DA-BFAR boosts Palawan’s seaweed industry

The DA-BDAR in Mimaropa region announced that they distributed seaweed planting materials to identified beneficiaries as part of their “ongoing initiative to support and empower the fisherfolk associations. Their agency through the – Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) distributed a total of 9,300 kilograms (9.3 tons) of seaweed seedlings (𝘒𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘴𝘱.) to the municipality of Balabac, Palawan,”

The awarding was led by Assistant Alternate Focal Person Ms. Julie Ann F. Gabinete-Delos Santos, I.T Officer Ellaine Mae G. Paeldin, Property Staff Elena A. Magnaye, and Area Coordinator Amran S. Jaibe.

They said that the fisherfolk associations in Balabac are scheduled to undergo capacity-building and specialized training sessions to equip them with the necessary skills to sustain and expand their livelihood activities.

The DA BFAR SAAD Program Phase 2 aims to contribute to poverty reduction and improve the living conditions of vulnerable fisherfolk and their communities by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities and support for poor fishing sectors. These interventions intend to complement the DA’s banner programs and assist beneficiaries in establishing community-based fishery enterprises. The BFAR-SAAD strives to enhance food security and promote economic growth in targeted areas across the Philippines.

The DA-BFAR likewise provided farm implements to 200 seaweed farmers in Quezon, Palawan. These include ropes and floaters.

In Taytay, Palawan, the DA-BFAR distributed seaweed farm implements to 500 seaweed farmers.

Each beneficiary received the following equipment to support and enhance their seaweed farming operations: 3 rolls of PE Rope 24, 4 rolls of PE Rope #8, 4 rolls of PE Rope #10, 4 rolls of super twine and 50 pieces of HDPE floaters.

The distribution was part of the Enhanced Partnership for Sustainable Development Program (EPSDP) aimed to boost the region’s aquaculture industry.

Palawan is a major seaweed producer in the Philippines, contributing significantly to the country’s aquaculture production. It accounts for a substantial portion of the national output and is vital to the livelihoods of fisherfolk. In 2020, Palawan produced 317,830 metric tons of seaweed, representing 22% of the national production.