MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center

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MASS-SPECC, TESDA Celebrate Graduates of CDM Level IV Course

Co-op News Empowering Co-op Leaders through Values-Based Education: MASS-SPECC, TESDA Celebrate Graduates of CDM Level IV Course Forty-four co-operative leaders and managers from across Mindanao recently completed the Cooperative Development and Management (CDM) Level IV Training Program—marking another milestone in the shared commitment of MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to strengthen co-operatives through transformative, values-based education. The graduation ceremony, held on July 19, 2025, at Casa Real, VIP Hotel, celebrated the accomplishments of Batch 6 (21 graduates) and Batch 7 (23 graduates). The program welcomed learners not only from MASS-SPECC affiliate co-operatives but also from 15 non-member co-ops—reflecting the inclusive and collaborative spirit of the co-operative movement. More than a leadership and management course, the CDM Level IV Program serves as a platform for internalizing the co-operative identity. The training emphasized the globally recognized co-operative values and principles, enabling participants to explore how values-based leadership and management contribute to co-operative sustainability and social relevance. Its curriculum covered lessons related to basic, common, and core competencies required of co-op leaders and managers. The ceremony opened with a procession and opening rites, followed by welcome remarks from Atty. Jose Agerico De Guzman, Chairperson of MASS-SPECC, who highlighted the vital role of leaders in building resilient co-operative communities. He was joined by Nizar R. Pangalian, Senior CDS – Cooperative Research Information and Training Section of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Regional Office 10, who delivered a message of encouragement on behalf of Regional Director Aminoden A. Elias. Also present was Mirasol T. Aput, Technical Education and Skills Development Specialist II, representing TESDA Misamis Oriental Provincial Director Marigold Cherie R. Garrido, who officially confirmed the graduates. TESDA’s continued support underscores the growing synergy between the government and the co-operative sector in advancing lifelong learning and inclusive development. Its partnership with MASS-SPECC has benefited particularly small and medium-size co-operatives in Mindanao. In his keynote message, Romulo M. Villamin, Managing Director of the Institute of Cooperative Studies and Lead Trainer, encouraged the graduates to live out the co-operative values they had learned: “It was a challenge to design a course that suited the specific needs of your co-operatives,” Villamin shared. “We provided the materials and support to help you complete your coursework, and I hope we have succeeded in that.” He added, “From all your sharing and reflections, it’s clear that you have truly internalized the lessons.” The event concluded with the singing of the graduation hymn—specially composed for CDM Batches 6 and 7—followed by a warm fellowship among participants, trainers, and guests. “In the co-operative world, we are fueled not by individual ambition, but by collective action through service,” shared graduate Marvin Nadala, Manager of Basilan Farmers ARB MOC, in his heartfelt testimonial. “We did not come here just because we wanted to feel good. We came here because we wanted to do good for others.” The CDM Level IV Program is part of MASS-SPECC’s broader mission to develop capable, committed, and ethical co-operative leaders across Mindanao. The program is led by a team of seasoned trainers, including Romulo Villamin, Bernadette O. Toledo, CPA, MEM-SEI, Aida B. Sagarino, CPA, and Cromwell Esteban C. Rabaya, with support from CDA and TESDA resource persons. With their new knowledge, strengthened values, and a renewed sense of purpose, the 44 graduates—representing agricultural, credit, multipurpose, consumer, and transport co-operatives—now return to their organizations ready to lead with deeper commitment to the co-operative movement. As MASS-SPECC celebrates this success, it continues to open pathways for education and development in the spirit of “Sharing and Growing Together,” a fitting reminder in this International Year of Cooperatives. Recent Post MASS-SPECC, TESDA Celebrate Graduates of CDM Level IV Course Co-op News Empowering Co-op Leaders through Values-Based Education: MASS-SPECC, TESDA… Read More July 30, 2025 MASS-SPECC, CLIMBS, OIC, CLIFSA donate medical equipment to Buda Community Health Care Center​ True to their co-operative identity and commitment to uplifting human… Read More July 25, 2025 A Celebration of Co-operative Leadership and Collective Vision: MASS-SPECC holds 2025 Leaders’ Forum, Oath-Taking Ceremony​ With the powerful theme “Co-operatives as Instruments for Sustainable Development… Read More July 25, 2025 Co-ops Lead Charge Against Plastic Pollution with Eco Trash Bins​ CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (February 4, 2025) — In a… Read More February 19, 2025 Load More

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MASS-SPECC, CLIMBS, OIC, CLIFSA donate medical equipment to Buda Community Health Care Center​

True to their co-operative identity and commitment to uplifting human dignity, MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center, in collaboration with CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative, Oro Integrated Cooperative (OIC), and CLIFSA General Insurance Agency, formally turned over medical equipment, hospital signage, and solar-powered lights to the Buda Community Health Care Center (BCHCC) on July 18, 2025.

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A Celebration of Co-operative Leadership and Collective Vision: MASS-SPECC holds 2025 Leaders’ Forum, Oath-Taking Ceremony​

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.

