CEBU, Philippines — The Cooperative Development Authority of Central Visayas (CDA-7), with its objective to fund more small scale cooperatives, has provided financial assistance to 23 chosen cooperatives in the region.
Tagged as “Malasakit sa Kooperatiba,” this first-ever program was attended by Senator Bong Go together with actor Philip Salvador yesterday, September 20, 2024 at Barangay Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City.
According to the regional director of CDA-7 Cristina Villamil, the 23 micro-cooperatives each received P50,000 with a total amount of P1,150,000.
Villamil said that they had to choose those cooperatives in the region that are compliant with government requirements in order to qualify.
“Kinanghanglan ang cooperative kay compliant. That they were able to submit all the required documents and reports to our office,” said Villamil.
Out of over 1,000 cooperatives in the region, only about 800 are compliant with the necessary documentation and financial transparency standards and the final 23 who are in deep need are the ones that were chosen.
Of this total number, 12 came from Cebu, four from Negros Oriental, two from Siquijor, and five were from Bohol.
Meanwhile, Senator Go emphasized in his message the importance of supporting small cooperatives, as well as urged cooperatives to continue working hard.
“Palamboa ninyo ang inyong kooperatiba, pag molambo na tan-awa ninyo molamo ang inyong paminaw kay inyo namang pinagpawisan, pinaghirapan ang pag patubo sa inyong cooperative,” said Go to the cooperatives present during the program.
Villamil also expressed her gratitude to Senator Go, acknowledging the senator's initiative to secure funding for the cooperatives.
As part of their continued efforts, CDA-7 aims to provide more extensive support to compliant cooperatives in the future, contingent on available funding and cooperation.
“By next year kung palaron lang gihapon (Sen. Go), we (will) also be able to give assistance to our Coops,” said the regional director.
Meanwhile, Philip Salvador, who was present during the ceremony, openly declared his intention to run for a Senate seat in the 2025 elections.
“Ako po si Philip Salvador, hindi abogado, hindi doktor, hindi engineer. Ako po ay mistulang artista, isang artista na epektibo para sa Pilipino,” he proudly said. (CEBU NEWS)