The study aimed to assess the performance of selected top performing multi-purpose cooperatives in Batangas City as entities which cater to the varied needs of their members and borrowers which may be used as inputs to come up with suggestions on how their business operations may be improved. Specifically, to determine the firmographic profile of the cooperatives in terms of area of operation, classification according to asset size, and bond of membership; to assess the performance of cooperatives in terms of management and accounting system, production and quality of inputs, and market linkages and business relations; to determine the internal challenges faced by the selected multipurpose cooperatives; to test the significant differences on the performance of selected multipurpose cooperatives’ performance when grouped according to profile variables; to test the significant relationship between the cooperative performance and challenges faced by such cooperatives; and to propose a business framework based on the findings of the study. The researcher used a modified questionnaire as the principal instrument. The data gathered were tallied, tabulated, interpreted and analyzed using statistical tools such as weighted mean, F-test, and Analysis of Variance. Results show that majority of the respondents belong to a multi-purpose cooperative operating nationwide, classified as large cooperative, and have an institutional bond of membership; the employees of the top performing cooperatives in Batangas City are in agreement that in terms of management structure and accounting system, production and quality of inputs, and market linkages and business relations, the organizations, these cooperatives are performing well; the respondents disagree that the cooperatives, where they currently belong, are facing serious internal challenges; a significant difference exists on the respondents’ assessment of the performance of selected multi-purpose cooperatives when it comes to management structure and accounting system and market linkages and business relations; and a significant relationship exists between the performance of cooperatives and the internal challenges faced by them. The researcher recommends the following: consider the furtherance of investing on functional accounting system and software in generating their financial reports; cooperatives may further strengthen their quality control mechanism, not only of the inputs, but also of the outputs to ensure that the needs of the market are satisfied; conduct of periodic training needs assessment; cooperatives may consider making a stronger presence in the digital space to reach more clients and be of swifter service to them; and cooperatives may consider embedding the researcher’s proposed framework in their annual planning sessions.

In the economic development of any country, the establishment of special economic zones plays a significant role. This includes setting up processing zones and attracting local and foreign investments to manufacture for export markets. This study aimed to assess the challenges encountered by PEZA-registered export processing companies in the process of customs clearance. This study utilized the descriptive method and gathered data using a survey questionnaire. This study used 114 respondents from the total population of 286 accredited PEZA customs brokers within the National Capital Region and Region IV-A, mainly in Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, and Rizal. Based on the result, the majority of respondents were between the ages of 31 and 40, female, employed, and with 6 to 10 years of experience in employment and operations. The result of the study showed that respondents sometimes encountered challenges in the importation and lodging of goods through PEZA VASP, the processing of surety bonds, and the process of releasing or clearing goods. The analysis showed no significant difference in the challenges encountered by respondents when grouped according to profile variables. It is recommended that the Bureau of Customs continue developing customs clearance by conducting an assessment of the existing process, creating strategies, and conducting regular trainings for stakeholders.