Co-op News

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.