CORPORATE PROFILE

The ISLAND FOREST AND MARINE GOODS MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE (IFM) helps provide opportunities for people to rediscover the essence of living in the country sides. It taps into the rich reservoir of human, technical and natural resources that are abundant at the grassroots level.

Attached to community-based enterprises, the NETWORK provides various products as well as programs and services designed to suit the continuing requirements of various groups that are seemingly enjoying life in the metropolis.

It also links with the LGU’s, GO’s, GA’s, NGO’s and PO’s, thus providing a large base for interconnectivity. It is as holistic as the whole gamut of human experience applying multilateral approaches.

The IFM is a timely response to the needs of a growing number of groups and establishments in areas where it operates. Through networking, its basic products, supplies and services are extended to core clients.

BACKGROUND

The IFM envisions to set up small pockets of income generating projects in the country sides while providing opportunities for the residents to meet the challenges of development.

It taps into a large network of socio-economic activities in the grassroot communities that make readily available products and services that are needed by its clientele.

The network takes its roots from Community Relations (COMREL) programs installed in Davao in 1985. Inspired by the concepts of Corporate Social Responsibility, a group of private enterpreneurs took the lead role in linking pockets of economic activities for the growing of castor beans, tangland, and the processing of tallow as basic raw materials in the production of quality bath soaps.

The concept was replicated in Isabela in 1988 when physically handicapped youth were hired as employees of the laundry soap-making project. The market expanded and consequently, pushed for the production of bath soaps, cosmetics, herbal based air freshners and cleansing agents.

The same concept of community organizing was replicated in Ilocos Norte, but this time with fisherfolks who have migrated from various parts of the Visayas and Minadanao.

Thus, in April 10, 2008, IFM was set up and duly registered with the Cooperative Development Authority with a total of 26 members. It was reorganized on 27, 2008 to accommodate more subscribers. Today, it has 60 active members in 7 locations.

THE NETWORK