Cooperatives have long played a role in driving economic growth and social development. The recently concluded MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center General Assembly, hosted at the SM Trade Hall 1, General Santos City, on May 11-13, defined the importance of cooperative identity and member empowerment in building a cooperative characterized by equity and sustainability.
Nevertheless, what precisely does cooperative identity entail, and why does it endow such significance? At its essence, cooperative identity revolves around cultivating inclusivity and unity among cooperative members. It involves collective efforts towards a shared objective, primarily prioritizing the community’s welfare over individual interests. This sense of identity serves as the differentiating factor between cooperatives and other business models, playing a vital role in building prosperity.
The MASS-SPECC General Assembly served as a unifying platform for cooperatives from various regions of the country to converge, exchange ideas, and explore best practices. Attendees were encouraged to engage in meaningful dialogue with their peers, fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the cooperative sector. Through this event, cooperatives were able to broaden their horizons and gain new perspectives on how to develop their cooperatives further and support the general membership.
The event also emphasized the importance of member empowerment, which is about giving members the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their financial future. This means providing financial education, access to credit, and opportunities for entrepreneurship and income-generating activities.
One of the event’s highlights was the keynote speech delivered by Prof. Ronilo Balbieran, who emphasized the outlook of the Philippine economy in identifying and assessing the current trends and prospects of social and economic development concerning respective cooperative strategic plans. Prof. Balbieran also emphasized the need for cooperatives to adapt to changing times and embrace innovation in order to stay relevant and competitive in today’s fast-changing environment.
Additionally, the recognition of exceptional cooperatives and individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to the industry was a key highlight of the MASS-SPECC General Assembly. Tagum Cooperative brought three prestigious awards specifically, the ACCESS Gold Award, which defines the best cooperative in the entire Asia, included in the Top-5 Rank of Outstanding Co-op Time Depositors, and for being consistent in the highest number of SWITCH and ON-US transactions.
Special awards were also given to Dir. Nenita R. Malbas for her untiring support and dedicated service to MASS-SPEC and Ms. Juris D. Perez for her exemplary performance and achievement as a cooperative CEO awarded as the 2022 Outstanding Credit Union Executive Award. By honoring these remarkable achievements, the event served as a catalyst for inspiration and motivation, encouraging others to aspire for excellence within their respective cooperatives.
In essence, the MASS-SPECC General Assembly showcased the power of cooperation while emphasizing the vital role played by cooperative identity and member empowerment. With unity and shared objectives, cooperatives can initiate transformative change within the cooperative sector, laying the groundwork for a society founded on principles of justice and equality.