The Philippines boasts a dynamic and tech-savvy youth population, with 28.9% falling within the age range of 15 to 30 years (PSA) who are well-versed in digital technologies. The Philippines has seen significant growth in internet penetration. The cooperative movement in the Philippines is robust, with cooperatives spanning various industries such as agriculture, finance, and services. These existing cooperative networks could serve as a foundation for the first cooperative built on the Bitcoin Standard.
We predict that the first co-operative to be built on the Bitcoin Standard will be organized in the Philippines.
Bitcoin can provide an alternative financial system that empowers individuals, especially those underserved by traditional banking. Cooperatives, with their community-oriented approach, align well with this goal.
Introduction
A cooperative organized on the Bitcoin standard leverages the unique properties of Bitcoin—such as decentralization, limited supply, and global accessibility—to create a resilient and innovative business model. Here we outline the key steps to establish and manage a cooperative that adopts Bitcoin as its primary financial and operational backbone.
1. Understand the Bitcoin Standard
Before establishing a cooperative on the Bitcoin standard, it’s crucial to understand the fundamentals of Bitcoin. Members should be educated about bitcoin technology, the principles of decentralized finance, and the implications of using a deflationary currency like Bitcoin. Resources, workshops, and training sessions can help in building a solid understanding and consensus among members.
2. Establish a Cooperative Framework
Design the cooperative’s structure, including its mission, values, governance model, and operational rules. Decide how Bitcoin will integrate into this framework. For example, will the cooperative use Bitcoin exclusively, or alongside fiat currencies? Define membership rules, capital contributions (possibly in Bitcoin), and how profits and losses will be shared.
3. Set Up a Bitcoin Treasury
Establish a treasury strategy that reflects the cooperative’s risk tolerance and operational needs. This involves setting up secure Bitcoin wallets, choosing between hot (online) and cold (offline) storage solutions, and implementing policies for managing the treasury, including how Bitcoin will be allocated for expenses, investments, and member payouts.
4. Implement Bitcoin-based Accounting
Adopt accounting practices that accommodate Bitcoin’s volatility and unique characteristics. This includes tracking the value of Bitcoin transactions based on the time of the transaction and maintaining records in both Bitcoin and the local fiat currency for tax and reporting purposes.
5. Navigate Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Understand and comply with the legal and regulatory requirements for using Bitcoin in your jurisdiction. This includes tax obligations, anti-money laundering (AML) protocols, and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. Consulting with legal and financial experts who understand both cooperative models and virtual asset regulations is crucial.
6. Foster a Bitcoin-centric Ecosystem
Build relationships with other businesses, suppliers, and customers who are Bitcoin-friendly or interested in transacting in Bitcoin. This can help in creating a supportive ecosystem that strengthens the cooperative’s operations and promotes wider adoption of Bitcoin.
7. Educate and Engage Members
Regularly educate and update cooperative members about Bitcoin market trends, technological advancements, and best practices in digital asset management. Engagement can be facilitated through workshops, newsletters, and forums, fostering a community that is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the cooperative's Bitcoin-centric approach.
8. Monitor and Adapt to Changes
The Bitcoin landscape is dynamic, with frequent changes in market conditions, technology, and regulations. The cooperative should establish processes for monitoring these changes and adapting its strategies accordingly. This includes revisiting the treasury strategy, compliance policies, and operational practices to ensure they remain effective and relevant.
Organizing a cooperative on the Bitcoin standard offers an innovative approach to cooperative economics, tapping into the benefits of decentralized digital currency. By understanding Bitcoin, establishing a clear cooperative framework, and adapting to the evolving landscape, cooperatives can leverage Bitcoin to build a resilient, transparent, and forward-looking business model.
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Best-selling bitcoin books in Amazon.com
The Lightning Network has emerged as a powerful tool for financial inclusion, particularly for co-operatives in the Philippines, Lightning is the fastest and cheapest way to send bitcoin anywhere in the world. CoopPay aims to serve millions of cooperative members in the Philippines. CoopPay seamlessly integrates the national QR code standard (QR Ph) and the Lightning Network, making it a game-changer for financial transactions within co-operatives. The Lightning Network holds immense potential for co-operatives in the Philippines, fostering financial inclusion, efficiency, and global collaboration.
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Coop Bookshop
Ask your co-operative’s Education and Training Committee to fill your co-operative bookshelf with us! Whether you’re a member of your board (director), CEO, Vice President or just starting out in your co-op journey, keep being curious, keep learning, keep discovering, so you may keep inventing.
We work with the biggest book publishers in the world and we carry and promote books aligned with our ethos of self-help, self-sovereignty, and self-learning.
You can also support this project by using your CoopPay to send Php 21 to any of the following Lightning Addresses:
- coop@pouch.ph (CoopPay wallet)
- lightningcoop@blink.sv (Blink wallet)
- coop@coinos.io (Coinos wallet)
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