Senator Bong Go emphasized the importance of strengthening local cooperatives during the Cooperative Development Authority’s (CDA) Malasakit sa Kooperatiba awarding of financial assistance at Hotel Conchita, Cogon Market, Cagayan de Oro City.
“Ako ay patuloy na susuporta sa mga programa at panukalang batas na makakatulong sa pag-unlad ng sektor ng kooperatiba. Ako ay naniniwala na ang kooperatiba ay isang mahalagang haligi ng ating ekonomiya upang mabawasan ang kahirapan sa ating bansa,” Go said in a message.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Cooperatives, the veteran legislator mentioned his partnership with CDA to ensure the implementation of cooperative support programs such as the Malasakit sa Koopertiba initiative, focused not only on providing financial assistance but also on expanding opportunities for cooperative members to contribute to the welfare and development of their respective communities.
A total of 56 cooperatives took part in the activity, with 120 participants, representing Regions 9 and 10’s various community livelihood groups.
The participants received food packs, shirts, balls, pens, and fans, while their cooperatives received fare, balls, shirts, pens, fans, shoes, and jackets.
The seasoned lawmaker reminded beneficiaries on the proper use of government assistance.
“Ang pondong natanggap ay pwedeng gamitin bilang kapital para mapalago ang kabuhayan.”
“Ang pondong natanggap ay pwedeng gamitin bilang kapital para mapalago ang kabuhayan. Puwede rin itong gamiting puhunan sa maliit na negosyo. Ang layunin natin ay mapalakas ang kakayahan ng mga kooperatiba na tumulong sa kanilang mga miyembro at sa kanilang komunidad,” the senator said.
His advocacy for cooperative development is reflected in his legislative work related to the sector. Go is the co-author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11535, which ensures the appointment of cooperative development officers in local government units. He also co-authored and co-sponsored RA 11502, institutionalizing October as National Cooperative Month.
Both measures, according to Go, celebrate the success stories of cooperatives and reaffirm his commitment to strengthening the cooperative movement in the country.
“Asahan ninyong patuloy kong susuportahan ang inyong mga adbokasya.”
“Patuloy po akong sumasaludo sa inyong mga lider at mga miyembro at asahan ninyong patuloy kong susuportahan ang inyong mga adbokasya… Sama-sama tayong magtulungan para sa ikabubuti ng bayan,” he concluded.
