The College of Fisheries (CF) trained ten women from Barangay Narvacan, Santo Tomas, La Union on seaweed (Gracilaria) processing at the CF facilities on April 21, 2022. This first of a series of livelihood and product development trainings is part of the extension project ‘People Empowerment Assistance through Continuing Education (PEACE)’ of the College.

During the training, Dr. Faith S. Tadeo, Program Chair of the MS Fisheries, shared an overview of the seaweed farming industry before Mr. Cjay B. Soliven, Faculty Member, delivered a talk on good manufacturing practices. Participants were then trained on the processing of seaweed (Gracilaria) and development of seaweed “puto” by Ms. Edna Aloot, Science Research Analyst.

“Seaweeds are the top commodity among edible aquatic resources in the Philippines. In La Union, different seaweeds species can be found along the coastal area in the Province. Gracilaria seaweeds is locally known as “tamsaw”/ “kawkawayan”. This is widely distributed in Sto. Tomas Cove. Based on studies, this species can be cultured for higher production to sustain the seaweed market demand,” Dr. Tadeo shared.  

Also present during the training were CF Dean, Dr. Jinnie R. Mamhot; CF Program Chairs; and CF faculty members and staff as training facilitators. The extension activity was coordinated by Mr. Christian C. Molina, project lead.

CF continues to provide local women and men of Santo Tomas upskilling activities and technologies to increase their income. (Ronald B. Bustos)