Sustainability Assessment of Calamba Fisherfolks Producers Cooperative (CFPC) in Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines

Abstract

Aims: To assess the sustainability of a cooperative, the Cooperative Fisherfolks Producers Cooperative (CFPC) in Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines. Study Design: The study design was primarily qualitative utilizing United Nation- Food and Agriculture Organization’s (UN-FAO) sustainability assessment of food and agriculture systems (SAFA). The scientific community, policy makers, fisherfolks, industry players and other stakeholders will greatly benefit from this study by capturing the holistic way of analyzing a particular agri-fishery system. Thereby, highlighting the importance of scrutinizing each of the sustainability pillars- environment, economic, social and governance. Place and Duration of Study: Specifically, data was collected from thirty (30) Calamba fishermen in July 2022 that served as the primary data source and is complemented by relevant secondary data analysis. The goal of the inquiry is to thoroughly assess the sustainability of CFPC from an environmental, economic, social and governance standpoint. It is in accordance with the standards specified in the SAFA framework. Methodology: UN-FAO’s SAFA guidelines/tool addressing the sustainability pillars of: socio, economic, environmental and governance were employed to the CFPC’s management/ officers through interviews (using questionnaire) and focus group discussion (FGD). Along with these, were the consultations made with the cooperative officers, experts and the industry. Secondary data were also analyzed to support the responses made by the respondents. Results: CFPC is vulnerable to typhoons and to fishkill due to the degrading quality of water in the Laguna Lake. The issues also included the unstable volume of production that resulted to net losses, especially during the lean season. Consequently, the study found a low to moderate sustainability score in terms of environmental integrity (41%) and economic resiliency (52%). On the other hand, the study found a moderate rating on good governance (73%) and social responsibility (76%) due to active government support, aid provided by the cooperative to its members, and gender equality. Conclusion: The study found an overall sustainability level of 63% for CFPC, indicating a moderate performance for the sustainability pillars: economic, environment, social and governance. Hence, it is recommended to: establish impact and performance assessment within the CFPC, utilization of effective microorganism (EM)/ probiotics in Laguna de bay, product diversification and construction of inland hatchery for quality fry/fingerlings.