Bong Go: Strengthen cooperatives

MANILA, Philippines — With local cooperatives serving  as anchors of livelihood in many localities, Sen. Bong Go emphasized on Friday the importance of strengthening the sector and ensuring that government assistance reaches grassroots communities.

Go said during the Cooperative Development Authority payout for Regions 11, 12 and 13 that local cooperatives could uplift families if given the right tools, resources and opportunities.

The payout, held at the Sta. Lucia Mall Convention Center in Davao City, aims to help cooperatives start or expand small enterprises.

“Grow your businesses. It feels good when you know that your enterprises grew because of the dedication and amount of work you put into it,” Go said in Filipino.

According to Go, cooperatives are not merely financial mechanisms but vital community institutions that help stabilize local economies, encourage self-reliance and create opportunities for families.

A total of 82 cooperatives with 350 participants representing various community livelihood groups across Mindanao attended the payout.

The participants received grocery packs, pens, fans, shirts and sporting items.

As member of the Senate committee on cooperatives, Go said he continues to support programs that strengthen grassroots economic structures as he noted that cooperatives, when managed well, could spur long-term growth in the provinces.