Seaweeds Industry Development In Guimaras

Seaweeds Industry 

Development In Guimaras

by: James Earl E. Ogatis

Provincial Agriculturist Mr. Ronnie Morante stressing that Guimaras has great potential in mass production of quality seaweeds because of its geographical location and strong support of the local government units in the project during the focus group discussion with the members of World Bank review supervision team.(James Earl E. Ogatis photo)

Well known for its sweetest mango in the country, the province of Guimaras is geared to develop its seaweeds industry through the collaboration of DA-Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), the provincial local government unit and the Sabang Seaweed Growers Association as the livelihood projects lead proponent group.

“The lead proponent conceptualized the Guimaras Seaweed Production and Marketing Project (GSPM), an P18.5M proposed project will directly benefit 403 seaweed growers  in the towns of Sibunag, Nueva Valencia, San Lorenzo and Jordan. It aims to improve the quality of life of 1,259 fisherfolks from the package of assistance in production, post-harvest and marketing .” said May Ann Grajo, the I-REAP component head of PRDP-RPCO-6.

The funding will come from World Bank– P8,886,232.80; Philippines Government – P2,962,077.60; Provincial government of Guimaras – P2,962,077.60 and proponent equity of P3,702,597.00.

“This project will generate additional employment for the women and out of school youth. It will ensure sustainability of volume and quality of production,” said Grajo. 

Guimaras is the second seaweed producer of Western Visayas after the province of Antique. Guimaras has many potential areas for expansion as it is situated between the islands of Panay and Negros.

Mr. Ronnie Morante, Provincial Agriculturist of Guimaras assured to support the project. “The five municipalities of Guimaras had ordinances pertaining to the protection of marine resources and marine sanctuaries conservation,” Morante stressed.

He is optimistic for the success of the project noting that seaweed is easy to culture, has big market potential and active cooperation of the fisher members of the organization.

The group is already capacitated on management, marketing and production technology and each member will develop a 1,000 sq.m. production area.

The involvement of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is also encouraged in order to access new variety of planting materials that is resistant of pest and diseases, can adapt to the shallow method of propagation and environment.

The proponent group was challenged to also increase the number of fish stock by 10 percent after six years based on their 16 hectares marked production area.

PRDP is a six-year rural development project that aims to increase incomes of rural farmers while improving the country’s economy through agri-based initiatives. It is implemented by the DA, with funding from the World Bank, National Government, and LGUs. /MP