Lucille Jalando-on

#CoUPDATE MASS-SPECC reinforces Leadership and Peace-building at 2026 Leaders’ Forum, IDC, & Oath-taking Ceremony Co-operative leaders from across Mindanao gathered for the 2026 MASS-SPECC Leaders’ Forum, International Day of Co-operatives (IDC) Celebration, and Oath-taking and Turnover Ceremony on July 4, 2026, at N Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City. Held as part of MASS-SPECC’s 60th Anniversary celebration, the event brought together 113 participants representing 41 member co-operatives, reaffirming the federation’s commitment to strengthening co-operative leadership and advancing the movement’s role in building resilient and inclusive communities. Anchored on the IDC theme, “Co-operatives for a Peaceful World,” the gathering opened with a call for co-operative leaders to remain steadfast in serving people and strengthening communities amid today’s evolving social and economic realities. In her welcome remarks, MASS-SPECC Chief Executive Officer Ms. Bernadette O. Toledo underscored the federation’s continuing mission of empowering member co-operatives and improving the quality of life of communities across Mindanao through cooperation and collective action. Serving as the forum’s resource speaker, Most Rev. Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, DD, Archbishop-Emeritus of Cagayan de Oro, challenged participants to view co-operatives not merely as economic institutions but as bridge-builders of peace, justice, and social cohesion. Drawing from the Catholic Social Teaching, co-operative principles, and community experiences, he emphasized that “You can’t build peace on empty stomachs and human misery,” reminding co-operative leaders that genuine and lasting peace is achieved by creating opportunities that uphold human dignity and ensure that no one is left behind. The celebration likewise featured the official statement of International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) President Ariel Guarco, delivered by incoming Independent Director Dir. Efren Bravo, followed by an audio-visual presentation highlighting the contributions of MASS-SPECC member co-operatives toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Together, these reaffirmed the co-operative movement’s continuing impact in promoting inclusive and sustainable development throughout Mindanao. A highlight of the gathering was the oath-taking and turnover ceremony for the 2026-2027 MASS-SPECC Board of Directors and Committee Officers, together with the Board of Trustees and officers of the Mindanao Cooperative Managers’ Club (MCMC), Coop Youth Parliament (CYP), and Mindanao Cooperative Hostel Services (MCHS). The ceremony was officiated by Hon. Gadwin E. Handumon, Mayor of Plaridel, Misamis Occidental and one of Mindanao’s respected co-operative leaders. In his congratulatory message, Mayor Handumon encouraged the newly inducted leaders to embrace servant leadership anchored on trust, innovation, unity, and service, emphasizing that the true measure of leadership goes beyond titles and positions. As he reminded the officers, “Leadership is not measured by the position you occupy. It is measured by the lives you inspire… and the communities you transform.” He likewise emphasized that stronger partnerships between co-operatives and local governments remain essential in building resilient communities and improving the lives of Filipinos. Accepting the responsibility as MASS-SPECC’s new Chairperson, Dir. Esmeraldo S. Raymundo reaffirmed his commitment to leading the federation with unity, innovation, sustainability, and shared responsibility. He called on member co-operatives to preserve the movement’s enduring values while embracing the changes needed to remain relevant and responsive to future challenges. Likewise, newly installed MCHS Chairperson Dir. Ruth I. Jacutin emphasized that leadership flourishes through unity, mutual trust, and collective commitment, reaffirming the organization’s resolve to provide quality, member-centered services while strengthening collaboration among co-operatives. More than a ceremonial gathering, the event served as a meaningful platform for reflection, dialogue, and renewed commitment to the co-operative ideals that have guided MASS-SPECC for six decades. As the federation continues its 60th Anniversary celebration, the event reaffirmed that strong, values-driven leadership remains essential in enabling co-operatives to respond to emerging challenges while advancing peace, social justice, and sustainable development. United by the spirit of cooperation, MASS-SPECC and its member co-ops move forward with renewed resolve to revive the ideals of co-operatives as a movement and continue sharing and growing together toward a better quality of life for all. Recent Post MASS-SPECC reinforces leadership and peace-building at 2026 Leaders’ Forum, IDC, & Oath-taking Ceremony #CoUPDATE MASS-SPECC reinforces leadership and peace-building at 2026 Leaders’ Forum,… Read More July 23, 2026 Strategic Conversations shape the future of the Co-operative Movement #CoUPDATE Strategic Conversations shape the future of the Co-operative Movement… Read More July 22, 2026 Co-ops take root for the planet: MASS-SPECC ZBST leads Earth Day 2026 mangrove planting #CoUPDATE Co-ops take root for the planet: MASS-SPECC ZBST leads… Read More July 15, 2026 MASS-SPECC marks 30 years of digital innovation with digitalization and IT forum #CoUPDATE MASS-SPECC marks 30 years of digital innovation with digitalization… Read More July 2, 2026 Load More

#CoUPDATE Strategic Conversations shape the future of the Co-operative Movement MASS-SPECC brought together co-operative leaders and staff for the Forum on Strategic Conversations for the Future of the Co-operative Movement on July 3, 2026, at N Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City, to reflect on the movement’s progress and chart its strategic direction for the years ahead. Held as one of the key activities of MASS-SPECC’s 60th Founding Anniversary Celebration under the theme “Reviving the Ideals of Co-operatives as a Movement,” the forum gathered 82 participants composed of MASS-SPECC staff and leaders from member co-operatives in a collaborative dialogue that will help shape the 2027-2031 Co-operative Movement Strategic Plan. In his opening message, MASS-SPECC Chairperson Esmeraldo S. Raymundo emphasized the importance of engaging co-operative leaders in meaningful strategic conversations that will ensure the movement remains relevant, resilient, and responsive to the evolving needs of its members. He underscored that as the federation celebrates six decades of service, it is equally important to build on past gains while collectively preparing for the future of the co-operative movement. The forum commenced with a comprehensive assessment of the 2022-2026 Co-operative Movement Strategic Plan, presented by MASS-SPECC Chief Executive Officer Bernadette O. Toledo. The presentation highlighted significant gains over the past five years, including strengthened co-operative identity, expanded member services, digitalization initiatives, governance reforms, and disaster resilience programs. At the same time, it identified key priorities requiring sustained attention, such as leadership succession, member participation, performance measurement, and the full implementation of strategic initiatives. The assessment likewise reaffirmed that the lessons learned from the current strategic plan will serve as a strong foundation for developing the movement’s next five-year direction. Providing a forward-looking perspective, MASS-SPECC Consultant Benjamin B. Dy presented The Future Landscape of the Co-operative Movement, examining the emerging trends expected to shape co-operatives in the coming years. His presentation explored the strategic implications of digital transformation and artificial intelligence, financial inclusion, demographic shifts, governance and leadership succession, collaboration among co-operatives, and the evolving regulatory environment. Participants were challenged to embrace innovation while remaining firmly anchored on co-operative values and principles to ensure the movement’s continued relevance and sustainability. Building on these presentations, participants engaged in facilitated workshop discussions focusing on six strategic themes: strengthening co-operative identity, advancing member well-being, digital transformation and innovation, building resilience, developing inter-generational leadership, and advocacy and social innovation. They also revisited the Co-operative Movement Vision, reflecting on the kind of movement they aspire to build over the next five years. The workshop generated valuable recommendations that will serve as key inputs to the formulation of the 2027-2031 Co-operative Movement Strategic Plan. Participants emphasized the need to accelerate digital transformation while strengthening cybersecurity, cultivate future co-operative leaders through intentional succession planning and youth engagement, deepen collaboration across the movement, and strengthen systems that measure how co-operative initiatives improve members’ lives. They likewise reaffirmed that the true success of the co-operative movement should ultimately be reflected in the lasting improvement of the quality of life of every member. More than a strategic planning workshop, the forum demonstrated MASS-SPECC’s enduring commitment to nurturing a co-operative movement that remains united in purpose while adapting to an increasingly dynamic environment. As the federation marks its 60th year, the strategic conversations held during the forum reaffirm that reviving the ideals of co-operatives as a movement begins with thoughtful reflection, shared leadership, and collective action toward a future where co-operatives continue to transform lives, strengthen communities, and fulfill the Co-op Movement Vision that all members enjoy a better quality of life. Recent Post Co-ops take root for the planet: MASS-SPECC ZBST leads Earth Day 2026 mangrove planting – Copy #CoUPDATE Strategic Conversations shape the future of the Co-operative Movement… Read More July 22, 2026 Co-ops take root for the planet: MASS-SPECC ZBST leads Earth Day 2026 mangrove planting #CoUPDATE Co-ops take root for the planet: MASS-SPECC ZBST leads… Read More July 15, 2026 MASS-SPECC marks 30 years of digital innovation with digitalization and IT forum #CoUPDATE MASS-SPECC marks 30 years of digital innovation with digitalization… Read More July 2, 2026 MASS-SPECC unveils IYC CO-OPmunity Murals across Mindanao #CoUPDATE MASS-SPECC unveils IYC CO-OPmunity Murals across Mindanao A collective… Read More December 26, 2025 Load More

#CoUPDATE Co-ops take root for the planet: MASS-SPECC ZBST leads Earth Day 2026 mangrove planting ZAMBOANGA CITY – As the sun began to rise over the coastal waters of Barangay Mampang around 5:30 in the morning of April 22, members of the MASS-SPECC ZamBaSulTa (ZBST) Region gathered with a shared purpose — planting not just mangroves, but hope for a more sustainable future. In celebration of Earth Day 2026, themed “Our Power, Our Planet,” co-op members across the region came together for a Mangrove Planting Activity, demonstrating how collective action can create meaningful environmental impact.  The initiative forms part of MASS-SPECC’s Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CCA-DRRM) efforts under its broader Sustainable Cooperatives Program. A Commitment to Community and Environment More than just an environmental campaign, the activity was a living expression of the core co-op principle of Concern for Community.  For the participating co-ops, this meant stepping beyond financial and economic services to actively protect the ecosystems that sustain communities. The Vital Role of Mangroves Mangroves are widely known as natural coastal defenders. They reduce the impact of storm surges, prevent soil erosion, and serve as nurseries for marine life.  In communities like Barangay Mampang, where livelihoods are closely tied to coastal resources, the protection and rehabilitation of mangrove ecosystems are both an environmental and economic necessity. Collective Action in Action The activity was organized by the Mass-Specc Regional Steering Committee (RSC) during their cluster meeting as part of the Earth Day 2026 celebration, led by Mass-Specc BOD for ZAMBASULTA, Ma’am Nelida Alegre, together with the RSC officers and members, and in coordination with the MCMC Regional President, Ma’am Leomor Aizon. A total of 38 participants from various cooperatives attended the mangrove planting activity, with the following breakdown: MEMPCO (10 pax), ZCCMPC (2 pax), BCDZA (2 pax), PMFC (15 pax), ZCGEMPCO (3 pax), and ZAMSOWEDCO (6 pax). Despite the early hour and muddy terrain, the atmosphere was one of unity and purpose.  Each seedling planted symbolized a shared commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development. Cooperatives Driving Global Change The initiative also highlights how cooperatives are uniquely positioned to address global challenges at the grassroots level.  By mobilizing members and pooling resources, co-ops can implement community-based solutions that are both inclusive and sustainable. The activity aligns with global calls for stronger environmental stewardship and reinforces the role of cooperatives as partners in achieving climate action goals. It also serves as a reminder that sustainability is not a one-time effort, but a continuing responsibility. As the morning activity concluded, rows of newly planted mangrove seedlings stood as quiet yet powerful symbols of cooperation in action, rooted in shared values, driven by collective will, and growing toward a greener, more resilient future. Through initiatives like this, MASS-SPECC and its member co-ops continue to prove that building a better world goes beyond enterprise; it means caring for the planet we all share. Recent Post Co-ops take root for the planet: MASS-SPECC ZBST leads Earth Day 2026 mangrove planting #CoUPDATE MASS-SPECC marks 30 years of digital innovation with digitalization… Read More July 15, 2026 MASS-SPECC marks 30 years of digital innovation with digitalization and IT forum #CoUPDATE MASS-SPECC marks 30 years of digital innovation with digitalization… Read More July 2, 2026 MASS-SPECC unveils IYC CO-OPmunity Murals across Mindanao #CoUPDATE MASS-SPECC unveils IYC CO-OPmunity Murals across Mindanao A collective… Read More December 26, 2025 MASS-SPECC’s SCOOPS Program, powered by Pinoy Coop Digital Services, channels ₱15M in typhoon aid #CoUPDATE MASS-SPECC’s SCOOPS Program, powered by Pinoy Coop Digital Services,… Read More December 21, 2025 Load More

#CoUPDATE MASS-SPECC marks 30 years of digital innovation with digitalization and IT forum Reinforcing its commitment to building future-ready co-operatives, MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center successfully conducted the Digitalization and IT Forum Week 2026 from June 22 to 26, bringing together 173 participants, including representatives from 70 member co-ops and MASS-SPECC personnel. Carrying the theme “30 Years of Driving Innovations in Co-operatives through Digital Solutions,” the forum celebrated three decades of MASS-SPECC’s pioneering work in co-op digitalization while equipping co-op leaders with strategies and technologies to thrive in an increasingly digital economy. The activity also formed part of the federation’s 60th anniversary celebration and the National ICT Month, highlighting how digital innovation continues to strengthen co-op governance, financial inclusion, and member services. Charting the digital future The forum opened with messages from Lourdes Bernadette Luad, Chairperson of the IT Governance Steering Committee, and Melissa Alado, Deputy CEO for Operations, who emphasized the importance of embracing digital transformation while remaining anchored in co-op identity and values. The opening plenary, “Digitalization Roadmap for Cooperatives in a Rapidly Changing Economy,” featured industry experts from the private sector, government, and the co-op movement. Kay Lugtu, Chief Operations Officer of Hungry Workhorse Consultancy Inc, discussed emerging digital economy trends and the opportunities they present for co-ops. Maria Christina Masangkay of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas shared insights on the future of digital finance and the strategic role of co-ops, while MASS-SPECC Chief Executive Officer Bernadette Toledo presented the federation’s digital transformation journey toward building future-ready co-ops. Learning from co-op digital transformation The second day showcased the digitalization experiences of member co-ops that have successfully integrated technology into their operations. Representatives from Tagum Cooperative, Baug Carp Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Kiblawan Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and Alamada Multi-Purpose Cooperative shared practical lessons on developing digitalization roadmaps, overcoming implementation challenges, and improving member services through innovation. The discussions demonstrated that digital transformation is not solely about adopting new technologies but about creating greater value for members while strengthening co-op operations. Participants also took part in a collaborative session on building an interconnected digital ecosystem for the co-op movement through a Digital Transformation and Digitalization Survey, which will help inform future initiatives across the federation. Harnessing artificial intelligence Recognizing the growing role of artificial intelligence in business, the third day featured a special learning session led by Kristian Noel Pura, a Harvard-educated AI professional. The session introduced participants to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and large language models, practical AI applications in finance and business systems, and strategies for implementing AI projects within co-op organizations. The learning session encouraged co-ops to harness emerging technologies responsibly to improve productivity, decision-making, and service delivery. Building secure and resilient digital co-ops The final day focused on strengthening digital resilience through sound data governance and cybersecurity. Sheila Quiniones, Global Data Governance Leader, discussed governance frameworks and regulatory compliance that enable co-ops to manage data responsibly and strengthen organizational accountability. Meanwhile, George Nolasco, Chief Executive Officer of EPH Secure Systems, presented strategies on advanced threat mitigation and AI-assisted cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of protecting co-op systems and member information in an evolving digital landscape. The forum concluded with the presentation of the Digital Transformation and Digitalization Survey Results by Romulo Villamin, Managing Director of the Institute of Cooperative Studies, who synthesized the week’s discussions and presented key directions for the co-op sector’s digital future. For 30 years, MASS-SPECC has remained at the forefront of providing digital solutions that enable co-ops to become more efficient, inclusive, and resilient. As the federation celebrates its 60th anniversary, the 2026 Digitalization and IT Forum reaffirmed that digital transformation is more than a technological shift. It is a strategic commitment to strengthen co-ops, empower members, and ensure that the movement remains relevant and sustainable in an increasingly connected world. Recent Post MASS-SPECC marks 30 years of digital innovation with digitalization and IT forum #CoUPDATE MASS-SPECC marks 30 years of digital innovation with digitalization… Read More July 2, 2026 MASS-SPECC unveils IYC CO-OPmunity Murals across Mindanao #CoUPDATE MASS-SPECC unveils IYC CO-OPmunity Murals across Mindanao A collective… Read More December 26, 2025 MASS-SPECC’s SCOOPS Program, powered by Pinoy Coop Digital Services, channels ₱15M in typhoon aid #CoUPDATE MASS-SPECC’s SCOOPS Program, powered by Pinoy Coop Digital Services,… Read More December 21, 2025 MASS-SPECC recognized at the 4th Digital Financial Inclusion Awards ​ Co-op News MASS-SPECC recognized at the 4th Digital Financial Inclusion… Read More December 19, 2025 Load More