Cordova, Cebu – On February 21, 2025, twenty-four (24) fisherfolk successfully completed a Packaging and Labeling Training, following their development of smoked and deboned bangus products. The training initiated through the FISH Visayas Project, aimed to empower members of the Pundok sa Pobreng Mananagat sa Bangbang (PPMB), Kapunongan sa Mananagat sa Ibabao (KAMI), and Pilipog Fisherfolks Association (PIFA) to design appealing, consumer-attractive, and market-ready packaging that will help their seafood products stand out in competitive markets.

The fisherfolk associations gained practical knowledge on mandatory labeling requirements, the use of food-grade packaging materials, and the role of product presentation in influencing buying decisions. During the breakout sessions, participants worked in groups to conceptualize and present their proposed packaging and labeling designs. Experts from the DOST Cebu Provincial S&T Office provided feedback to further refine and improve their outputs.

Proper packaging plays a vital role not just in protecting products during handling, storage, and transport, but also in communicating brand identity and building consumer trust. It allows producers to identify, describe, and promote their products effectively—critical elements in today’s competitive market landscape.

The training was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the FISH Visayas Project partners: the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), DOST Cebu Provincial S&T Office, and the AFOS Foundation.

Looking ahead, training on digital platforms for small-scale fisherfolk and MSMEs is in the pipeline, aimed at further strengthening the associations’ production and marketing capabilities.