BONG GO PARTNERS WITH CDA TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO COOPERATIVES DURING PALAWAN COOPS CONFERENCE

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go reinforced his support for the cooperative sector at the 1st Palawan Cooperative Tripartite Conference held at the VJR Hall inside the Capitol Building in Puerto Princesa City.

Through his representative, Puerto Princesa City Councilor Elgin Damasco, Go shared his fervent advocacy for cooperatives development, emphasizing the critical role they play in the nation’s economy.

“Bilang miyembro ng Senate Committee on Cooperatives at vice chair ng Senate Finance Committee, palaging nasa puso ni Senator Go ang kapakanan ng mga kooperatiba sa ating bansa,” Damasco conveyed during the event held on Wednesday, June 19.

“Sa katunayan, isa siya sa mga pangunahing tagapagtaguyod para madagdagan ang pondo sa 2024 budget na nakalaan sa Human Capital Development Program ng Cooperative Development Authority,” he added.

This initiative to increase funding for CDA became integral to implementing the Malasakit Sa Kooperatiba Program. Moreover, this program that Go advocated for is intended to strengthen the capabilities of small cooperatives, ensuring they are able to contribute to the development of their respective sectors.

“Ang pondo na ipapamahagi sa mga kwalipikadong kooperatiba ay magagamit upang mas mapalago ang mga kabuhayan ng kanilang mga miyembro na naaayon sa pangangailangan ng sektor na kanilang nirerepresenta,” Go explained.

During the event, Go’s Malasakit team provided various forms of aid to the cooperative members present. Moreover, through Go’s initiative, the CDA also provided financial support to five qualified cooperatives through its Malasakit Sa Kooperatiba program.

“Isang malaking advantage ng kooperatiba ay ang inyong pagkakaisa upang maiangat ang kabuhayan hindi lang ng inyong grupo kundi pati ng buong komunidad na inyong kinabibilangan. Ang suportang ito ay makakatulong sa hangaring ng bawat kooperatiba na maiangat ang mga kabuhayan ng inyong pamayanan,” he added.

Another notable legislative achievement highlighted was Go’s co-authorship and co-sponsorship of the Republic Act No. 11502, also known as the National Cooperative Month Act, which earmarks October annually to celebrate the cooperative movement in the Philippines.

Furthermore, Senator Go played a pivotal role in the enactment of RA 11535, mandating the appointment of Cooperative Development Officers in each municipality, city, and province to ensure sustained support for cooperative development.

The Palawan event, which drew about 300 cooperative leaders and stakeholders from across Palawan, served as a platform to discuss best practices, upcoming programs, and services aimed at boosting the cooperative sector.

“Each cooperative is not just a business entity, but a crucial partner in shaping a stable and prosperous future for our countrymen,” Go explained as he underscored the role of cooperatives in enhancing local economies and expanding opportunities for Filipinos.

“Patuloy na magsikap, mag-innovate, at magtulungan. Nasa likod ninyo kami sa pagsulong ng kapakanan ng bawat kooperatiba sa Pilipinas,” he stated.

Damasco concluded Go’s message with heartfelt thanks and encouragement, saying, “Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat, mabuhay ang mga Pilipinong kooperatiba, at mabuhay ang bawat isa sa inyo na patuloy na nagsisilbi sa kapwa at sa bayan… isang malaking karangalan ang makasama kayo sa pagtataguyod ng isang mas matatag at masaganang Pilipinas.”

“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” concluded Go in his message.