Cebu wants to top carrageenan production anew

CEBU, Philippines — With its once-thriving seaweed industry in steep decline, Cebu is setting its sights on reclaiming its title as the country’s top producer of carrageenan.

Former Agriculture secretary Manny Piñol and current food security advisor to Governor Pamela Baricautro said via social media that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), under the Department of Agriculture, is introducing a new method of cultivating seaweeds using floating cages in Cebu and other key production areas.

“Unlike traditional seaweed farming, which is mostly done near the shore, BFAR’s new program will allow farmers to grow seaweeds in deeper waters,” Piñol said.

To support this shift, BFAR is providing floating gardens and planting materials to local farmers.

The program’s rollout comes at a critical time: Cebu’s seaweed production plunged from 10,335 metric tons in 2022 to just 3,477 metric tons in 2023.

With the Seaweed Farming Program of DA-BFAR and the support of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase 2, stakeholders are optimistic that Cebu can reverse this trend and once again lead the nation in carrageenan production.

“The program, now being introduced in Cebu’s coastal areas by BFAR Region 7, could help the province reclaim its status as the number one carrageenan producer in the country,” Piñol added.

In a renewed push from BFAR and grassroots partners, the Dungguan Atob Fisherfolk’s Association (DAFA) recently completed a two-day orientation and hands-on training on seaweed farming technology in Barangay Poblacion, Badian.

The activity was spearheaded by the Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO)-Cebu under SAAD Phase 2, with the goal of equipping coastal communities with sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Twenty-five DAFA members were trained in both theoretical and practical aspects of seaweed cultivation. Aquaculturist Vincent Escobido led sessions on site selection, planting methods, post-harvest handling, and project management

The training culminated in a shoreline activity where participants constructed and deployed monolines and mainline frames under the guidance of PFO-Cebu technical staff.

DAFA expressed gratitude for the program’s responsiveness to the needs of marginalized fisherfolk and its role in fostering unity and shared purpose. — (FREEMAN)