Amid the various socio-economic challenges still faced by our fellow Filipinos, we should never forget the vital role cooperatives play in uplifting the livelihoods of our people and ensuring economic inclusivity in communities.

As a staunch advocate for cooperatives and a key supporter of grassroots development, we recently reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring the sustainability of programs and support for micro, small and medium cooperatives.

On 20 November, we engaged in a video call with the Cooperative Development Authority’s (CDA) 336 beneficiaries from Regions VI, VII and VIII. The following day, 21 November, we personally attended the CDA distribution in Davao City, where assistance was extended to 83 cooperatives from Regions XI, XII and XIII.

Through the CDA’s initiative, various cooperatives were strengthened through financial support, training and capacity-building efforts. As your Mr. Malasakit, this is what we have always desired  — more equipped and skilled cooperatives.

I hold my highest respect for our cooperatives not only because they contribute to our economic growth, but also because they selflessly share knowledge and expertise with their members so that they can flourish and improve their livelihood. With strong cooperatives, more Filipinos can improve their lives.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Cooperatives and vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, we have championed key measures aimed at advancing the welfare and growth of cooperatives. Among these is Republic Act (RA) 11535, which we co-authored and co-sponsored. This law mandates the appointment of Cooperative Development Officers in all local government units. We likewise co-authored and co-sponsored RA 11502, which institutionalizes the celebration of National Cooperative Month every October.

It is every Filipino’s hope to live in a country with inclusivity, where no one has to struggle to make ends meet. As your senator, and together with my fellow lawmakers, we will do our best in uplifting and amplifying the cooperative sector in the country.

Meanwhile, on 22 November, as chairman of the Senate Committees on Sports and on Youth, we personally attended the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation Mindanao Qualifying Tournament Opening Ceremony at the University of the Philippines Mindanao in Davao City, in coordination with PEKAF president, Majority Leader Sen. Migz Zubiri.

The previous week, our Malasakit Team visited various kababayans in need as they assisted typhoon victims in San Ricardo, St. Bernard, Bontoc, Padre Burgos, Pintuyan and Limasawa in Southern Leyte; Binalbagan, San Enrique, Pontevedra and Hinigaran in Negros Occidental; Dueñas in Iloilo; Bayombong and Bambang in Nueva Vizcaya; Agno in Pangasinan; Masantol in Pampanga; Tuguegarao City, Solana, Tuao and Enrile in Cagayan; San Juan in Batangas; Baguio City; Bay in Laguna; Daet in Camarines Norte; and San Jose in Camarines Sur.

We also aided fire victims in Davao City; micro-entrepreneurs in San Rafael, Iloilo; Valencia City, Bukidnon; Pikit, North Cotabato; and Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. Scholars were likewise assisted by the Malasakit Team at the Bataan Peninsula State University.

Our Malasakit Team also attended the turnover of the Super Health Center in Barangay Lobogon, Aloran, Misamis Occidental.

As Mr. Malasakit, I will help our fellow Filipinos to the best of my ability and ensure that we deliver quality public service for our people, especially the poor and those who have no one to turn to except the government. 

We must always strive to promote their welfare, protect their rights and ensure that essential government services and support programs reach them, including those living in remote areas. Sila ang dapat unahin nating pagsilbihan — ang mga mahihirap nating kababayan. Bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos.