The Provincial Government of Palawan has expanded its seaweed livelihood program, distributing farming equipment, seaweed propagules, and agricultural inputs to fisherfolk associations in Rizal, Bataraza, Sofronio Española, and Quezon as part of its effort to increase production and strengthen the incomes of coastal communities.
The second batch of the KANEGOSYOPA (Kagamitang Negosyong Pangkabuhayan) program was conducted from July 20 to 22 by the Livelihood Project Management Unit (LPMU) under the Office of the Governor. The initiative combined orientation sessions with the distribution of livelihood assistance to seaweed-growing associations across southern Palawan.
The primary awarding activities took place in Rizal and Bataraza, where members of the Pag-Asa Taburi Fisherfolks Association, Tabud Mandaragat Fisherfolks Association, and Panagnaan Taratak Fisherfolks Association received seaweed farming equipment intended to improve cultivation and production.
Meanwhile, the Sungan-Sungan Fisherfolks Association in Barangay Panitian, Sofronio Española, and the Sea Club Farm Association in Barangay Tabon, Quezon received seaweed propagules, or planting materials, to expand their existing operations after previously receiving farming equipment.
In addition to the seaweed livelihood inputs, beneficiary associations were provided agricultural inputs from the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAgO) to further support their production activities.
The activity was led by the Livelihood Project Management Unit headed by Program Manager Roque S. Dela Peña, with support from the Provincial Agriculture Office under Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Reniel Z. Rocaberte, the Municipal Agriculture Offices of the participating municipalities, and the General Services Office, which inspected the distributed equipment.
Coca-Cola Philippines also contributed empty plastic bottles that will be used as floaters in seaweed farms, while representatives of the local governments, including Rizal Mayor Norman S. Ong, Bataraza Mayor Al-Shariff W. Ibba, Quezon Mayor Lily G. Torrico, and Sofronio Española Mayor Abner Rafael N. Tesorio, attended the distribution activities.
According to the Provincial Government, the initiative forms part of Governor Amy Roa Alvarez’s PALAWAN+PLUS Development Agenda and CareGov Framework, which seek to provide direct assistance to agriculture and fisheries sectors, particularly small community-based associations across the province.
Members of the beneficiary associations expressed their appreciation for the continued government support, saying the additional equipment and planting materials are expected to help improve production and provide more stable sources of income.
