by Rollin Dave M. Elloren

๐—ง๐—ถ๐—ฝ๐—ฎ๐—ฎ๐—ป, ๐— ๐—ฎ๐—ด๐˜€๐—ฎ๐˜†๐˜€๐—ฎ๐˜†, ๐—Ÿ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฎ๐—ผ ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—น ๐—ก๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐˜๐—ฒ โ€” The Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10), in collaboration with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), successfully conducted a pre-registration seminar to Tipaan Farmer Association (TFA) on November 6, this town.

The activity aims to equip local fisherfolk with the essential knowledge and tools, empowering them to establish cooperatives that are crucial for promoting sustainable aquaculture practices and strengthening community livelihood through cooperative enterprise development.

Discussions centered on forming the cooperative and its legal registration process with the CDA, covering key topics such as cooperative principles, constitutional bylaws formation, governance structures, and the requirements for CDA registration.

BFAR-10 LDN SAAD Provincial Alternate Focal Person Al Jun B. Magamano emphasized the benefits of forming cooperatives, particularly for local fisherfolk, who face unique challenges in accessing capital, government support, and sustainable market opportunities.

โ€œBy joining a cooperative, fisherfolk can pool their resources, access financing, and government support, and strengthen their bargaining power in the marketplace, thereby maximizing their income potential,โ€ he conveyed.

The seminar highlighted how cooperatives serve as an effective platform for collective action, fostering financial security and resilience within communities engaged in fisheries.

Meanwhile, Nadrah K. Sharief, Community Development Specialist II of CDA10, underscored the cooperative model’s transformative role in community development. 

“Cooperatives are not just a means of collaboration but a strong foundation for community development. Through cooperativism, members gain increased livelihood opportunities, enhance their business management skills, and strengthen their communityโ€™s economy, empowering each individual to achieve a more sustainable and prosperous life for all,” she said.

Sharief further highlighted the cooperativeโ€™s potential to elevate local livelihood by fostering self-sufficiency and economic stability within communities. She also added that cooperatives enabled communities to address common challenges collectively, laying the groundwork for long-term, community-driven development.

Further, Sherwin Marx Lee Alastra, Municipal Cooperative Development Officer of Magsaysay, expressed optimism about the seminar’s impact, noting that cooperatives could help fisherfolk in the province take significant strides toward economic resilience and sustainable aquaculture. 

Alastra also affirmed the Municipal Cooperative Development Officeโ€™s commitment to supporting newly registered cooperatives with follow-up training, technical assistance, and guidance as they establish themselves in the industry.

Moving forward, BFAR, CDA, and LGU Magsaysay plan to monitor the progress of these cooperatives, providing continued support to ensure their growth and sustainability, while also advancing the SAAD Program’s mission to uplift rural communities, strengthen local economies, and promote responsible aquaculture practices.

Writer:  Al Jun B. Magamano/RDME

Photo Credit: ๐—•๐—™๐—”๐—ฅ ๐Ÿญ๐Ÿฌ/PPMSO Lanao del Norte

About DA-BFAR SAAD Phase 2:

The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-BFAR SAAD) Program Phase 2 aims to contribute to poverty reduction and improve the living conditions of vulnerable fisherfolk and their communities by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities and support for poor fishing sectors. These interventions intend to complement the DA banner programs and assist beneficiaries in establishing community-based fishery enterprises. The BFAR-SAAD strives to enhance food security and promote economic growth in targeted areas across the Philippines.