TRIAS in partnership with Gubat St. Anthony Cooperative (GSAC), which began on April 4, 2018 is marking its third year and going strong.

The past several months have been a challenge for TRIAS. The various programs that were planned were all put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the situation, however, the staff of TRIAS together with Ms. Raffi Domingo, TRIAS Organizational Development Officer here in Sorso­gon, have been in constant coordi­nation and collaboration.

With the termination of the part­nerships with three People’s Orga­nizations (POs), GSAC has now found itself at the forefront in the implementation of the projects previously under the care of the three POs. These are boat projects located in Otavi and Zone 7, both in Bulan and one in Rizal, Sorsogon City.

The Boat Project aims to strength­en the capacity of fisherfolk organi­zations to implement profitable and sustainable social enterprises. Under the project, three b,ancas were financed by TRIAS rand its co-founder We EFFECT O’Sweden which will serve as Models of sustainable social enterprise. The income from the project will be deposited in GSAC Branches which will then be used to purchase another boat for the group.

It is through this scheme that TRIAS and GSAC envision that many fisherfolk can be given an equal chance to grow their own enterprise.

The organized fisherfolk take care of the boat while the GSAC-TRIAS staff monitors its operation. The success of the enterprise depends largely on the fisherfolk groups. More so, the success of the enter­prise also depends on the constant monitoring and collaboration with TRIAS-GSAC. With this project in place, TRIAS-GSAC hope to do their small share in uplifting the lives of the fisherfolk under their care.