CAGAYAN, Philippines – With the increasing demand for seaweeds and oysters in the global market, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) wanted to penetrate the international trade for the locally cultured seaweed species of the region.
Venchito Villarao, provincial fishery action officer of Cagayan, said BFAR is now assisting fisherfolk in the six coastal towns here to equip them with the latest technology on massive production of seaweeds and oysters.
“We are already assisting seaweed farmers in the towns of Sta. Ana, Gonzaga, Sta Teresita, Pamplona, Sanchez Mira and Claveria as these have abundant seaweed species particularly glacilaria,” he added.
Considering its export value, Villarao reported that BFAR has expanded the production area for glacilaria in the identified towns. “We have also distributed oyster spats to some oyster growers which are also in demand in the international market,” he told.
Gracilaria, he said is used as food and in the preparation of food products worldwide. It is also an important raw material in agar-agar production.
“We are not only opening new markets for seaweeds and oysters, but we also want to increase livelihood opportunities among marginalized fisherfolk in the countrysides,” he said.
Penetrating the global market, Villarao added will develop fisherfolk become an entrepreneur, thereby improving their economic condition.
BFAR has processed food products out of gracilaria and other seaweed resources to include seaweed chips, noodles, pickles, dried seaweed and polvoron which also hit the local market.
