Pangasinan farmers get training on seaweed culture, production

BOLINAO, Pangasinan — The North Luzon Growth Quadrangle Commission (NLGQC) has initiated a seaweed culture and production training program in collaboration with the regional office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

This was learned from NLQGC executive director Hermenigildo Dumlao who said the activity was made possible with the assistance of Bolinao Mayor Alfonso Celeste.

Celeste said the two-day training is available throughout the Ilocos region upon request of interested local government units. Earlier, a Seaweeds Ecozone program was launched for non-traditional areas in the region.

Speaker during the training that included Presidential Assistant Dr. Enrie Mendoza and Rep. Arthur Celeste who stressed the importance of seaweed farming as a livelihood activity to boost the income of fisherfolk.

The training was also attended by representatives of TESDA, DENR, DOST, Quedancor and Landbank. Apart from lending their expertise in skills development, the agencies are expected to extend credit assistance to the participants in their seaweed production activities.

Dumlao said the training program is geared to promote the job generation agenda of President Arroyo.

BFAR officials noted the huge demand for carrageenan in both local and foreign markets. BFAR records show an annual market demand of 165,000 metric tons locally and 240,000 metric tons in the world market with an increase of 10 percent yearly.

The Bolinao training exercise was held in Barangay Armedo. — Teddy Molina