A Celebration of Co-operative Leadership and Collective Vision: MASS-SPECC holds 2025 Leaders’ Forum, Oath-Taking Ceremony​ Read More »

Sunrise of Change: Sindangan FACOMA’s Solar Energy Initiative

In the municipality of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, a commitment towards sustainable development shines brightly. Reflecting on their co-op’s journey towards sustainability with pride, Sindangan FACOMA Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative shares their experience in adopting solar power energy in their co-op’s day-to-day operations and how it drastically reduced their electric bills, contributed to energy conservation, and revolutionized the way they serve their members

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Co-ops Lead Charge Against Plastic Pollution with Eco Trash Bins​

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (February 4, 2025) — In a bold and innovative step toward environmental sustainability, the Sustainable Co-ops (SCOOPS) Program’s “Co-ops vs. Plastics” initiative marked a significant milestone with the successful turnover of eco-trash bins to Pagatpat and Canitoan Elementary Schools on January 24, 2025.

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MASS-SPECC Ushers in the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives with Ceremonial Flag Unveiling​

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 at its headquarters on Tiano-Yacapin Streets, Cagayan de Oro City, on January 31, 2025.

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Pinoy Coop Forum Explores Cybersecurity and AI: A Vision for Co-operative Resilience

As the digital landscape evolves at a rapid pace, co-operatives face both unprecedented challenges and transformative opportunities. This was the central theme of the Pinoy Coop Forum on Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence, held at Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City. Organized by MASS-SPECC in partnership with EPH Secure Systems on October 14, 2024.

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MICMA Trese:
Sonia Balansag

AGAR-AGAR: OCEAN’S BOUNTY The Story of Sonia Balansag of MSU-IIT National Multi-Purpose Cooperative Sonia Balansag, a 51-year-old Lumad from Birocoy, Zamboanga del Sur, knows the rhythm of the sea like the back of her hand. For years, she and her husband, Antonio, cast their nets, making a living through traditional fishing. While it provided for their basic needs, financial security remained a distant dream. “The ocean can be generous,” Sonia says, “but it can also be unpredictable.”  Limited catches and fluctuating fish prices made financial stability a constant struggle. Then, in 2017, Sonia’s life took an unexpected turn. She was approached by Editha Martonito, a representative of MSU-IIT National Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MSU-IIT NMPC).  Editha introduced Sonia to the co-operative’s seaweed farming program, a revolutionary approach to income generation in coastal communities. Intrigued by the potential, Sonia decided to take a leap of faith. She joined MSU-IIT NMPC, eager to explore this new opportunity. The co-op provided her with the training and resources she needed to get started, including a crucial loan to kickstart her agar-agar business. Agar-agar, a gelatinous substance extracted from seaweed, is a valuable commodity used in food production, pharmaceuticals, and various industries.  With the loan, Sonia was able to expand her seaweed farming operation, purchasing necessary equipment and increasing her production capacity. “Our income has significantly increased,” Sonia explains. “Because of the agar-agar, our way of life has become more comfortable.” The financial stability has brought a wave of positive changes for the Balansag family. “We’ve been able to acquire new properties and assets,” says Antonio, Sonia’s husband. “We even replaced our old car with a new one!” But the benefits extend beyond material possessions.  “The agar-agar business has improved our quality of life in so many ways,” Sonia beams.  “We can now afford to provide better for our family, including our children’s education.” Sonia’s story is a shining example of how MASS-SPECC empowers coastal communities. By providing access to knowledge, resources, and financing, the co-operative equips individuals like Sonia to cultivate a sustainable and lucrative livelihood from the very waters they’ve always known. As Sonia looks towards the future, her vision is clear.  Her plans include expanding the seaweed farm further and inspiring other Lumad families to embrace the potential of seaweed production. Sonia’s journey is truly a story of hope, resilience, and the power of harnessing the ocean’s bounty for a brighter future.

MICMA Trese:
Sonia Balansag
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MICMA Trese:
Chona G Magtuba

FROM CURIOSITY TO LIVESTOCK BUSINESS OWNER The Story of Chona G. Magtuba of Davao Oriental Market Multipurpose Cooperative In the bustling markets of Davao City, Chona G. Magtuba, a 47-year-old mother of four, navigates the familiar crowd with a confident stride. A member of the Davao Oriental Market Multipurpose Cooperative (DOMMUPCO) for a decade now, Chona’s journey with the co-op began with a simple question – a curiosity sparked by her friend’s frequent cash purchases of dressed chicken. It was this curiosity that led Chona to the doors of DOMMUPCO, and into a world of opportunity. DOMMUPCO became more than just a source of fresh chicken for Chona. It transformed into a springboard for her own ambitions. With the support of the co-op, she wasn’t just buying chickens, she was acquiring the tools to become a business owner herself. Their guidance and financial programs empowered Chona to take a significant leap — the purchase of a 1.2-hectare livestock farm.  This wasn’t the end of her growth, however. Fueled by her determination and the co-op’s loan program, Chona expanded her reach by opening two stalls in the public market. Chona isn’t just a successful entrepreneur; she’s a testament to the power of co-operative principles. She religiously participates in the co-op’s daily savings program, a habit that has instilled a culture of saving within her family. This dedication to saving has gone hand-in-hand with her smart utilization of the co-op’s loan program, allowing her to strategically invest back into her business and increase her share capital in DOMMUPCO. Chona’s story is an inspiration for many in Davao City. It is a narrative woven with threads of curiosity, determination, and support of a co-operative community.  As Chona looks towards the future, one thing is certain: her journey with DOMMUPCO has only just begun. Together, they will continue to write a story of success anchored on the power of collective action and shared dreams.

MICMA Trese:
Chona G Magtuba
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