The Fisherfolk of Sablan Highlands (FISH) in Benguet province have elevated their skill set through specialized training on post-harvest technology on April 11, 2024, at the hall of Barangay Bayabas. Thirteen beneficiaries of the said association were equipped with different fish value-adding techniques in marinating, drying, smoking, and fish processing using their primary produce, tilapia. This training, conducted as part of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources–Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR-SAAD) Program Phase II, aimed to optimize the value chain in fisheries improving efficiency and profitability throughout the supply chain.
It is worth recalling that after a series of organizational meetings conducted by the association in coordination with the Regional Program Management Support Office, FISH expressed a significant interest in acquiring knowledge about value-adding techniques so they can innovate and create a remunerative livelihood from their produce. This initiative will broaden their scope and approach as they prosper within their association. They will be exposed to various business perspectives, considering they are already in their second year of the program and are aiming to become a community-based enterprise in the future.
Bayabas Barangay Captain Ricardo Ciano, who warmly welcomed everyone and delivered a brief message, advised his fellow constituents to internalize the lessons learned and apply them practically. He emphasized the importance of utilizing this newfound knowledge effectively. Furthermore, he assured that if this initiative becomes a priority for the members, they will work together to facilitate its transition into a viable business agenda.
This training is a collaborative effort with the Fisheries Post-Harvest and Marketing Section of the bureau, tapping technical staff Kristeen Kiw-is and Sheena Montealegre as resource speakers. SAAD’s Sablan Area Coordinator Noriel de Olon assisted in the training facilitation as the demonstrator. Careful consideration was given to the various ingredients outlined in the provided recipes. Each recipe entails a detailed procedure to follow, along with specific quantities of ingredients to be used.
“These recipes we’ve shared are merely samples. You have the freedom to surpass what we’ve demonstrated, to enhance and create your own based on the ingredients available to you. Consider these samples as guides and sources of motivation. Since much of this venture is new to you, this training serves as your starting point, inspiring you with the understanding that there are numerous possibilities beyond merely selling your raw tilapia,” De Olon commented.
Women and men alike, clad in aprons and hair nets, actively participated in removing the fins and internal organs of the tilapia, as well as slicing, filleting, marinating, drying, smoking, and more. Following the lecture and demonstration, the recipes were executed simultaneously. The participants, visibly eager to learn, were constantly engaged and on the move. They were encouraged to ask questions, and the speakers answered and guided them through the processes.
“This training has been a success,” FISH President Ronelle Polon remarked. “Overall, I believe that we, the participants, thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on experience of manually executing each step and indulging in the flavors of our creations. Speaking of taste, the results were delicious. Undoubtedly, this experience will inspire our association to develop our own unique products. We thank BFAR for this opportunity and the members of this association for taking the time to participate in it.”
FISH is currently in the second cropping period of their aquaculture venture, with expectations to fully harvest their stocks by May. Feedback from participants suggests that they are keen to apply their newly acquired skill set to implement value-adding procedures, which is particularly timely given the varying size of their tilapia as of this time. The program also offers hands-on assistance in packaging and labeling to facilitate this process. Moreover, the association has been presented with the idea of partnering with other government agencies, a proposition they are willing to pursue, as discussed.
“We thank you for your interest in BFAR’s projects. We hope that we have assisted you in acquiring knowledge that you can apply to your business or any livelihood pursuits. Our aim is to provide you with insights and skills that can benefit your tilapia production. We are always available to guide you in analyzing your needs. Additionally, we would greatly appreciate your assistance in providing the data necessary for the continuity of this project,” Benguet Provincial Fishery Officer Lorence Ognasi concluded.
