Lopez-led microgrid operator FP Island Energy Corp. (FP Island) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with agri-tech startup Agrabah Ventures, Inc. (Agrabah) to support the capability-building and technical assistance of local seaweed farmers in several off-grid islands in Caramoan and Garchitorena towns in Camarines Sur.
The collaboration will focus primarily on boosting the productivity and competitiveness of farmers, fisherfolk and people’s organizations in areas being served by FP Island.
FP Island, a sister company of First Gen Corp. (First Gen), operates microgrids in the off-grid islands of Lahuy, Haponan, and Quinalasag in Camarines Sur. Both FP Island and First Gen are subsidiaries of First Philippine Holdings Corp. (FPH).
Under the MOU, FP Island and Agrabah will aim to improve and strengthen the agri-aquacultural value chain of FP Island-assisted people’s organizations by enhancing their production capacity and quality, and by providing improved financing, market access and linkages to the same people’s organizations.
FP Island will provide funding support or in-kind resources while Agrabah will provide technical guidance on production and post-harvest practices, as well as share market insights and pricing trends to help communities align their products with market needs.
It said the MOU with Agrabah represents another step to improve living conditions in the off-grid Camarines Sur islands. Before FP Island opened in 2021 its microgrids-or small and localized electricity networks-the islands either suffered from long hours of blackouts or from the total absence of electricity service.