Hagonoy, Bulacan – Good Neighbors International Philippines (GNIP) forged a historic partnership with Hagonoy Fish Farmers Producers Cooperative (HFFPC) by providing a 3.9M loan assistance.

This agreement will scale their aquaculture business venture by establishing fish market trading (consignation) and growing contracts.

“To increase the business and economic development opportunities, we all need to work together and encourage other members in the community to join the cooperative and have better financial resources that will benefit their children,” Mr. Jae Choon Lee, Country Director of GNIP,  highlighted during the ceremony.

In May 2021, GNIP started to have frequent meetings with HFFPC on accelerating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) progress and the need for the fisherfolks to transform and adapt to local markets.

Through coordination between both parties, the HFFPC and GNIP developed the Sustainable Cooperative for Aquaculture Livelihood and Enhancement-Up or SCALE-Up Project.

It started the partnership strategy that will widen the livelihood options for fisherfolks in achieving food security and sustainable incomes that will eventually contribute to the economic development of their community and support the needs of their children.

The HFFPC was formally registered at the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in 2012. This cooperative was established to bring together the smallholder fishpond operators in the Town of Hagonoy joined with 173 members. 

The cooperative is into aquaculture business ventures and services; rental of post-harvest equipment (water pump); fish processing, marketing & product development; mangrove nursery and planting for advocacy and environmental protection and rehabilitation; and technical and livelihood support to members.