Vol. XXII, No. 186
Friday, April 24, 2009 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES
Corporate News
Federation of Mindanao co-ops expanding lodging operations
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Mindanao Alliance of Self-Help Societies-Southern Philippines Educational Cooperative Center (Mass-Specc) is expanding its lodging operation here and in the city of Davao.
Sylvia Okinlay-Paraguya, Mass-Specc chief executive officer, said the expansion is necessary since the number of federation members as well as civil society groups patronizing its facilities is growing each year.
Ms. Paraguya, however, failed to provide details of the expansion, specifically the amounts poured into the two projects, but noted that investments would be sourced from internally generated funds since lodging operations have been providing revenues to the federation.
The "hostels" run by Mass-Specc offer highly competitive rates for business- and tourist-class rooms compared with privately run hotels and other lodging houses. These business-class hotels have become a favorite address among civil society leaders traveling to this city and Davao.
The federation, now on its 42nd year, counts 252 cooperative members and other self-help groups in 20 provinces in Mindanao. The Mass-Specc hostel in this city has been on the list of local hotels recommended to local and foreign tourists because of good facilities as well as its location, which is within the city’s central business district.
The Cagayan de Oro Mass-Specc Hostel, with 12 rooms classified as superior in two floors and dormitory type accommodation on the two upper floors, has upgraded facilities and amenities to meet growing demand. It is converting its third floor into private rooms from dormitory types.
Ms. Paraguya said the expansion of hostel operations in Davao was pursued since the city’s tourism industry has remained "very competitive" despite an economic slowdown.
Davao is said to have occupancy rates of over 60% year-round.
Last year, Mass-Specc ventured into information technology by launching the "Pinoy Coop electronic banking," giving members of its 252 cooperatives all over the island the opportunity to access their accounts through Megalink-hooked automated teller machines.
Aside from hostels and financial operations, Mass-Specc extends training, education, consultancy, and information technology assistance to member cooperatives. — G.P. Alba
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