In the heart of Barangay Darapidap, where the rhythm of life is closely tied to the sea, a remarkable initiative was born — one that would eventually change the lives of local fisherfolk. In September 2016, the Darapidap Abadaya Fisherfolks Savings and Credit Cooperative (DAFSCC) was officially established, with the vision of empowering the fishing community through financial inclusion and cooperative values. That same year, DAFSCC was duly recognized as a registered taxpayer by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, RDO Bantay, Ilocos Sur, under TIN No. 493-801-291-000. Shortly after, on November 3, 2016, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) formally issued its Certificate of Registration No. 9520-10-10000000035971 — marking the cooperative's legal birth.
DAFSCC was founded with a clear and noble objective: to harness and develop the rich resources of the local fishing industry and uplift the lives of its fisherfolk members. By offering accessible lending services, the cooperative provided a lifeline to many small-scale fisherfolk striving to sustain and expand their livelihoods.
Driven by the needs of the community and guided by transparent, people-centered management, the cooperative saw a steady increase in membership over the years. DAFSCC has also received recognitions from local and national institutions, including a Plaque of Recognition and a BFAR Regional Award (see photos below).
Anchored in the guiding motto, “Give Thanks and Remain Standing,” DAFSCC continued to evolve with the changing needs of its members. A major milestone came on April 3, 2025, when the Cooperative Development Authority approved a new Certificate of Registration for the cooperative under its upgraded name — Abadaya Fisherfolks and Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (AFF-MPC). This new identity symbolizes a new chapter in its journey — one that broadens its scope beyond lending, to encompass diversified services that will benefit both fisherfolks and farmers alike.
From humble beginnings to becoming a pillar of community development, the cooperative remains committed to its core values. With its expansion into a multipurpose cooperative, the future holds even greater promise — not just for Darapidap, but for all the communities it continues to inspire and serve.