La Libertad, Negros Oriental — On March 7, 2025, twenty-three (23) members of the La Libertad Fish Processors Association (LAFIPA) completed a three-day training on solar drying techniques. Initiated under the FISH Visayas Project, the training aimed to equip the association with innovative methods to dry fish and squid, diversify their product lines, and enhance their competitiveness in the market to increase their income.

The intensive training covered the key features of solar drying, including its advantages, disadvantages, and limitations. Participants engaged in hands-on practice of the entire solar drying process — from handling freshly caught fish to washing, evisceration, brining, drying, and proper packaging. Notably, the total number of hours of drying the squid and fish runs from three to four hours, following the standards provided by the DA- Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR).

Additionally, a critical part of the session involved reviewing product costing, where participants calculated the actual costs of their products, gaining valuable insights for better pricing and profitability.

The success of the training was made possible by the collaborative efforts of FISH Visayas Project partners: the DCCCO Multipurpose Cooperative, DA-BFAR Region VII, LGU La Libertad, and AFOS Foundation.

Looking ahead, the project continues to support LAFIPA through entrepreneurship training and onboarding them onto digital platforms to promote and market their products. These efforts aim to empower the association to expand their reach, increase sales, and build a resilient, sustainable livelihood for its members.

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This Solar Drying Training in La Libertad, Negros Oriental supports Result Area 1 (Training for Fisherfolk & MSMEs) and Result Area 3 (Market Access) of the FISH Visayas Project.