Tagbilaran City & Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, Bohol – On November 30, 2024, fifty-eight (58) fishers and MSMEs successfully completed a three-day training program on bangus deboning and bottling through the FISH Visayas Project. The program aimed to create value-added products from bangus, providing alternative income sources and expanding income opportunities for MSMEs and fishermen.

Creating Value-Added Products for Bangus

Bangus is a high-demand commodity in the Philippines, particularly in Bohol, where fishers rely on capture fisheries, aquaculture, and post-harvest activities. The post-harvest processing of bangus is actively encouraged among fisherfolk associations and enterprises, as it increases the value of the product and provides greater income opportunities for both fishers and MSMEs.

Recognizing this potential, the training program equipped participants with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills in deboning and bottling bangus.

The training began with a session on food safety, shelf-life stability, spoilage recognition, and best practices in fish handling. After the lecture, a step-by-step demonstration of the deboning process followed, covering topics such as preparation, sanitation, fish selection (gill color and odor), equipment and supplies, and deboning techniques (including cleaning the backbone and cutting).

On the second day, participants learned bottling techniques, including marinating, seasoning, and bottle sterilization. They were also trained on food safety protocols, bottling, sealing, and steaming procedures. Sealing the bottled fish involved using plastic sealers and heat guns to ensure the products were properly sealed.

The final part of the training emphasized marketing strategies, particularly the 5 Ps of marketing: Product, Price, Place, Promotion, and People. The session concluded with a discussion on product labeling and packaging strategies to enhance customer appeal.

Engaged Fisherfolk and MSMEs

The training saw active participation from 58 fishers, with 78% of the participants being women, representing various partner organizations. These included the Western Unified Fisherfolk Association (WUFA), Sta. Felomina Fisherman Association (SFFA), Aguininghong Pundok sa Yanong Mananagat (APYM), Kahugpungan sa Gagmay’ng Mananagat sa Saguise (KAGAMASA), Ubujan Fishermen’s Association (UFA), Barangay Guintaboan Fisherfolk Association (BGFA), Cagting Small Farmers and Fishers Association (CSFFA), and Cuya Farmers and Fisherman Association (CUFFA).

The project also welcomed participants from Bogo Seaweeds Growers Association (BOSGA) , Fishers and Mangrove growers People’s Association (FMPA), Lapinig Gardeners and Fishers Association (LAGAFIA), PGMA, PGMU, TATTEH, and the Women’s Association of Ubujan.

Collaborative Efforts Driving Success

The training program was a result of collaboration between FISH Visayas Project partners, including the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, DA-BFAR Bohol Provincial Fishery Office, Department of Trade and Industry Bohol Provincial Office, the City Government of Tagbilaran, and the Local Government Units of Alburquerque, Ubay, and Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, Bohol.

Technical sessions were facilitated by Mr. Candido de Vera, Ms. Mergie Laurden, Ms. Lilibeth Aspe, Mr. Rey Arcana, and Mr. Severino Orillasa from DA-BFAR. Mr. Rey Anthony Regis from the DTI Bohol Provincial Office also facilitated sessions in Ubay and PCPG.

Next Steps
Building on the success of this training, the FISH Visayas Project plans to further capacitate partner POs in digital promotions and marketing. This initiative aims to increase the visibility of their products, especially bangus, in local markets and establish connections with institutional buyers.

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The Training on Bangus Deboning and Bottling for POs and MSMEs in Bohol aligns with Result Area 1: Training for Fishermen and MSMEs and Result Area 3: Market Access of the FISH Visayas Project.