Seaweed farm resources worth PHP 11.6 million dispersed in Zamboanga City by BFAR
Zamboanga Peninsula Boosts Sustainable Seaweed Farming with P11.6 Million Initiative
The Enhanced Philippine Seaweed Development Program (EPSDP) in Zamboanga Peninsula is set to strengthen the fisheries sector, promoting sustainable seaweed farming and improving the livelihoods of coastal fisherfolk. This initiative is supported by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) as part of the national government's push under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. [1]
The distribution of seaweed farming equipment and nursery modules took place on Thursday, August 7, at the DA-BFAR's regional office in Zamboanga City. The program saw the distribution of approximately P11.6 million worth of resources, with 300 sets of seaweed farming equipment worth P6.39 million given to individual farmers across six agri-fishery districts. [1] Additionally, five deep-sea seaweed nursery modules valued at P5.21 million were awarded to seaweed farmer associations. [1]
The goal of the EPSDP is to foster inclusive, science-based development and raise fisherfolk incomes through sustainable seaweed farming practices. BFAR-Zamboanga Peninsula Director Al-Zath Kunting emphasized the program’s role in supporting coastal communities and promoting sustainable fisheries. [1]
The associations that received deep-sea seaweed nursery modules were Mampang Aqua-Marine Seaweed Farmers and Fishermen Cooperative, Taluksangay Seaweed Farmers Association, Manicahan Aqua-Marine Farmers Association, Kud Binaluy Farmers and Fisherfolk Association, and Rahma Fisherfolk Association. The districts that received seaweed farming equipment were Tumaga (62 sets), Culianan (50 sets), Manicahan (60 sets), Curuan (63 sets), Vitali (63 sets), and Ayala (2 sets). [1]
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing seaweed production as a key livelihood source in the region through modern, community-based methods supported by BFAR. The development of seaweed farming is crucial for the livelihood of coastal communities in Zamboanga Peninsula, and BFAR's goal is to foster inclusive, science-based development through sustainable seaweed farming initiatives. [1]
- The government's initiative in Zamboanga Peninsula, supported by DA-BFAR, is not only strengthening the fisheries sector but also promoting sustainable seaweed farming, which is critical for the culture and livelihood of coastal communities in Zamboanga.
- As sports and recreational activities often depend on the weather, the improved weather conditions brought by this boost in sustainable seaweed farming could potentially trigger an increase in sports participation across Zamboanga.
