Product Offerings
Product Categories:
Aquaculture, Fisheries
Products:
Aquaculture/Fisheries: Milkfish, various fish products, seaweed
The Fishermen Cooperative of Consolacion, commonly known as Fish Coop, is a community-driven enterprise based in Barangay Consolacion, Dapa, Surigao del Norte, Philippines. As a registered fisherfolk cooperative, Fish Coop plays a pivotal role in enhancing the socio-economic well-being of local fishing communities by promoting sustainable aquaculture, increasing income opportunities, and ensuring the equitable distribution of marine resources.
Brief History
Established to support the livelihoods of small-scale fishers in Dapa, Fish Coop began as a grassroots initiative to consolidate the efforts of independent fishermen facing economic and ecological challenges. Over time, it evolved into a formally registered cooperative, gaining recognition and support from local government units, NGOs, and national agencies such as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Its formation has empowered local communities through shared resources, collective bargaining, and better access to markets.
Core Business
Fish Coop’s core operations revolve around the cultivation, harvesting, processing, and marketing of aquaculture products. It serves as a centralized entity for managing fish catches, ensuring quality control, and negotiating fair trade prices for its members. The cooperative supports the value chain from fishing to processing and retail, thus enabling members to retain a higher portion of profits compared to traditional market structures.
Product and Service Offerings
The cooperative primarily deals in:
- Aquaculture Products:
- Milkfish (Bangus)
- Assorted fish species (locally caught)
- Processed fish products (deboned, dried, smoked)
- Seaweed (fresh and dried varieties)
Fish Coop also offers community-based services, including:
- Shared fishing equipment and gear
- Cold storage and ice production services
- Technical training in sustainable fishing methods
- Livelihood programs in seaweed farming and fish processing
Specialization and Core USP
Fish Coop’s unique strength lies in its community-led structure and inclusive governance model. It integrates environmental stewardship with socio-economic advancement by employing sustainable fishing techniques, promoting eco-friendly aquaculture practices, and reinforcing cooperative values. This model not only enhances productivity but also ensures long-term viability of marine ecosystems.
Financial Strength
As a cooperative, Fish Coop operates on member contributions, project-based funding, and reinvested earnings. While specific revenue figures are not disclosed publicly, the cooperative has received periodic funding and equipment grants from:
- BFAR and Department of Agriculture
- LGU support under coastal livelihood projects
- NGO-driven rural development programs
These contributions have enabled infrastructure improvements, expansion of operations, and increased member participation.
Shipment Data
Fish Coop mainly caters to domestic markets within the Caraga region and surrounding localities. However, it has initiated small-scale pilot exports in partnership with government-assisted export facilitation programs. As of the latest reports:
- Products are supplied regularly to local processors and regional wet markets.
- Limited trial shipments of dried fish and seaweed have been coordinated with local trading partners aiming for export readiness.
Target Market
The cooperative services multiple market segments:
- Local Households: Through barangay-level selling and community markets
- Wholesalers and Retailers: Regional buyers of fresh and processed fish
- Food Service Providers: Local eateries and small restaurants
- Institutional Buyers: Cooperative partner networks and trade fair participants
Capabilities
Fish Coop has built capabilities that strengthen its cooperative and aquaculture operations:
- Access to municipal fishing grounds and small-scale aquaculture zones
- Modular cold storage and ice production facilities
- Cooperative governance and training infrastructure
- Product handling and basic fish processing units
- Engagement with government livelihood programs
Certifications and Compliance Records
Though not formally certified for international exports, Fish Coop aligns with local food safety and fisheries compliance standards. It operates under:
- BFAR registration and compliance
- LGU-endorsed cooperative business permits
- Participation in national training on Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP)
Customer Testimonials
Fish Coop is recognized by LGU Dapa and provincial agriculture officers for its contribution to food security and poverty reduction in the region. Feedback from partner agencies highlight the cooperative's transparency, participation, and resilience amid economic and environmental challenges.
Major Achievements
- Recognized by BFAR as a model community-based fishery initiative
- Awarded equipment support under the National Fisheries Program
- Active participant in Caraga agricultural trade fairs and exhibitions
- Increased annual yield and membership participation by over 30% in recent years
The Fishermen Cooperative of Consolacion exemplifies how local resource management, community empowerment, and sustainable practices can be integrated to create resilient rural economies. It stands as a beacon for cooperative-led growth in coastal and island communities in the Philippines.