Go supports cooperative development programs

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go yesterday led the Malasakit sa Kooperatiba awarding ceremony for 72 outstanding cooperatives in Calabarzon.

The ceremony, held at the Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Dasmariñas in Cavite on Monday, was attended by officials of the Cooperative Development Authority including CDA board members Virgilio Lazaga and Abdulsalam Guinomla, Dasmariñas City Mayor Jenny Barzaga and Tess Daño, chief of the city’s cooperative office.

During the event, Go emphasized his support for cooperative development through the Malasakit sa Kooperatiba program, which aims to empower cooperatives and enhance their contributions to community growth.

Go has been supporting CDA’s human capital development program for cooperatives, whose funding he pushed in the 2024 and 2025 budget.

Th program includes the Malasakit sa Kooperatiba project, which provides financial support to micro and small cooperatives.

“Funds that we provided for cooperatives were not merely financial assistance, but capital for communities to improve,” Go said.

He urged officials of cooperatives to properly use the funds to uplift the life of their members, make their businesses grow and push their communities forward.

Each cooperative received financial grants amounting to P50,000 from the CDA, which can be used to expand their operations or invest in livelihood projects that benefit their members.

Go and his Malasakit Team distributed grocery packs, snacks, shirts, basketballs and volleyballs to members of cooperatives.

He said cooperatives are symbols of unity and cooperation among Filipinos.