Malampaya Foundation Inc. (MFI) has launched two community-run enterprises in Oriental Mindoro that will provide additional income for fisherfolk while channeling part of their earnings into marine conservation.
The projects, inaugurated on Aug. 13 in Pinamalayan and Gloria, consist of a water refilling station and three coastal tourist huts. Between 10 percent and 15 percent of their net profits will be allocated to initiatives protecting local marine ecosystems.
In Barangay Ranzo, Pinamalayan, MFI turned over the water refilling station to the Samahan ng Mangingisda ng Ranzo. The facility will provide clean drinking water to Ranzo and nearby communities, building on a water system rehabilitated in 2025 by MFI, Manila Water Foundation, the Provincial Agriculture Office, and local governments.
In Barangay Agsalin, Gloria, three concrete tourist huts were handed to the Samahan ng Mangingisda ng Agsalin. Built to withstand severe weather, the structures replace wooden huts damaged by typhoons and will support the community’s ecotourism activities.
“Supporting livelihoods is an important part of sustaining conservation efforts,” MFI Executive Director Karen Agabin said. “By helping communities establish viable enterprises, we are also helping them continue the work of protecting their marine ecosystems.”
Both fisherfolk groups have worked with MFI on conservation programs since 2013. The enterprises form part of a financing model designed to reduce communities’ dependence on outside funding to manage marine protected areas.
The Ranzo and Agsalin marine protected areas were recognized as Para El Mar Champions in the locally managed category in 2025 and 2017, respectively, for effective management and ecological recovery.
By linking livelihood activities to conservation funding, MFI is giving communities a way to earn from local enterprises while helping finance the protection of the marine resources on which their livelihoods depend.
