By Mariela Angella Oladive
A total of 23 cooperatives in Western Visayas received P50,000 each during a ceremonial payout on July 20 at Gaisano, La Paz, Iloilo City.
The financial assistance, totaling P1.15 million, came from Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s fund allocation to the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) 6.
Iloilo City Lone District Representative Jamjam Baronda was also in attendance.
The beneficiaries included six coops from Iloilo, four each from Aklan, Capiz, and Negros Occidental, three from Antique, and two from Guimaras.
The funds aim to improve their operations and enhance service delivery under the “Malasakit Para sa Kooperatiba Program.”
Senator Bong Go, who was present at the event, emphasized the importance of cooperatives in national development.
“Remember, the success of your cooperative is not only a success for your members but also for the entire nation. Together, let us promote a more inclusive and prosperous Philippines,” he said.
In an interview, CDA Chairman Undersecretary Joseph Encabo emphasized the CDA’s commitment to supporting cooperative growth.
Encabo explained that their initial focus would be on evaluating the cooperatives’ capacity to absorb new resources and identifying areas for development.
He also mentioned that the CDA would explore potential programs to further enhance the operations of cooperatives in the region.
