CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — In the face of adversity, the true spirit of community shines brightest.

This sentiment was brought to life through the relief operations aptly titled “We Help As One,” relating to MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center’s Operation Pagtinabangay, which helped the residents of Panabo City, Sto. Tomas, Tagum, BE Dujali, and Carmen, Davao del Norte, who were affected by the recent floods, as reported by Panabo Multipurpose Cooperative.

From February 2 onwards, their concerted efforts sought to provide essential support to those stricken by the calamity.

A total of 1,715 individuals and families from 14 barangays, co-op members and non-members alike, received assistance during this critical time.

The heart of the initiative lay in the distribution of essential supplies, including 1,215 grocery packs, meals, clothes, and 500 bottles of 25L bottled water in partnership with Sabon Depot Panabo. These aid packages aimed to alleviate their immediate needs in the aftermath of the floods.

Behind every act of compassion lies a network of support. The success of “We Help As One” would not have been possible without the generous contributions from their donors and the tireless dedication of their volunteers. This is also part of MASS-SPECC’s Sustainable Co-ops (SCOOPS) Program, where where rallying for solidarity stands as a pivotal component.

Panabo MPC has expressed its gratitude to MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center as one of the donors of the said activity. 

“On behalf of Panabo Multipurpose Cooperative, we would like to extend our heartfelt and enormous appreciation for your generous donation in response to the recent floods that affected our members and the community of Davao del Norte,” wrote Panabo MPC CEO Arlene T Ruedas to MASS-SPECC CEO Bernadette Toledo.

“We were somehow caught off-guard witnessing how massive the impact of the floods was. However, your swift and compassionate response to our request has helped us extend immediate support to those affected by the natural disaster and provide them hope to rebuild and recover from their losses.”

The activity was able to raise and distribute relief packages amounting to a total of Php541,572 (as of March 8, 2024).

Through this activity, co-operatives not only provided relief but also nurtured the values of solidarity and resilience within their communities and the co-op movement as a whole.