SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, an adopted son of CALABARZON, led the Malasakit sa Kooperatiba Ceremonial Awarding for 72 cooperatives represented by around 400 of its members from Region IV-A (CALABARZON) present at the Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Dasmariñas Gymnasium on Monday, February 3.
Go was joined by key officials from the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) including Board Director Assistant Secretaries Virgilio Lazaga and Abdulsalam Guinomla, Cooperative Office of Dasmariñas City Ms. Tess Daño, and Dasmariñas City Mayor Jenny Barzaga. Their presence highlighted the strong collaboration between the national government and local officials in supporting cooperative growth.
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.
Senator Go has continuously supported CDA’s Human Capital Development Program for Cooperatives, which he advocated for additional funding in the 2024 and 2025 budget. This includes the Malasakit sa Kooperatiba Program, providing financial support to micro and small cooperatives.
“Ang pondo na ibinibigay natin sa mga kooperatiba ay hindi lang basta ayuda, ito ay puhunan para sa pag-unlad ng kanilang komunidad. Gamitin niyo ito upang mas mapaunlad ang kabuhayan ng inyong mga miyembro, mapalago ang inyong mga negosyo, at matulungan ang inyong komunidad,” Go stated.
Each cooperative received financial grants amounting to PhP50,000 from the CDA, which can be utilized as capital to expand their operations or invest in livelihood projects that benefit their members.
In addition to the financial grants, cooperative members also received grocery packs, snacks, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs from Senator Go, reinforcing his commitment to holistic community development.
Senator Go, known for his Malasakit advocacy, highlighted the role of cooperatives in nation-building. “Ang kooperatiba ay simbolo ng pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan. Sa pamamagitan nito, mas napapalawak natin ang mga oportunidad sa kabuhayan at serbisyong panlipunan para sa mas nakararaming Pilipino,” he said.
As a staunch advocate for cooperatives, Go co-authored and co-sponsored key legislation such as Republic Act No. 11502, declaring October as National Cooperative Month, and RA 11535, which mandates the establishment of Cooperatives Development Officers in all local government units.
“Hinihikayat ko ang lahat ng kooperatiba na gamitin ang pondong ito nang matalino at epektibo. Ito ay hindi lang para sa kasalukuyang henerasyon kundi para rin sa kinabukasan ng inyong mga komunidad. Sama-sama nating itaguyod ang isang mas maunlad na CALABARZON at Pilipinas,” Go concluded.
“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” underscored Senator Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
The event emphasized the senator’s dedication to supporting cooperatives as vital partners in driving inclusive economic growth, reflecting his enduring commitment to serving the Filipino people through programs rooted in malasakit and genuine public service.
Earlier that day, Senator Go also attended the Liga ng Barangay — Eastern Samar Chapter Provincial Congress, hosted by Governor Ben Evardone.