Officials from both organizations recently inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that seeks to boost the productivity and competitiveness of farmers, fisherfolk, and people’s organizations in the island barangays of Caramoan and Garchitorena, where FP Island operates localized microgrids.
Strengthening agri-aquaculture value chain
Under the agreement, FP Island and Agrabah will collaborate to enhance the agri-aquaculture value chain of FP Island–assisted organizations by improving production capacity and quality, as well as expanding access to financing and broader markets.
Their initial joint initiative will focus on local seaweed farmers, who will receive FP Island’s funding support and in-kind resources for capability-building and technical assistance.
FP Island vice president Edgardo del Rosario said in the press statement that the partnership reinforces the company’s mission of delivering inclusive progress to its host communities.
“This partnership aligns with FP Island’s vision of powering progress in our communities. By combining our clean energy solutions with Agrabah’s agribusiness integration and market-linkage support, we’re helping local seaweed farmers gain fair market access and strengthen their livelihoods,” he said.
Shared advocacy
Agrabah CEO Joselito Ocol Jr. welcomed the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of multi-stakeholder efforts in driving sustainable rural development.
“This is a testament that partnerships can help communities because it takes a lot of effort, and no single entity can do it alone,” Ocol said. “By working together, we increase the chance of progress in the area.”
Agrabah connects over 5,000 farmers and fisherfolk to buyers and clients nationwide through its platform for trade, financing, and logistics. The company’s experience in linking producers to competitive markets complements FP Island’s work in energizing underserved communities.
Powering progress in off-grid islands
FP Island — a sister company of clean energy leader First Gen Corporation, both under First Philippine Holdings Corp. (FPH) — operates microgrids in the off-grid islands of Lahuy, Haponan, and Quinalasag.
Before FP Island energized these areas in 2021, residents endured long hours of brownouts or had no electricity access at all.
Beyond electrification, FP Island aims to spur local economic activity and improve household incomes through partnerships that build capacity and confidence among small producers.
Under the MOU, FP Island and Agrabah will jointly identify priority people’s organizations and craft training programs, mentoring sessions, and knowledge-sharing activities. Agrabah will provide technical inputs on production, post-harvest management, and market trends, and may serve as a market off-taker for products from FP Island–assisted communities.
Both organizations intend to deepen their collaboration by strengthening market linkages, improving access to resources, and promoting more resilient and competitive local enterprises. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
