The cooperative movement in the country has heeded the call of Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go to utilize their Community Development Fund (CDF) to contribute to the government’s efforts to fight the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and help their respective community members mitigate the socio-economic impact of the crisis.
“We in the cooperative movement have largely heeded the call of Senator Bong Go to do our share in helping our members as well as the communities and barangays where our entities are located,” the Philippine Cooperative Center (PCC) said in a statement on Saturday.
The PCC detailed the forms of assistance they have extended to their communities to support the government’s efforts against the further spread of the virus.
“The forms of assistance that we have been extending include, among others, the donation of basic commodities such as food; preparation and distribution of food packs and hygienic aids; logistics support for health/medical workers through the provision of PPEs; and engaging in sanitation/disinfecting work within coop offices as well as barangays,” PCC said.
PCC also mentioned that many of their cooperatives, federations and affiliated entities throughout the country “began performing these deeds and more as early as the first few days of implementation of the lockdown and will continue to provide relief, support and whatever help they can give.”
“This stresses the timely call of Senator Bong Go to utilize the cooperatives’ Community Development Fund (CDF) in order to contribute to the government’s efforts to fight the disease and help communities mitigate the socio-economic impact of the crisis,” PCC added.
PCC also assured that “cooperatives will continue mobilizing the movement in order to assist local government units and provide help to front-liners, health workers and marginalized communities affected by this pandemic.”
“And our cooperators have, like soldiers called to battle, courageously heeded this call. We at the Philippine Cooperative Center (PCC) and the cooperative movement as a whole, stand for strength, courage, and compassion in performing what we consider our mandate,” it said.
Community needs
Earlier, Go, who is also Senate Committee on Health and Demography Chair, suggested the use of the CDF of cooperatives for projects that will benefit the community during the enhanced community quarantine.
“The funds will greatly help in providing for the needs of our communities amid the enhanced community quarantine,” he said in Filipino.
Under Article 86 (3) of Republic Act No. 9520 or the “Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008”, cooperatives are mandated “to allocate not less than three per centum Cooperative Development Fund from its annual net surplus.”
Go’s request is also in line with Memorandum Circular No. 2020-30 issued by the Cooperative Development Authority which encourages cooperatives “to utilize their Community Development Fund (CDF), which under Article 86 (3) of R.A. No. 9520, shall not be less than three per centum (3%) of their net surplus, for projects or activities that will benefit the community where the cooperative operates.”
Whole-of-society approach
Go, who also sits as a member of the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee overseeing the implementation of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, has also continuously reiterated that a “whole-of-society” approach is needed in combating the pandemic.
“We all have to help our community. We all endure and we need to overcome this crisis. Let’s do everything we can to give service to all Filipinos. Let’s work together,” he said.
Go also thanked the cooperatives for their positive response to his request.
“Thank you and to all Filipinos for your contribution in this fight against Covid-19,” he said. (PNA)
