The Provincial Agriculturist’s Office through its Fisheries and Coastal Resource Management Division conducted a 1-day training activity on seaweed farming on June 17, 2021 at Barangay Balatasan, Bulalacao. The said training was participated by 38 seaweed farmers who are all members of the Samahan ng mga Manggagawa sa Balatasan (SAMASABALATASAN), an organization of seaweed farmers and fisherfolks.
Lectures including topics on the importance of seaweeds, proper site selection, methods of farming, proper planting and use of materials, harvesting and post-harvest were presented by the resource person, Mr. Boy Alforque, a consultant of BFAR-MIMAROPA. Practical exercises on proper tying of seedlings and setting-up of floating rafts for long line rope seaweed culture method were demonstrated.
On top of this capability building activity, PAgO has also provided the association with 300 kilograms of seaweed seedlings, plastic twines, nylon ropes and bamboo stakes.
SAMASABALATASAN is the primary organization for seaweed farming and seaweed processing in Oriental Mindoro. Among its products are canton noodles, seaweed soap, and pickles.
