Senator Christopher “Bong” Go underscored the importance of strengthening cooperative-based livelihood programs as he joined the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Regions XI, XII, and XIII during a payout activity held on Friday, 21 November, at the Sta. Lucia Mall Convention Center in Davao City.

Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Cooperatives, said cooperatives play a crucial role in stabilizing local economies and improving household income when government support reaches grassroots communities. He emphasized that cooperatives serve as “anchors of livelihood” for many families across the country.

The payout program aims to help cooperatives start or expand small enterprises, giving beneficiaries the tools and resources needed to sustain income-generating activities. A total of 82 cooperatives participated in the event, with 350 representatives from Mindanao. Region XI was represented by 27 cooperatives with 270 participants, Region XII by 20 cooperatives with 40 participants, and Region XIII by 35 cooperatives with 40 participants.

Participants received grocery packs, pens, fans, and shirts, while each cooperative took home balls for basketball and volleyball, shirts, pens, fans, fare, a watch, and a pair of shoes.

Go urged cooperative members to use government support productively and responsibly, reminding them that success requires perseverance and work ethic.

"Palaguin niyo ang inyong negosyo. Mas masarap sa pakiramdam kapag pinagpawisan at pinaghirapan niyo po ang inyong pagnenegosyo," Go stated.

He noted that cooperatives are not simply financial organizations but community institutions that drive self-reliance and long-term local development. Go said he will continue supporting programs that strengthen the sector, stressing that well-managed cooperatives uplift families and generate growth across provinces.

Go also highlighted existing laws he pushed to advance the cooperative sector: Republic Act 11535, which mandates the appointment of Cooperative Development Officers in local government units, and Republic Act 11502, which institutionalizes October as Cooperative Month. He serves as co-author and co-sponsor of both measures.