MINDANAO Alliance for Self-Help Societies-Southern Philippines Educational Cooperative Center (MASS-SPECC), the premier federation of cooperatives in the Philippines will celebrate its 40 years on April 14, 2007 at Pryce Plaza, Cagayan de Oro City.
The 40th year anniversary will coincide with the 33rd Annual General Assembly and 38th Mindanao Leaders' Congress on April 12 to 14, 2007.
More than 200 cooperative leaders and officers from MASS-SPECC's affiliates all throughout Mindanao will participate in these grand events. A tribute to MASS-SPECC pioneers will be given on the 14th.
Cooperative leaders and supporters such as Congressman Guillermo P. Cua from the COOP- NATCCO Party List, Undersecretary Lecira V. Juarez, CDA Chairperson, and Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr., are expected to grace the events.
With the theme, "40 Years of Cooperation for Mindanao Peace and Development," MASS-SPECC hopes to contribute to improved Mindanao condition through the strengthening of its primary affiliates located in the six regions of Mindanao.
A book entitled "My Cooperative Journey" authored by lawyer Mordino Cua, a MASS- SPECC founder and pioneer, will be launched during the MASS-SPECC celebration Saturday.
Over the years, MASS-SPECC has proven its leadership in the cooperative movement by providing services to its members such as training, education, consultancy, central fund system, hostel services, and information technology.
MASS-SPECC has been successful in providing coops with MSRTE (MASS-SPECC Standard Run-Time Edition) accounting software, which is now running live in 134 sites all over Mindanao.
The federation has also introduced ATM (Automated Teller Machine) service to its affiliates.
At present, two coops are using the ATM, Oro Integrated Cooperative in Cagayan de Oro City and Sta. Catalina Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Cotabato Province.
More coops will have ATM installations in 2007. The Megalink connectivity is explored and will hopefully be materialized this year.
The events on April 12 to 14, 2007 are open to all affiliates and non-affiliates of MASS-SPECC. (Press release)
