Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and the Cooperative Development Authority Region 1 launched the “MALASAKIT SA KOOPERATIBA” Program for Region 1 on February 7, 2024 at Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives (NSCC) Plaza Hotel and Convention Center, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur.

The launching was attended by 46 cooperatives from the provinces of Pangasinan (10 cooperatives), La Union (10 cooperatives), Ilocos Norte (10 cooperatives), and Ilocos Sur (16 cooperatives) represented by 397 officers and members. The program was made possible through the partnership between the office of Senator Bong Go and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region 1.

The Malasakit sa Kooperatiba Program is a government initiative spearheaded by Senator Bong Go. The program aims to provide financial assistance to micro and small cooperatives to enhance their operations and to sustain their growth for them to effectively alleviate the lives of their members.

Sr. CDS Van Ian F. Enriquez, Head of the Cooperative Project and Development Section, CDA Region 1, explained the rationale of the program. He mentioned the needed documents to be prepared by the beneficiary-cooperatives and the processes for financial assistance.

A Ceremonial Awarding of Financial Assistance was held and led by Senator Bong Go, CDA officials and 4 pre-selected cooperatives leaders representing cooperatives of the provinces of Region 1.

The program was also graced by members of the CDA Board of Directors, ASec. Virgilio R. Lazaga, M.D., ASec. Vergel M. Hilario, ASec. Abdulsalam A. Guinombla, and CDA R1 Director Atty. Frederick Joe N. Robles. Also present were Dr. Divina C. Quemi, CEO of Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives, Hon. Ryan Luis V. Singson, Vice Governor of Ilocos Sur, Hon. Germelina S. Goulart, Mayor of Caoayan, Ilocos Sur.

Senator Go also raffled rubber shoes, cellphones, digital watches, and bikes. He also distributed to the attendees some grocery packs, volleyballs/basketballs, and shirts. ***

—-Florentino B. Lorenzana and Joy P. Basingel—-