San Juan, Siquijor – On June 10, 2024, twenty-one (21) trainees completed the training program focused on unlocking effective marketing strategies for people’s organizations and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Siquijor. The program aims to enhance the marketing abilities of fishers and MSMEs, helping them expand their market reach and increase their income.

The FISH Visayas Project continues to make strides in the local market by supporting the market entry of seaweed toasted bread from the Maite Resource Development Association (MRDA) and the bottled and deboned bangus from the Siquijor Inland Fish Groomers Association (SIFGA) and the Caticugan Farmers and Fisherfolks Association (CAFFA). This support package includes enhancements in product taste, packaging, labeling, laboratory testing, as well as assistance in expanding market access through marketing, digital platforms, and e-commerce.

The one-day training, facilitated by Mr. Vince Vidad of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Siquijor Provincial Office, provided participants with an opportunity to showcase their marketing strategies for introducing their products to the market. The training covered practical sessions on creating brand awareness, driving profitability and growth, acquiring and retaining customers, and enhancing engagement. The importance of influencer marketing was also highlighted, demonstrating how it effectively connects brands with their target audience online.

To further strengthen the branding of products from partner organizations, the FISH Visayas Project developed three product marketing banners for MRDA, SIFGA, and CAFFA. These marketing materials were presented by the AFOS Foundation and the Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Additionally, the technical support from the DTI Siquijor Provincial Office and the local government units of San Juan and Siquijor played a crucial role in the success of the training program.

Looking ahead, the FISH Visayas project aims to enhance product quality, support laboratory testing, and encourage people’s organizations (POs) to leverage digital platforms for promotion and marketing. As preparations continue, partner POs are expected to apply the insights gained from the training program to boost brand awareness and improve product marketing. To achieve these goals, partner POs should embrace an entrepreneurial mindset, add value to their products, and contribute to job creation, thereby sustaining their income in the fisheries and related sectors.

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The Training on Unlocking Effective Marketing Strategies for People’s Organizations and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Siquijor aspires to achieve Result Area 1: Training for Fishermen and MSMEs and Result Area 3: Market Access of the FISH Visayas Project.