CERD is a non-profit, non-stock organization established to address the needs of the fisherfolks to effectively manage the marine and coastal resources on which they depend on for livelihood.

History

Early beginnings can be traced back to 1978, when an informal group of professionals embarked on a community-based health program in fishing community in Pangasinan. With this as an entry point into organizing the people towards solving their various problems, the group maintained links and shared experiences with other development organizations.

CERD was formally established and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Community Extension and Research for Development, Inc. in September 1983. It is one of the pioneer NGOs to focus on the fisheries sector and fisheries issues.

Our sponsorship of a National Consultation of Small Fisherfolk in 1986 significantly led to the identification of key issues affecting the sector in various parts of the country. The consultation eventually paved the way for the formation of a national fisherfolk organization, the Pambansang Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA-Pilipinas.)