Co-op News

To officially kick off the Mindanawon Co-op Movement’s celebration of the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives (IYC), MASS-SPECC held a ceremonial launching and unveiling of the 2025 IYC flag on January 31 in Cagayan de Oro City, aligning with the national launch led by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in Quezon City. This momentous occasion calls on co-ops to rise and take collective action in 2025.

Before the official ceremony, the staff gathered for a pre-event viewing party, which included a livestream of the CDA’s national launch, highlights from the parade of co-ops, solidarity messages, and the IYC 2025 statement. A special video message from Ariel Guarco, President of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), and Wenyan Yang Social Perspective on Development Branch Chief, was also shown,  underscoring the global significance of the event.

The event’s highlight was the Ceremonial Flag Unveiling of the IYC flag, led by MASS-SPECC Chairperson Doris B. Calapiz and Chief Executive Officer Bernadette O. Toledo. This was followed by their inspiring opening messages commemorating the occasion.

“As we proudly unveil the International Year of Cooperatives flag, we reaffirm a commitment to a future where all members enjoy a better quality of life,” said Chairperson Calapiz. She emphasized that the flag is not just a symbol, but “a call to action, reminding us that inclusive cooperation and shared responsibility build stronger communities and sustainable opportunities.”

CEO Toledo echoed this sentiment, stating, “The flag is a symbol of unity, resilience, and empowerment—values that guide us in our mission to improve the lives of our members, foster economic growth, and ensure that no one is left behind. Let this moment inspire us to work together with great passion and dedication, knowing that through cooperation, we achieve more and create a brighter future for all.”

Following the flag unveiling, the staff engaged in an IYC trivia game before Chairperson Calapiz delivered a message of solidarity, marking this as a historic occasion for the co-operative movement.

The International Year of Cooperatives 2025 is a milestone for co-operatives worldwide, as it follows the official global launch held in November 2024 in India. This declaration by the United Nations highlights the critical role of co-operatives in building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy.

“In MASS-SPECC, we remain steadfast in our vision where ‘All Members Enjoy Better Quality of Life,'” Calapiz emphasized. She urged co-operatives to take this opportunity to inspire innovation, deepen unity, and uphold shared co-operative values.

As the celebration continues, more activities and initiatives are in store for the Mindanawon Co-op Movement, ensuring that the IYC 2025 will be a year of action, collaboration, and meaningful impact. Member co-ops are encouraged to follow suit, launching their own IYC 2025 initiatives to further strengthen the co-operative movement in their communities.

“Together, let us make 2025 a defining moment for co-operatives everywhere. Let us show the world that through unity and shared purpose, we can achieve a world where truly ‘All Members Enjoy Better Quality of Life.'”