US-backed co-op aims to support livelihood of fisherfolk in Aparri

U.S. Embassy Public Engagement Program Officer Nina Lewis presents U.S.-government donated equipment to Rashep Valencia, president of the Aparri fisherfolk collective, during the cooperative’s launch at the Aparri Municipal Hall in Cagayan Valley on April 19.

MANILA, Philippines — Over 20 fisherfolk in Aparri, Cagayan will be able to acquire low-interest loans as well as equipment and training to improve their catch through a cooperative launched by the United States government and its partner non-governmental organization (NGO).

“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 the Aparri fisherfolk cooperative launch event at the Aparri municipal hall last Wednesday.

The fisherfolk cooperative in the Northern Luzon municipality is part of a P22.4 million ($400,000) US-funded program to support resilient fishing communities in the Philippines.

Twenty-six fisherfolk will have access to strengthened coordination in fishing activities, improved physical security, and low-interest loans that will enable members to finance essential needs such as boat repairs through the cooperative.

Through this U.S.-supported program, Aparri fisherfolk receive equipment that will sustain their livelihood and improve their efficiency and safety while at sea.

They will also receive training and equipment to help them improve their catch and enhance their capacity to monitor marine poachers.

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“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.

“This project will bring development and growth to the region. The equipment will increase the ability of responders and boat captains to communicate during emergencies, which can save lives,” Philippine National Police Regional Maritime Unit 2 Commander Col. Antonio Dizon said.

The Cagayan fisherfolk cooperative is the third cooperative established under the US-backed program after the first two in Zambales and in Sulu, respectively.

The US government and Impl. Project Philippines in 2020 launched the Unified Livelihood Agriculture Cooperative in Masinloc, Zambales, which 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.

Subsequently, the Bangsa’Sug Fisherfolks of Patikul Sulu was created in Jolo, Sulu earlier this year.

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