While the whole nation is facing the constant threat of the pandemic, cooperative leaders in region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) are fighting alongside the Government to ensure the safety of their members and their community.

By activating their Social Development Plan, cooperatives in the region were able to immediately respond to the crisis.

Community Development Fund (CDF) are now utilized to support the Local Government Units’, the frontliners’, health workers’ and other volunteers’ vigil against COVID-19.

When LGUs first initiated the community quarantine, there were only 21 cooperatives who activated emergency responses to show support.

Among the initial measures undertaken to support the LGUs were: (1) financial assistance to support the needs of health workers and frontliners; (2) supply of essential goods to frontliners; and (3) distribution of mask and sanitation kits to frontliners.

Other measures undertaken to preserve the well-being of coop members were: (1) support to member’s subsistence whose livelihood are affected by the imposed community quarantine through steady supply of essential goods such as rice, canned goods, noodles, etc.; (2) support to health and well-being through distribution of face mask, alcohol, disinfectants and multivitamins; and (3) availability and access to coop services.

Today, majority of the registered cooperatives throughout the region are adopting measures to assist their Local Government Units in their continued pursuit to protect and prevent the spread of the virus while ensuring the preservation of the wellbeing of coop members.

In the midst of the crisis, cooperatives once again showed strength through unity and cooperation and has developed resilience out of difficult times. Mabuhay ang Kooperatiba!

By: Ellen M. Ando