PALAWAN – In an attempt to cultivate and protect the marine industry in the Calamianes Group of Islands in the province of Palawan, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – MIMAROPA instituted two shared service facilities for fish and seaweed processing. 

The official turnover ceremony of the Bogtong Fish Processing Facility for the Bogtong Fish Processors Association (BFPA) in Busuanga, Palawan was held on 20 March 2023. Present during the event were DTI MIMAROPA OIC-Regional Director (RD) Rodolfo J. Mariposque, Busuanga Mayor Elizabeth M. Cervantes, members of the BFPA, and representatives from the different partner agencies.

Key officials from the Department of Trade and Industry – MIMAROPA Region, local government unit of Busuanga in Palawan, USAID Fish Right Program, and other local stakeholders lead the ribbon cutting ceremony for the launching of the Bogtong Fish Processing Facility in Bogtong, Busuanga, on March 20, 2023.

Under the USAID Fish Right Program, DTI MIMAROPA partnered with USAID and other key stakeholders in the fisheries industry to facilitate the value chain development and productivity of fisherfolks in the coastal area of Bogtong in Busuanga. Valued at around P1-M, the shared service facility is designed to improve the quality and market competitiveness of processed fish products. Included in the facility is a water treatment system and other equipment essential for food safety and storage. The fisherfolks and women’s groups were also linked to institutional buyers, which guarantees that their products reach larger markets.  

Meanwhile, in response to the growing seaweed industry, DTI MIMAROPA launched the shared service facility project on seaweed processing for the Marcilla Seaweed Growers Association in Coron, Palawan. OIC-RD Mariposque led the launching on March 21, 2023. The project is also valued at around P1-M and aims to support 37 seaweed farmers and their families. Prior to the event, the members of the association were trained on the market and product development of seaweed under the DTI Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. 

Venerando Eliseo Jr. (left), Vice President of the Marcilla Seaweed Growers Association (MSGA) and Rodolfo J. Mariposque, CESO IV (right), OIC Regional Director of the Department of Trade and Industry – MIMAROPA sign the Memorandum of Agreement and Usufruct Agreement for the shared service facility seaweed processing project for the MSGA in Coron, Palawan, on March 21, 2023.

Upon turnover, the beneficiaries will have access to a water treatment system and a line of seaweed processing equipment.

The project is in partnership with the local government unit, Malampaya Foundation, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, and other local stakeholders. 

DTI MIMAROPA emphasized that the shared service facilities also respond to Sustainable Development Goal number 6 of ensuring access to safe water and sanitation for all.♦

Date of Release: 27 March 2023

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