#CoUPDATE

The Sustainable Co-ops (SCOOPS) Program is MASS-SPECC’s environmental initiative that empowers co-operatives to strengthen climate resilience, promote sustainable growth, and inspire greener practices among members. Through this program, MASS-SPECC continues to harness the strength of the co-operative network in responding to climate-related emergencies.

In the aftermath of Typhoon Tino, communities across the Dinagat Islands and Siargao faced widespread destruction. Homes, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure were damaged or lost, leaving thousands of families in urgent need of assistance.

Responding swiftly, CARE Philippines and the START Network funded a ₱15 million Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) Early Response Plan, coursed through MASS-SPECC and implemented in partnership with the Agri-Aqua Development Coalition (AADC)–Mindanao. The initiative aimed to provide timely and dignified support to affected households while enabling early recovery.

The program supported a total of 1,800 families across the municipalities of Loreto and Tubajon in the Dinagat Islands, as well as Santa Monica, Dapa, and Ana-aon in Surigao del Norte. Each household received ₱8,500 in direct financial assistance, amounting to a total of ₱15 million to help families meet immediate needs and stabilize their living conditions.

At the core of the response was a strong commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability, made possible through MASS-SPECC’s Pinoy Coop digital services infrastructure and the core banking platforms of local partner co-operatives. By leveraging these systems, the program ensured that cash assistance reached beneficiaries securely and without delay.

NEWS Multi-Purpose Cooperative led the implementation in the Dinagat Islands, while PILAR Multi-Purpose Cooperative headed operations in Siargao Island. SAFRAGEMC oversaw distribution in Ana-aon, Surigao del Norte, and Baug CARP Beneficiaries MPC facilitated the rollout in Mainit, Surigao del Norte. Working through trusted local co-operatives enabled efficient delivery while reinforcing community-based mechanisms of support.

In Loreto and Tubajon, beneficiaries were enrolled with savings accounts under NEWS MPC’s MBWin core banking system. Cash assistance was credited directly into these accounts and later withdrawn by beneficiaries from designated co-operative payout centers.

Meanwhile, in Siargao and Ana-aon, beneficiaries accessed their assistance through over-the-counter withdrawals facilitated by MASS-SPECC’s Core Banking System under the Pinoy Coop set-up. This approach allowed partner co-operatives to process transactions securely at their branches, ensuring that all cash-outs were fully documented, auditable, and protected against duplication or errors.

Cash-out operations on the ground were preceded by orientations for payout personnel and security teams to ensure clear procedures and safeguards. Each transaction was logged and acknowledged by the beneficiary and reflected in daily reconciliation reports submitted by NEWS MPC, PILAR MPC, SAFRAGEMC, and Baug CARP BMPC to MASS-SPECC.

To oversee the implementation, MASS-SPECC organized a dedicated multi-agency operations team composed of administrative and deployment leads, finance personnel, ICT specialists, documentation staff, and co-operative partners managing security and logistics. Deployed teams were provided with appropriate protective gear, transportation, meals, and lodging to ensure safe and efficient operations in affected areas. Daily progress reports were submitted to the overall team leader to closely monitor distribution and address challenges in real time.

The MPCA Early Response Plan under the SCOOPS Program underscores MASS-SPECC’s steadfast commitment to community resilience and co-operative solidarity. In times of crisis, the co-operative network stands as a reliable partner to affected families—delivering assistance with transparency, dignity, and compassion.