San Juan, Siquijor – On May 10, 2024, seven trainees completed a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) program on Industrial Electro and Electrical Controllers Maintenance and Servicing of Bakery Equipment. This training, held for the Maite Resources Development Association (MRDA), aims to enhance the operational efficiency and sustainability of the organization’s bakery operations, which serve as an alternative livelihood for its members.

MRDA, primarily composed of fisherfolk, has expanded its activities to include a bakery. This diversification has boosted the organization’s income and provided stable employment for its members. Through the FISH Visayas project, MRDA has improved the packaging and marketing of its Seaweed Toasted Bread product line. The organization has also received training in entrepreneurship, digital promotions, and marketing to elevate product branding and expand its market reach beyond Siquijor.

To further optimize business performance, the ToT program created a new pool of skilled trainers capable of maintaining and servicing bakery equipment, particularly oven components. This initiative enhances business sustainability, ensures operational safety, and improves the quality of baked products.

Notably, the six fisherfolk and a technical staff from DA-BFAR Siquijor Provincial Fishery Office who completed the ToT include Mr. Rodrigo Parahili, Mr. Judy Montoya, Mr. Jovy Montoya, Mr. Rhomie Salibongcogon, Mr. Susano Malicay, Ms. Evelyn Malicay, and Ms. Vivian Sumalpong. These trained individuals are now equipped to train other MRDA members, ensuring the knowledge and skills are disseminated throughout the organization.

Essentially, the successful completion of the ToT was a collaborative effort supported by partners of the FISH Visayas Project. Key partners included the Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (SCCII), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Siquijor Provincial S&T Office, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Siquijor Provincial Office, the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Siquijor Provincial Fishery Office, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the LGU San Juan, and the AFOS Foundation.

As part of its ongoing development efforts, the FISH Visayas project aims to create a comprehensive training module based on the ToT program. This module will focus on the maintenance and servicing of industrial electro and electrical controllers for bakery equipment, ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the organization’s bakery operations.

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The Training of Trainers on Industrial Electro and Electrical Controllers Maintenance and Servicing of Bakery Equipment aspires to achieve Result Area 1: Training for Fishermen and MSMEs, and Result Area 3: Market Access of the FISH Visayas Project.