“MALASAKIT SA KOOPERATIBA” — BONG GO REINFORCES SUPPORT FOR COOPERATIVES IN NCR FOR EXPANDED OPPORTUNITIES AND GROWTH

On Wednesday, October 30, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go joined the distribution of support to various cooperatives from the National Capital Region (NCR) in a gathering held at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila.

The event, in collaboration with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) under the “Malasakit sa Kooperatiba” initiative, marked the second round of assistance distribution in NCR this year, benefiting a total of 23 cooperatives.

This initiative is part of the senator’s continued support for cooperative groups that aim to bolster local economies and provide crucial support to their communities. Addressing representatives from various cooperatives, Go expressed his respect for the integral role these organizations play in local economic development.

“Alam po natin ang malaking papel ng mga kooperatiba sa pagpapaunlad ng ating lokal na ekonomiya, lalo na sa mga komunidad na ating pinaglilingkuran. Ang bawat isa sa inyong mga samahan ay instrumento ng malasakit, pagkakaisa, at pag-asa para sa inyong nasasakupan,” Go remarked, emphasizing the cooperatives’ role as pillars of progress and unity in their areas.

The financial support, facilitated through CDA as advocated by Go, was intended to strengthen the capacity of these cooperatives to improve members’ livelihoods and provide better opportunities.

“Narito tayo upang ipahayag ang ating suporta sa mga kooperatibang tumutulong upang mas maraming Pilipino ang makaranas ng mas maginhawang buhay,” said Go.

“Sa pamamagitan ng pakikipagtulungan sa Cooperative Development Authority, ating ipinaglaban ang programang Malasakit sa Kooperatiba upang makatulong sa inyong mga proyekto na magpapaunlad ng inyong komunidad at makakatulong sa mas maraming miyembro,” he added.

The cooperatives that benefited from the program include organizations focused on diverse sectors, from transportation to school-based and community service cooperatives, spanning the entire National Capital Region.

Among them are the U.P. Philcoa Credit Cooperative, Rizal High School Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and Pasig Green City Transport Cooperative. This wide range reflects the essential role cooperatives play across different industries and community sectors.

A staunch advocate for cooperative development, Go supported the passage of Republic Act No. 11535 as one of its co-authors and co-sponsors, mandating the appointment of Cooperatives Development Officers at municipal, city, and provincial levels to further strengthen cooperative growth and participation in governance.

The senator also took a moment to acknowledge the significance of October as Cooperative Month, marking it as a meaningful time for cooperative members and advocates nationwide. Go expressed pride in having contributed as a co-author and co-sponsor of RA 11502, the National Cooperative Month Act, which designates October as a month for celebrating the contributions of cooperatives to the country.

Finally, Go called on cooperative leaders and members to remain steadfast in their commitment to growth, aligning with the collective goal of a prosperous future for all communities.

“Nawa’y magpatuloy ang inyong dedikasyon at sipag sa pagpapalago ng inyong mga kooperatiba. Ang ating mithiin ay magkaisa para sa mas masigla, mas maunlad, at mas maliwanag na kinabukasan ng bawat isa sa NCR,” he said.

“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, kasama niyo po kami sa Senado, kasama niyo rin ang buong bansa, sa pagpapaigting ng tunay na kaunlaran para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” he concluded, reaffirming his solidarity with the sector’s mission.

Yesterday, October 29, Go was also honored as a “supportive legislator awardee” during the CDA Gawad Parangal Awards Ceremony held at the same venue. The award recognized his advocacy for the “Malasakit sa Kooperatiba” initiative.