Malasakit Para sa Kooperatiba program of CDA gains support
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go attended the “Malasakit Para sa Kooperatiba” event hosted by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in Quezon City on April 4 and expressed his ongoing commitment to empowering and supporting community-based cooperatives nationwide.
In his speech, Go expressed his commitment to working for the welfare of Filipinos, saying, “Magtatrabaho po ako para sa Pilipino sa abot ng aking makakaya. Iyan naman po ang pwede kong ialay sa inyo, ang aking kasipagan sa pagtatrabaho. Wala akong piliing araw, Lunes hanggang Linggo, nagtatrabaho ako at tutulong ako sa abot ng aking makakaya.”
He then shared his strong advocacy for cooperatives as a cornerstone for community development and economic resilience. He shared the success stories of cooperatives that had been instrumental in uplifting the lives of their members and contributing to local economies.
“Importante dito magtulungan po tayo, teamwork po ‘yan. Sa lahat sa cooperatives, kapag nagmalasakit tayo sa isa’t isa at magtulungan tulad ng ginagawa ninyo sa kooperatiba, mas lalago po ang inyong negosyo. Masarap po ang pakiramdam kapag pinaghirapan ninyong mapalago ang inyong negosyo,” said Go.
Recognizing the potential of cooperatives to drive inclusive growth, he underscored his ongoing support and the availability of his office for any assistance they might need.
“Uulitin ko lang po, bukas ang aking opisina para sa inyong lahat… Together, let us harness the power of cooperatives to create a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous Philippines,” he stated.
Go also outlined his legislative support for the cooperative sector. Go co-authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11502, which designates October as “National Cooperative Month.” Additionally, Go co-authored and co-sponsored RA 11535, which mandates the establishment of a Cooperatives Development Officer position at municipal, city, and provincial government levels.
In his capacity as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has advocated for additional funding in the 2024 national budget for the Cooperative Development Authority’s Human Capital Development Program for Cooperatives.
“Ako po’y patuloy na tutulong at susuporta po sa ating mga kooperatiba. ‘Yun lang po ang pakiusap ko, gamitin n’yo po sa tama, palaguin n’yo po ang inyong negosyo, at dalahin n’yo po sa inyong pamilya.”
The “Malasakit Para sa Kooperatiba” program, which Go supported and advocated for, saw the participation of 23 cooperatives, each receiving financial support from the CDA. In addition, Go and his Malasakit Team provided separate assistance to the cooperatives and distributed balls for basketball and volleyball, shirts, and watches, among others.
