The Negros Oriental Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center (NOAFEC) is strengthening the seaweed industry of the province with an onsite dialogue held in Siaton town, the Capitol said May 25.
NOADEC director and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Woodrow Maquiling Sr. led the dialogue with the Andulay Fisherfolks Association (AFA) in Sitio Andulay, Barangay Si-it, a barangay coastal community in Siaton, following an earlier consultation with another group of seaweed growers.
During the dialogue, participants identified systemic challenges affecting both the association and the broader community, including concerns related to financial assistance, infrastructure support, and technical interventions.
Stakeholders also discussed cross-cutting issues requiring coordinated action among institutions and partner-agencies.
A highlight of the activity was the demonstration of upgraded seaweed culture management practices, showcasing improved production methods through proper technical guidance and active collaboration among the nongovernment organization and stakeholders.
Maquiling underscored the importance of convergence, coordination, and collaboration in strengthening the local seaweed industry, particularly through policy support and the proposed enactment of an ordinance to institutionalize development interventions.
He also conveyed the strong support of the provincial government under the leadership of Governor Chaco Sagarbarria, who chairs the NOAFEC Management Committee and continues to prioritize rural agri-fishery development across the province.
As a community-based capacity development intervention, the initiative aims not only to enhance extension services but also to empower communities to co-create sustainable and long-term development solutions for the local seaweed sector, the Capitol said. ||
