Seaweed farmers in the town of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, are experiencing significant improvements in their livelihoods through the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP).
One of the beneficiaries of the project is the People Unite to Guard Aqua Marine Wealth, Inc. (PUGAW), a people’s organization located in Barangay Loyola, Hinatuan.
PUGAW Board of Directors member Raynita Solomon said that before the government intervention, the lack of access to essential materials hampered their desire for increased seaweed production.
However, with the DA-PRDP’s assistance, their seaweed farming has undergone significant development, resulting in higher incomes for PUGAW members.
Solomon added that her family is one of the beneficiaries of the project, with increased revenue from seaweed production.
The DA-PRDP’s support for PUGAW began in December 2022 when the organization received 45 cultivating lines, along with propagules, polyethylene ropes, soft ties, and financial assistance.
The DA-PRDP also provided additional support in the form of heavy-duty weighing scales, a refractometer, and a three-wheel cargo vehicle to assist in transporting raw dried seaweeds.
According to PUGAW manager Bonifacio Bughao, their seaweed farming could only generate around PHP73,000 in annual income in the past. However, with the DA-PRDP’s support, their income from seaweed production increased dramatically, reaching PHP553,450 in February 2023 alone.
Moreover, the DA-PRDP reported that PUGAW is exploring new opportunities for expansion, such as value-adding processes for their seaweeds, including transforming raw dried seaweeds into seaweed noodles, crackers, and cakes.
Source: Inside Politico | #InsidePolitico | April 12, 2023