More than a dozen fisherfolk in Aparri, Cagayan can now access low-interest loans and training to improve their catch as the United States launched a cooperative as part of its PHP22.5 million program to support resilient fishing communities in the Philippines, the US Embassy in Manila said Thursday.
The cooperative, launched on April 19, is a joint initiative between the US and non-government organization Impl. Project Philippines.
“The US government is proud to collaborate with Impl. Project Philippines and the municipal government of Aparri on this initiative to support livelihoods and sustainable economic development in Cagayan,” US Embassy Public Engagement Program Officer Nina Lewis said.
At least 26 fisherfolk in Aparri will benefit from strengthened coordination in fishing activities, improved physical security, and low-interest loans that will enable members to finance essential needs such as boat repairs.
Beneficiaries will also receive training and equipment to help improve their catch and enhance their capacity to monitor marine poachers, the embassy said.
“We accept the challenge to carry out this project. The equipment and training that we will receive through this program will have a huge impact on us, our families, and the whole community here in Cagayan,” Aparri fisherfolk cooperative president Rashep Valencia said.
Philippine National Police Regional Maritime Unit 2 Commander Col. Antonio Dizon welcomed the initiative, saying it would increase the ability of responders and boat captains to communicate during emergencies.
This cooperative is the third of its kind financed by the US government.
In 2020, Washington DC and Impl. Project Philippines launched the Unified Livelihood Agriculture Cooperative in Masinloc, Zambales.
This provided 80 fisherfolk with training, safety equipment, and non-predatory low-interest loans that sustained their livelihood after the presence of foreign vessels prevented their access to their traditional fishing grounds in Scarborough Shoal.
The second cooperative, the Bangsa’Sug Fisherfolks of Patikul Sulu, was launched in Jolo, Sulu earlier this year. (PNA)
