Santa Catalina, Bayawan City, Siaton, Bindoy, Negros Oriental – On September 11, 2024, 25 delegates from the FISH Visayas Project in Negros Oriental participated in a two-day learning visit to seafood processing facilities aimed at strengthening locally managed small-scale fishery enterprises in La Libertad. 

The visit included stops at the processing locations of Santa Catalina Fish Processors Association (SCAFPA) in Santa Catalina, the Fish Landing Site and Bayawan Nature Reserve in Bayawan City, the Southern Negros Agri-Fisheries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SONAMCO) facility in Siaton, and the Kapunongan sa Gagmayng Mananagat sa Pangalaycayan (KAGAMPA) facility in Bindoy.

The practical learning visit highlighted the importance of strong leadership and good governance in the success of small-scale fisheries. Delegates emphasized consistency, transparency, and effective leadership as driving forces behind the growth and sustainability of fisherfolk associations.

At the Santa Catalina Fish Processors Association (SCAFPA), participants gained valuable insights into food safety, quality control, and hygiene. Demonstrations of bottled sardine (malangsi) preparation, fish lumpia, and fish siomai showcased the significance of producing safe and high-quality food products to enhance marketability and consumer trust.

Meanwhile, the visit to the Fish Landing Site and Bayawan Nature Reserve underscored the vital role of women in fish processing and highlighted best practices in tilapia farming. These initiatives contribute significantly to Bayawan City’s sustainable food supply and local economy.

In Siaton, delegates visited SONAMCO’s seafood processing facility, which operates under the DTI Shared Service Facility. The cooperative’s effective organizational management and commitment to good aquaculture practices were emphasized as key factors in ensuring long-term sustainability.

The visit to KAGAMPA in Bindoy provided participants with a deeper understanding of sardine production and the importance of skilled trainers for future fish processing ventures. Discussions centered on identifying potential trainers for the BUGSAY La Libertad association, with plans for future collaboration in training members in sardine processing techniques. Participants also took note of the equipment used by the Bindoy Fisherfolk Association, which will guide the selection of machinery for their own operations.

The delegation comprised representatives from the DCCCO Multipurpose Cooperative, LGU La Libertad, DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Negros Oriental Fishery Office, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Negros Oriental S&T Office, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Negros Oriental Provincial Office, AFOS Foundation, six chapters of the BUGSAY Mangingisda People’s Organization (Cantupa, Martilo, North Poblacion, Pisong, San Jose, and South Poblacion), and officials from local barangay units.

Following the visit, the six BUGSAY Mangingisda chapters are preparing for the upcoming sardine and squid production training, to be initiated in October 2024 through the FISH Visayas Project. This initiative aims to establish seafood processing in La Libertad, increasing the income of the fisherfolk community and contributing to local economic growth.

—
The Practical Learning visit to Strengthen Locally Managed Small-scale Fishery Business Enterprise in Negros Oriental aspires to achieve Result Area 3 (Market Access) of the FISH Visayas Project.