Support to cooperative makes impact in Davao de Oro
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go underscored the vital role of government support in empowering cooperatives, emphasizing their significant contribution to providing livelihood opportunities and increasing the income of their members. Through initiatives like the Malasakit sa Kooperatiba program, Senator Go continues to champion measures aimed at uplifting small organizations and cooperatives across the country.
An example of the program’s impact is the Matilo Santo Niño Water Service Cooperative (MASTOWASECO), based in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro. The cooperative, which struggled to maintain its water supply following a series of devastating earthquakes that hit the province, received a financial grant under the Malasakit sa Kooperatiba program, initiated by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) with the support of Go.
“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.
Representatives of MASTOWASECO shared how the grant helped restore their operations: “Programs that help small organizations like this one are really good and helpful. That’s why MASTOWASECO is very grateful to be one of the beneficiaries of the Malasakit sa Kooperatiba program, supported by Senator Bong Go. The assistance we received has been a big help in improving our cooperative, as it allowed us to take actions to increase the water supply that is very much needed by the members of the cooperative and the community.”
The testimonial highlights how such interventions are pivotal for cooperatives, enabling them to address pressing challenges and sustain services for their members and communities.
The Malasakit sa Kooperatiba program is part of the CDA’s Human Capital Development Program, which Senator Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Cooperatives and Vice Chairperson of the Senate Finance Committee, has been advocating for in the Senate. His efforts include ensuring the inclusion of additional funding for cooperative programs in the national budget.
“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.
Senator Go reaffirmed his commitment to supporting cooperatives, recognizing their immense contributions to local economies and social development.
