Senator Christopher “Bong” Go underscored the importance of strengthening local cooperatives and ensuring government assistance reaches grassroots communities during the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) payout on Friday, 21 November at the Sta. Lucia Mall Convention Center. The event benefited cooperatives from Regions XI, XII and XIII.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Cooperatives, Go emphasized that cooperatives serve as anchors of livelihood in many localities and can uplift families when provided with the right tools, resources, and opportunities. The payout aimed to help cooperatives start or expand small enterprises and reinforced Go’s message of responsibility, industriousness, and community-building.

A total of 82 cooperatives participated, with 350 attendees: Region XI had 27 cooperatives with 270 participants, Region XII had 20 cooperatives with 40 participants, and Region XIII had 35 cooperatives with 40 participants, representing various community livelihood groups across Mindanao.

Participants received grocery packs, pens, fans and shirts, while each cooperative was given basketballs and volleyballs, shirts, pens, fans, fare, watches and a pair of shoes.

Go reminded beneficiaries that government support is most meaningful when used productively. “Grow your business. It feels even more rewarding when you sweat and work hard for your enterprise,” he said, encouraging cooperative members to work diligently.

He stressed that cooperatives are more than financial mechanisms —they are vital community institutions that stabilize local economies, encourage self-reliance and create opportunities for families. Go highlighted his continued support for programs that strengthen grassroots economic structures, noting that well-managed cooperatives can uplift households and promote long-term growth.

The senator also cited his legislative work supporting cooperatives, including Republic Act 11535, which ensures the appointment of Cooperative Development Officers in local government units, and RA 11502, which institutionalizes October as Cooperative Month in the Philippines, both of which he co-authored and co-sponsored.

The event gathered key CDA leaders, including Chairperson Undersecretary Alexander Raquepo, Assistant Secretary Abdulsatam Guinomla, Assistant Secretary Myrla Paradillo, and Regional Directors Glenn Garcia (Region XI), Juriski Mangelen (Region XII), and Monatao Alawi (Region XIII), who coordinated closely with the cooperatives.

As the program concluded, Go reaffirmed the responsibility of cooperative members to ensure that government support translates into sustainable enterprises benefiting their communities. “We will continue to serve you because I am committed to public service, and I believe that service to the people is service to God,” he said.