen as effective tools for fighting poverty and improving lives. However, despite these benefits, there is still limited research or information about how cooperatives truly impact the lives of their members. The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of multipurpose cooperatives on the lives of their members in the Second District of Negros Oriental, with a particular focus on two influential cooperatives that belong to the billionaire category in terms of assets. The study also highlights the challenges faced by the members within the cooperatives and the reasons why they continue to seek assistance from other financial institutions. This study reveals a moderate impact of cooperatives on the lives of their members in the Second District of Negros Oriental. While members feel more financially secure, challenges remain, prompting some to continue relying on other financial institutions due to delays and unmet needs. These challenges should be addressed with the support of cooperative leaders, policymakers, and the members themselves. The findings offer valuable insights for improving cooperative models and enhancing their role as drivers of sustainable growth. Keywords: cooperatives, build stronger communities, effective tools, billionaire category, other financial institution