Lopez-led microgrid operator FP Island Energy Corporation and agri-tech start-up Agrabah Ventures have launched a joint initiative to strengthen the agri-aquaculture value chain in several off-grid islands in Camarines Sur. The collaboration, formalized through a recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU), aims to expand market access, improve production quality, and provide financing and linkages to farmers, fisherfolk, and people’s organizations in FP Island’s host communities.

Under the agreement, the two companies will work together to identify community groups in Caramoan and Garchitorena and then design training, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing activities tailored to their needs. FP Island said it will provide funding support or in-kind resources for these programs, with seaweed farming assistance serving as their first joint project.

The partnership builds on FP Island’s ongoing efforts to improve living conditions in Lahuy, Haponan, and Quinalasag—remote islands that previously faced prolonged blackouts or lacked electricity entirely before FP Island energized its microgrids in 2021.

“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,” FP Island Vice President Edgardo del Rosario said.

Agrabah Ventures Chief Executive Officer Joselito Ocol Jr. said the collaboration spotlights the importance of shared effort in community 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,” he said. “By working together, we increase the chance of progress in the area.”

The companies also plan to improve post-harvest practices, share market insights, strengthen access to resources, and enhance connections to buyers. Agrabah may also serve as a potential market off-taker or aggregator for products from FP Island–assisted groups. Both organizations said their goal is to help communities become more resilient, competitive, and better integrated into broader value chains.

What community-driven initiatives do you believe can further help development in off-grid islands across the country?

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