THE SURVIVAL STRATEGIES OF THRIVING MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVES IN DAVAO ORIENTAL: A MULTIPLE CASE STUDY

This qualitative multiple case study is aimed at the investigation of the survival strategies of thriving multipurpose cooperatives (MPCs) in Davao Oriental. In this study, five (5) MPCs were purposefully selected and were analyzed through in-depth interviews and thematic coding. The results of the study revealed that diversification of product/services, member participation and support, transparent and participatory leadership, effective financial management and resource allocation, and strategic partnerships and linkages were the survival strategies of the MPCs in Davao Oriental. On the other hand, how these MPCs navigate their challenges is through adapting evolving product/services, member empowerment and shared accountability, strategic leadership and governance, financial discipline, and capacity building for sustainability through externally funded programs. All of these cases had the same practices on how they managed to survive in times of difficulties, however, they differ on the how they implement these approaches. The study highlights that cooperative resilience rests on the participatory governance, financial prudence, and contextual innovation. The results of this study gives practical insights for the cooperative leaders, policymakers, and academic institutions to create a responsive program that can promote inclusive growth and rural change. The findings of the study also provide a better insight into how community-based enterprises can thrive in uncertainty and changing socio-economic condition by incorporating the cooperative values into the strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.