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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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On December 21, 2024, MASS-SPECC brought the spirit of co-operation and solidarity to life through its annual outreach program, “COOPmmunity: A Solidarity Project with Grade 5 Students of Indulang Integrated School.”

Young Mindanawon co-operators gathered at the scenic Mt. Guru in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental, on December 19-20, 2024, for the 4th Junior Cooperators’ Camp (JCC). Organized by MASS-SPECC’s Youth Arm — the Co-op Youth Parliament (CYP) — in partnership with the Sustainable Co-operatives (SCOOPS) Program, the camp inspired participants to embrace their roles as future co-op leaders and climate advocates. This year’s camp focused on equipping young leaders with a deeper understanding of the co-operative movement, sharpening their leadership skills, and mobilizing them for climate action, particularly under United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) No. 13.

MASS-SPECC is one of the few pioneering organizations in the Philippines to receive a Digisoft Smart Projector from Access Agriculture — a global leader in producing high-quality agricultural training videos in local languages and supporting sustainable farming initiatives across developing countries. This milestone reinforces MASS-SPECC’s commitment to sustainable development through its flagship advocacy programs: the Sustainable Co-operatives Program (SCOOPS) and the Agri-Based Enterprise System Program (AGRI-BEST).

MASS-SPECC solidified its dedication to enhancing member co-operatives’ well-being by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with MEDEXPRESS on November 22, 2024. This strategic partnership, a cornerstone of MASS-SPECC’s Yaman ang Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), underscores the federation’s mission to provide affordable, high-quality medicines and medical supplies to co-operatives and their members.