The Bacolod City Government, through the City Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office, was able to release last year at least P2.1 million in loans to 21 cooperatives with 2,013 beneficiaries for various business purposes.

      These cooperatives ventured into reflexology/massage clinics, micro-lending, water refilling, swine fattening, manufacturing of household and fashion accessories, hollow blocks manufacturing, consumers stores, table egg production, swine dispersal, rice retaiing, vermin-culture and composting, trading of auto parts/oils and lubricants.

     Mayor Evelio Leonardia said that it has been a thrust of the city government to extend support to cooperatives and small enterprises as these enables the people to generate income through various livelihood opportunities.  He also said that cooperatives promote the spirit of teamwork, volunteerism, creativity and resourcefulness which are very important factors for success.

     The City Cooperative Office also helped organize and register 19 new cooperatives engaged in various small enterprises such as micro-lending, trisikad spare parts trading, consumer stores, massage therapy, consumer credit, trucking services, poultry, farm inputs marketing, piggery operations and agricultural farming.

     Orientation on how to avail of financial assistance for micro enterprises were also conducted to 325 participants coming from the different sectors such as teachers, vendors, tricycle operators and drivers, eco aides, farmers, barangay officials and members of barangay community associations.

     At least 1,478 participants also availed of the various livelihood skills training and entrepreneurship on economic activities.