#CoUPDATE

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.