As the government continues to persevere the health, safety, and well-being of the Filipino people and work for the unity of the nation even as the threat of the pandemic has waned in many areas of the country, cooperative leaders in region 9 similarly continues to be an epitome of cooperation, compassion, and charity, in their choices and decisions for the welfare of their members and their community during the ECQ.

As we continue to document activities showing cooperation, compassion, and charity of cooperative leaders in region 9, it has not escaped our notice that only when the government has activated and implemented the series of financial assistance programs that the number of assistance from cooperatives decreased. And that when pressed harder at all corners, cooperative leaders, as entrepreneurs, are able to balance their priorities between preserving the business and protecting their employees and members.

As we continue to hope for a pandemic free future, we are optimistic to see the spirit of resilience and grit among cooperative leaders.

Below are additional activities on Cooperative Social Responsibility against Covid19 documented from April 30 to May 6, 2020.

Zamboanga Sibugay Government Employees Credit Cooperative (ZASIGECCO) located at Provincial Capitol, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, distributed personal protective equipments such as 35 pcs cover suits, 150 pcs N95 mask, 10 boxes surgical mask, and 20 bottles 500ml 70% Ethyl Alcohol to doctors, nurses, MedTech, attendants, and other health care workers of the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Hospital amounting to Php70,000.00 charged against the CDF.

Josefina Employees MPC located at the municipal hall of Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur distributed 550pcs face mask to habal-habal drivers and Indigenous Peoples who visited the municipal building on April 27-29, 2020, amounting to Php10,000.00 charged against the CDF.

Seriac Consumers Cooperative (SECONCO) located at Seriac, Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte, distributed relief goods to 156 coop members on May 5, 2020, amounting to Php12,504.00 charged against the Optional Fund.

Sindangan FACOMA Community MPC located at Poblacion, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte distributed relief goods to 40 barangays in the municipality of Sindangan benefitting 663 coop members, majority of whom were farmers, teachers, and women, amounting to Php79,301.25 charged against the Optional Fund..

Educators Consumers Cooperative located at Mercedes Central School Campus, Mercedez East, Zamboanga City, distributed 1 sack of rice @25kls to 6 canteen volunteer workers on May 1, 2020, during the celebration of Labor Day amounting to Php6, 960, charged against the CDF.

By: Ellen M. Ando