Senator Christopher “Bong” Go highlighted the contributions of cooperatives in promoting economic opportunities and community development during a national congress in Davao City on Friday, 19 December.

“Ang kooperatiba ay hindi lang negosyo. Ito ay pagkakaisa ng mga tao na may iisang pangarap. Kapag may umuunlad, dapat lahat ay may pagkakataong sumabay, may pagkakataong makabangon, at may pagkakataong umasenso,” Go said.

(“A cooperative is not just a business. It represents the unity of people with a shared dream. When someone progresses, everyone should have the chance to rise, recover, and advance.”)

Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Cooperatives, noted the challenges faced by small entrepreneurs, including limited capital and support, and stressed the benefits of collective action.

“Parati kong sinasabi sa kanila na ang sarap po ng pakiramdam kapag pinaghirapan at pinalago ninyo po ang inyong kooperatiba, ang negosyo ninyo. Lahat naman ng bagay kapag pinaghirapan at pinagpaguran, mas masarap po ang pakiramdam. Mayroon pong self-fulfillment kapag pinaghirapan natin,” he said.

(“I always tell them that there is fulfillment in working hard and growing your cooperative or business. Everything achieved through effort feels more rewarding.”)

He also discussed his legislative work supporting cooperatives, including co-authoring and co-sponsoring Republic Act No. 11535, which mandates the appointment of Cooperative Development Officers in local government units, and RA 11502, which institutionalizes October as National Cooperative Month to raise awareness and support for cooperatives.

The event brought together cooperative members and stakeholders from across the country to discuss best practices, challenges, and initiatives aimed at strengthening the cooperative sector.