Senator Christopher "Bong" Go led the launch of the Malasakit sa Kooperatiba program in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Tuesday, 4 February, at the Philippine Christian University in Manila, where over 400 members represented more than 230 cooperatives.
Officials from the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), including Assistant Secretaries Abdulsalam Guinomla, Virgilio Lazaga, and Vergel Martin Hilario, joined the event, highlighting the collaboration between the national government and cooperative sector in advancing economic development.
Go reiterated his commitment to cooperative empowerment, emphasizing that the program aims to strengthen micro and small cooperatives as drivers of economic growth. He has supported increased funding for the CDA’s Human Capital Development Program for Cooperatives in the 2024 and 2025 budgets.
“Ang suporta natin sa mga kooperatiba ay hindi lang basta tulong, ito ay puhunan para sa kinabukasan ng ating mga komunidad,” Go said, urging cooperatives to maximize the assistance to improve livelihoods.
("Our support for cooperatives is not just assistance; it is an investment in the future of our communities. Let us use this to strengthen the livelihood of each member and help more Filipinos.")
Each cooperative received financial grants of P50,000 from the CDA, intended to support business expansion, livelihood initiatives, or community projects. Go also distributed grocery packs, snacks, shirts, basketballs, volleyballs, bicycles, mobile phones, and watches to selected cooperative members.
He underscored the role of cooperatives in nation-building and reaffirmed his support for small cooperatives. “Basta asahan niyo po na uunahin ko yung mga maliliit na kooperatiba,” he said, adding that his office remains open for suggestions to enhance cooperative initiatives.
("Rest assured that I will prioritize small cooperatives.")
Go has co-authored and co-sponsored legislation supporting cooperative growth, including Republic Act No. 11502, declaring October as National Cooperative Month, and RA 11535, requiring local government units to appoint Cooperative Development Officers.