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empowering tomorrow: charting a purpose-driven path with the mindanawon co-op movement’s gad strategic planning workshop The Mindanawon Co-operative Movement’s Gender and Development (GAD) Strategic Planning Workshop proved to be an insightful and pivotal event held on December 5-6, 2023, at The Dynasty Court Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City. The aim of the workshop was to provide a clear direction for the co-op movement by ensuring the inclusion of GAD perspectives and priorities. The event was attended by 15 co-operatives from different regions, with 13 females and five males taking part. This showed a growing interest and commitment to address GAD concerns within the co-op sector. Doris Calapiz, Women’s Representative to the Board of Directors and Chairperson of the MASS-SPECC GAD Committee, welcomed the workshop participants. Salome Ganibe, the senior consultant of the Gender Equality Resource Center (GERC) Inc. and former Executive Director of the Asian Women in Co-operative Development Forum (AWCF), acted as the resource facilitator. She provided a global and national perspective on GAD, giving invaluable insights during discussions on memorandum circulars addressing GAD and the duties and responsibilities of GAD teams within co-operatives. The workshop covered sessions on the MASS-SPECC Co-op Movement Strategic Plan, presentations of the results from the Gender Assessment Tool (GAT) from various regions utilizing the web-based GAT developed by GERC, Inc., and workshops aimed at identifying common GAD actions and intervention strategies. To consolidate a comprehensive understanding of the GAD landscape within the Mindanawon co-op movement, emphasis was placed on the submission of the web-based GAT results from primary co-ops. The significance of these submissions was highlighted during an initial presentation, where participants greatly appreciated the insights provided. During the workshop, initial assessment and plans from each respective region were formulated, but they are still to be polished and confirmed by the respective regions soon. The goal is to integrate a comprehensive GAD strategic plan into the MASS-SPECC Strategic Plan for the next three years. To accommodate the primary co-ops’ convenience of availing of the benefit of the tool, MASS-SPECC offers a three-year (2022, 2023, and 2024 data) free subscription to the web-based GAT in partnership with GERC, Inc. Member co-ops of MASS-SPECC that have fully remitted their CETF are encouraged to register and fill out the tool as soon as possible. This event provided a crucial platform for the Mindanawon Co-op Movement to consolidate efforts, share expertise, and pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable co-op sector. “Insights and contributions gathered during this workshop will be instrumental in shaping a more gender-responsive and purpose-driven future for co-operatives in Mindanao,” shares MASS-SPECC CEO Bernadette Toledo.

MASS-SPECC CELEBRATES A MILESTONE: MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENY PROGRAM CULMINATION MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center proudly marks a significant achievement as itcelebrates the culmination of its flagship Management Development Program (MDP), where dedicated learners from various co-operative backgrounds successfully completed this transformative journey.  The MDP stands as a testament to MASS-SPECC’s commitment to nurturing co-operative leaders who not only excel in their managerial roles but also embody the co-op principles at their core.   This year’s graduation ceremony, slated on November 22, 2023, at the Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, Limketkai Center in Cagayan de Oro City, proved to be a momentous occasion bringing together graduates from batches 2020 to 2023. Amid the challenges posed by the pandemic, MASS-SPECC has stood resilient, ensuring that the postponed joint graduation became a celebration to remember.      The ceremony featured special messages from Dr. Peter Davis of Leicester University (MDP Module 1 Trainer) and Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region 10 Director Aminoden A. Elias, adding depth and perspective to the celebration.     The event was particularly noteworthy as it featured a special discourse with Jonathan Yabut, a well-known author and motivational speaker, during the lecture forum on the management and leadership segment. Yabut’s enlightening session focused on two crucial elements of organizational success – social media marketing and championing teamwork.     Attendees online and onsite gained valuable insights and inspiration from the lecture. It is a truly valuable experience that includes the diverse facets of modern co-operative management and insights into the anatomy of successful teamwork and strategies to cultivate a collaborative environment, emphasizing the importance of transparency and collaboration among co-ops.     The ceremony also featured testimonials and commitments from the graduates, spotlighting their dedication and readiness to apply what they learned to develop their co-operatives and communities.     This celebration isn’t merely about academic accomplishments; it’s a collective affirmation of dedication, perseverance, and the commitment to uphold the co-operative movement.      MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center extends its warmest congratulations and gratitude to all stakeholders, partners, and supporters who joined the event, celebrating the achievements of exceptional graduates who embody the future of co-op leadership.