THE Pahamutang Free Farmers Cooperative (PAFFCO), based in Laak, Davao de Oro, has experienced significant growth and progress through the support of the Malasakit sa Kooperatiba program, an initiative of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) strongly backed by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Cooperatives.
PAFFCO received financial assistance through the program, which they wisely combined with their own cooperative funds to enhance their operations. This strategic move allowed them to invest in essential supplies, contributing to the sustainability and growth of their cooperative activities. The cooperative highlighted that before this assistance, their purchasing capacity was limited. Now, with the support of the program, they can acquire more supplies, ensuring the continuous development of their business.
In a heartfelt message of gratitude, PAFFCO expressed their appreciation for the support:
“Matapos naming matanggap ang tulong mula sa Malasakit sa Kooperatiba program, pinagsama namin ito sa aming sariling pondo upang mas mapalago ang aming kooperatiba… Malaking tulong ito para sa amin dahil mas marami na kaming nabibili kumpara dati. Sa ngalan ng aming mga opisyal at miyembro, taos-puso kaming nagpapasalamat sa programang ito, lalo na kay Senator Bong Go at sa CDA. Mabuhay ang Malasakit sa Kooperatiba program!”
Senator Bong Go, a staunch advocate for cooperative development, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting grassroots initiatives that foster economic resilience and community empowerment.
“Ang mga kooperatiba ay mahalagang bahagi ng pag-unlad ng ating mga komunidad. Sa pamamagitan ng Malasakit sa Kooperatiba program, nais naming matulungan ang mga kooperatiba na mas mapalago ang kanilang operasyon at makapagbigay ng mas maraming oportunidad para sa kanilang mga miyembro. Patuloy kong isusulong ang sapat na pondo para sa mga programang tumutulong sa ating mga kooperatiba,” Go stated.
The Malasakit sa Kooperatiba program, under the CDA’s Human Capital Development Program, aims to empower cooperatives through financial support, training, and capacity-building activities. With the continued support of leaders like Senator Go, cooperatives such as PAFFCO can expect sustained growth and positive impacts within their communities.
The senator continues to advocate for measures that enhance the capacity of cooperatives, ensuring they remain resilient in the face of challenges and adaptive to the changing needs of society.
A staunch advocate for cooperative development, Go co-authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11502, which designates October as National Cooperative Month, celebrating the contributions and achievements of cooperatives across the country.
Additionally, he supported the passage of RA 11535 as one of its co-authors and co-sponsors, mandating the appointment of Cooperatives Development Officers at municipal, city, and provincial levels to further strengthen cooperative growth and participation in governance.
“Cooperatives foster unity and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for many Filipinos. Their success is proof that empowering them leads to inclusive growth. I will work tirelessly to ensure they receive the support they need to thrive,” he added.
Senator Go expressed his gratitude to the CDA for the invaluable partnership, emphasizing that the government’s unified approach is key to uplifting the cooperative sector. “Together with the CDA, we will continue to provide meaningful support to cooperatives, ensuring that they remain strong pillars of community development,” he said.
This success story serves as an inspiration, showcasing the importance of government support, cooperative leadership, and community solidarity in driving economic progress.
“Ang ating malasakit sa kooperatiba ay malasakit sa bawat Pilipinong nagnanais ng mas maunlad na kinabukasan. Sama-sama tayong magtulungan para sa isang mas matatag na ekonomiya,” Senator Go concluded.
Senator Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, has also continuously advocated for strengthening agricultural support systems, acknowledging the contribution of farmers in maintaining food security. He was one of the authors of Republic Act No. 11901, or the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act of 2022, which improves access to credit for farmers and fisherfolk, helping them become more competitive and resilient.
Additionally, Senator Go co-sponsored and co-authored RA 11953, or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which condones loans accrued by agrarian reform beneficiaries.
To further aid farmers, he also filed Senate Bill No. 2117, advocating for comprehensive crop insurance protection, and SBN 2118, which seeks to improve insurance coverage and services for farmers affected by natural disasters if enacted into laws.
Moreover, as Chair of the Senate Youth committee, he called for collective action to encourage the younger generation to engage in agriculture to help the country’s economy towards achieving food security.
“Dapat po ay suportahan ng ating gobyerno ang ating mga magsasaka. Kung mayroon pong dapat na maging masaya, ay ang ating mga farmers. Dapat kumita sila sa kanilang pagsasaka,” he added.
