Cebu City, Cebu – On February 13, 2024, a meeting was convened at the DOST Lahug S&T Complex, Sudlon, Cebu City, where project partners discussed key strategies aimed at expanding the market for products developed by partner people’s organizations. With the objective of diversifying the income streams of fishers, the partners collaborated on identifying steps to further enhance product development and elevate branding in line with the country’s national standards.

During the meeting, several crucial strategies were emphasized, including the importance of adhering to correct product packaging and labeling standards. For products such as fish drying, optimizing drying durations was highlighted as essential. Moreover, empowering people’s organizations through entrepreneurship training and coaching, utilizing resources like the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (CCCI) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region VII Central Visayas’ Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program, was identified as a key initiative.

In pursuit of ensuring product quality standards, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region VII recommended the integration of comprehensive product testing, covering aspects such as product chemistry, microbiology, sensory evaluation, and shelf life. It was emphasized that products must be in the line-up for shelf-life testing before receiving a specialized certification with the DOST logo, which recognizes their participation in ongoing shelf-life studies. This internal project certification serves as a testament to the products’ commitment to quality and innovation.

Furthermore, to enhance the capabilities of MSMEs, a pool of trainers and MSMEs by DOST will be tapped by the FISH Visayas Project for the future conduct of capacity development programs focusing on food safety and the utilization of e-commerce platforms.

Significantly, an aspect discussed during the meeting was the development of a training module and the implementation of capacity-building efforts in Bantayan, with a focus on utilizing mechanical dryers installed on Sulangan Island. These efforts aim to address existing resistance among fishers to adopt new technologies and methods for fish drying. By embracing mechanical drying methods, communities can improve product shelf-life and ensure food safety and hygiene during processing.

Key attendees at the meeting included Mr. Bryan Ybañez, DOST Cebu Provincial S&T Director; Engr. Juan Edgar Osorio, DOST 7 Senior Science and Research Specialist; Engr. Imee Kassandra Cacho, DOST 7 Project Technical Assistant II; Ms. Joy Lorena Segismar, CCCI Executive Director; Ms. Karen Joy Autor, CCCI OIC Manager for Business Development and Project Coordinator; Ms. Yvette Hope Labus, AFOS Foundation’s Project Manager and Resident Representative; and Ms. Nivani Andrea Lasala, AFOS Foundation’s Area Coordinator for Cebu Operations.

Ultimately, the outcomes of the meeting aim to diversify the income streams of fisherfolk in the project areas. Moving forward, action points identified during the meeting will be followed up on during the partners’ next meeting scheduled for March 05, 2024.

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The Partner’s Meeting with DOST Cebu PSTO, CCCI and AFOS Foundation aspires to achieve Result Area 1: Training for Fisherfolks and MSMEs and Result Area 3: Market Access of the FISH Visayas Project.