Dinagat Islands fishing group transforms into community savings club
By Renelle L. Escuadro
In the serene barangay of Arellano in Libjo, Dinagat Islands, the sea has always dictated the pace of life. For generations, its bounty has fed both body and spirit. But in recent years, this coastal community learned that their greatest asset wasn’t only in their catch—but in one another.
In 2022, the Arellano Fisherfolk Association (ARFA) was formed, a small group of 67 fishers who worked hard to make ends meet. Two years later, with the support of the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II, the group received 27 marine engines with fishing gears and underwater fittings worth P718, 416 that fueled greater range, bigger hauls, and better income to the group.
On June 4 of this year, additional marine engines packaged with fishing gears also arrived to benefit the remaining members of ARFA, leaving no one behind.
But it was not the marine engines that changed the game –it was a notebook, a coin bank and a change of mindset of the members of the group.
In 2024, ARFA launched the Community Savings Club, inspired by a simple and doable principle for each member to contribute a weekly amount –between P20 and P100 –and save as a group. No complex investments, rather consistent and purposeful pooling of resources.
By December, members were able to save P68,000. That same month, each member received a portion just in time for the holidays—allowing them to afford necessities and joy-filled moments with their families. More than the financial benefit, it became a landmark of unity and foresight.
Through SAAD’s master plan of livelihood assistance and financial capability, it empowered the members of ARFA to transition from survival to sufficiency, and to transform government support to strategy.
“It wasn’t about the cash. It was the pride and fulfillment that we can save as a group,” ARFA Chairperson Jonathan Ecleo said, as he shared the association’s progress and success stories since receiving the support from the SAAD program of DA-BFAR, as well as from the project partners.
“Since the members were inspired by our early
achievement, we decided to contribute more in 2025 of up to P250 a week.
Halfway through the year, the savings has already reached P160,000, twice our
past record with half a year remaining,” he added. “Our annual dividend has
turned into more than a tradition, bringing financial relief and psychological
boost to our families who used to live hand-to-mouth.”
With ARFA’s success resonating through surrounding
communities, interest in the savings club spread—testimony to resilience
growing through community action.
ARFA’s progress was also aided by Community and Family Services International (CFSI), a non-government organization whose support resulted in the establishment of a community-owned fishing gear shop that provides low-cost equipment and ploughing profits back into the association.
The DA-BFAR’s program on SAAD Phase II aims to contribute to poverty reduction and improve living conditions of vulnerable fisherfolk and their communities by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities and support to poor fishery sectors. These interventions intend to complement the DA banner programs and assist beneficiaries in establishing community-based fishery enterprises. It also strives to enhance local food security and promote economic growth in targeted areas across the country. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from DA-BFAR-SAAD Caraga)
