The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Bicol (BFAR-5) is training fisherfolk organizations on post-harvest technologies and financial literacy to improve their income and financial management.
In an interview on Monday, Rowena Briones, BFAR spokesperson, said at least seven fisherfolk groups with more than 210 members undergo the skills training by batches.
“We just conducted post-harvest training for Samahan ng Maliliit na Mangingisda ng Mandaon members in Masbate province last June 5-6. On June 20–21, we will also have the same training for the Sipocot Farmers and Fisherfolk Agriculture Cooperative members in Camarines Norte. The capability building helps them have an additional source of income and introduce to them the importance of how to manage their finances effectively,” she said.
Briones said aside from the regular fishing skills, the training includes teaching the groups how to venture into small businesses such as fish processing and preservation to ensure that no harvest goes to waste.
“Wala nasasayang sa harvest nila since pag may sobra, pwede nila gamitin yung knowledge and skills nila sa food processing and preservation. May additional kita na sila, hindi pa nasayang yung harvest (There is no waste in their harvest since when there is a surplus, they can use their knowledge and skills in food processing and preservation. They have additional income, the harvest has not been wasted),” she added.
The training covers various post-harvest technologies, including food safety, personnel health and hygiene, proper handling of fish, and packaging and labeling.
The members also engage in hands-on training on making fish products such as nuggets, “turon” and “longganisa”.
“Mas nadadagan pa yung worth ng isda dahil sa mga ibang finish product na napo-produce (The value of the fish is even higher because of the other finished products that are being produced),” Briones said.
The participants were also introduced to Fish N’ Learn, a financial literacy game designed to improve their budgeting, saving, investing, credit management, and financial planning skills. (PNA)
