Co-op News

With the powerful theme “Co-operatives as Instruments for Sustainable Development and Social Justice,” the same global theme for this year’s International Day of Cooperatives (IDC), MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center convened its 2025 Leaders’ Forum and Oath-Taking Ceremony on July 11 at N Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City.

This annual gathering served as both a leadership summit and a ceremonial installation of new officers, affirming the co-op movement’s shared mission of people-centered development and social equity. A total of 165 delegates from 51 co-ops across Mindanao participated in the event, representing diverse sectors and communities.

While not held on the exact date, the activity served as a belated celebration of the IDC, which was observed globally on July 5. The IDC is an opportunity to raise awareness about co-operatives’ significant contributions to sustainable development, peace, and social inclusion.

This year’s celebration is also especially significant as the co-operative movement marks the International Year of Cooperatives, reinforcing the global call to recognize co-operatives as key actors in achieving inclusive and sustainable growth.

The forum was graced by two distinguished resource speakers: Dr. Cielito F. Habito, renowned economist and former NEDA Director-General, and Janette Toral, digital transformation advocate and leadership coach.

Dr. Habito delivered a compelling keynote on “Agri-Industry Co-operatives: Our Path to a Vigorous Farm Sector,” encouraging co-ops to take a leading role in revitalizing agriculture through integration, innovation, and inclusive value chains.

“For a farm sector to flourish, it must be rooted in cooperation, sustainability, and rural empowerment,” he emphasized.

Toral followed with a timely talk titled “The Future-Proof Co-operative: Digital Strategies for Resilience, Sustainability & Justice.” She urged co-operatives to embrace digital transformation, AI, and data-driven decision-making to remain relevant and impactful.

“Technology must not replace human values but should be used to reinforce them,” she said. “It’s time to make digital justice part of co-operative justice.”

The forum was followed by the Oath-Taking Ceremony of the new set of officers of MASS-SPECC for 2025–2026. Hon. Aminoden A. Elias, Regional Director of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region X, presided over the ceremony and emphasized the importance of ethical governance, inclusivity, and strong leadership in co-operative development.

Inducted were the Board of Directors and Committee Officers of MASS-SPECC, as well as officers from its affiliate and partner organizations: (1) Mindanao Cooperative Managers’ Club (MCMC); (2) Co-op Youth Parliament (CYP); and the (3) Mindanao Cooperative Hostel Services (MCHS).

Outgoing Chairperson Dir. Doris B. Calapiz delivered her Legacy Address, highlighting the achievements of her term and reaffirming her confidence in the incoming leadership.

Incoming Chairperson Atty. Jose Agerico R. De Guzman accepted the gavel in a symbolic turnover and committed to lead MASS-SPECC with integrity and vision.

True to its co-operative identity, MASS-SPECC continues to be a platform for democratic participation, leadership development, and social transformation across Mindanao.

This year’s Leaders’ Forum emphasized inter-co-operative collaboration, youth engagement, sectoral inclusion, and sustainability—demonstrating how co-ops can respond to both economic challenges and societal needs.

As MASS-SPECC looks ahead, its leaders—both seasoned and emerging—stand united in their resolve to advance the co-operative movement as a force for sustainable development and social justice in Mindanao and beyond.