24/06/2026
๐๐๐๐ง๐จ๐ฅ๐ | ๐ฅ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ: ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐ข๐ฟ๐ผ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ณ๐ผ๐น๐ธ ๐๐๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
Surrounded by rice fields and a calm lake, Canal Oro Fisherfolk Association (COFA) emerged from a small lakeside community where mobility depends on almost an hour pumpboat ride. From these waters, a group of fisherfolk gradually organized themselves into an association, turning their dependence on the lake into a source of opportunity and income. Built through cooperation and shared goals, COFA developed into a community-driven association grounded in resilience and partnership.
In its early production cycles, the association faced difficulties in marketing fresh tilapia due to the absence of established buyers. Harvests were sometimes left unsold for weeks, creating uncertainty for members. Instead of halting operations, the group used this experience to strengthen their market strategy. Over time, they were able to secure consistent buyers who accepted farmgate prices, improving stability and creating mutually beneficial trading relationships.
As production stabilized, COFA developed practical marketing systems to improve sales efficiency. Tilapia is sold at Php 150 per kilogram using the local โratsadaโ system, which standardizes pricing regardless of fish size. To attract more buyers, especially resellers, the association introduced a โbuy 10 kilograms, get 1 kilogram freeโ scheme. These approaches helped strengthen demand and ensured smoother distribution of products across local markets.
COFA expanded its market network across several barangays in the Municipality of Esperanza. In Barangay Piglawigan, regular buyers help maintain steady demand, while in Barangay Guadalupe, multiple trusted traders distribute tilapia to households and vendors. The association also actively participates in the LGU Esperanza Kadiwa market, linking farmers directly with consumers and contributing to local food accessibility and food security.
With stronger market connections and growing experience, COFA began focusing on innovation and enterprise development. Supported by SAAD training and workshops, members improved their skills in production and financial management. Through collective savings and teamwork, the association started investing in small but meaningful projects that gradually expanded their livelihood base and strengthened organizational capacity.
In 2025, COFA members jointly constructed a passenger pumpboat funded through tilapia earnings. The boat now serves multiple functions, including transportation, especially for students pursuing secondary education in Barangay Guadalupe, crossing the river for 20 minutes. It is used also for fish hauling, delivery of goods, and emergency response for community members. Operating under a shared income system, it provides fair distribution of earnings while also serving as a vital lifeline for nearby communities around the lake.
Beyond transport, COFA diversified its livelihood activities through innovation. The group developed Tilapia Ice Cream as a value-added product, gaining attention during local exhibitions and festivals. Later, they also established a printing service that supports students and internal administrative needs. These initiatives reflect the associationโs growing ability to turn simple resources into income-generating opportunities.
Building on these achievements, COFA became one of the first community-based groups in the area to do so. Members also participate in regular lake clean-up activities, reinforcing environmental stewardship while sustaining production. With ongoing plans for expansion, diversification into poultry, and improved infrastructure, COFA continues to demonstrate how collective effort, innovation, and support from SAAD can transform a small fisherfolk group into a resilient and forward-moving community enterprise, integrating aquaculture and agriculture systems.
