To enhance the capacity of seaweed farmers in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, the Partido State University (ParSU) College of Sustainable Communities and Ecosystems (Caramoan Campus), in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI), spearheaded a comprehensive three-day workshop titled: "Sustainable Communities and Ecosystems through Algae: A Futures Thinking and PhycoPRO Initiative on Seaweed Farming." This was held from September 11-13, 2024, in Brgy. Haponan, Caramoan, Camarines Sur, aimed to transfer technical knowledge and skills related to seaweed farming, production, and enterprise development while introducing innovative strategies to improve the sustainability of local seaweed farming practices.
Over 35 seaweed farmers from barangay Haponan attended the workshop. It commenced with welcome remarks from key officials, including ParSU's Vice President for Research, Extension, and Knowledge Management, Dr. Raul G. Bradecina; and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Michael A. Clores; as well as Hon. Alma L. Ruiz, Barangay Captain of barangay Haponan.
Dr. Bradecina emphasized the critical role seaweed farmers play in food security and as vital contributors to the local economy. Dr. Clores outlined the importance of the initiative, linking it to ParSU's Futures Thinking Program and its collaborative PhycoPRO research project with UP-MSI.
The workshop featured a panel of experts from UP-MSI, including Dr. Michael Y. Roleda, and members of the Algal Ecophysiology Lab (AlgAE) consisting of Ms. Lourie Ann R. Hinaloc, Ms. Shienna Gonzaga, John Rey L. Gacura, Mr. Ronel T. Aguilar. Mr. Emmanuel M. Mendoza, Mr. Bienson Narvate, and a representative from UP Visayas, Mx. Eljenmer L. Sindo.
Dr. Roleda spearheaded the lectures on the opening day on integrated Marine Protected Areas (iMPAs) and regenerative seaweed farming, emphasizing the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems. Lectures on biology, ecology, and reproduction of eucheumatoid seaweeds were delivered by Mr. Navarte, focusing on the three major groups of seaweeds: green (Chlorophyta), red (Rhodophyta), and brown (Ochrophyta).
Participants also gained insights about seaweed diseases, pests, optimal farming locations, and the critical need for coastal zonation as resource speakers shared best practices on planting, monitoring, handling, and transportation from other seaweed-producing countries. Following the lectures, seaweed farmers participated in group workshops to share their knowledge and identify suitable farming locations based on their experiences and the issues resulting from seasonal changes.
On the second day, the team visited two seaweed farms in Sitio Balibagan, Haponan, Caramoan, Camarines Sur, where seaweed farming in a mangrove area and open sea locations is currently practiced. Discussions on improved seaweed farming techniques, harvesting, drying, and storage protocols were conducted after returning to the site. Dr. Roleda also led a session on nursery management, highlighting past lessons from the seaweed industry to guide future developments.
On the final day, Dr. Bradecina delivered a lecture on the potential of seaweed farms as ecotourism sites and emphasized the importance of establishing cooperatives to access funding and grants. He presented case studies where seaweed farms doubled as successful ecotourism destinations, illustrating their dual economic potential.
Hon. Ruiz expressed gratitude to ParSU for selecting Haponan as a beneficiary and partner in marine conservation efforts. She highlighted the significance of the workshop in revitalizing seaweed farming in the community, enabling farmers to apply new knowledge and skills for improved productivity.
The extension activity concluded with distributing farming supplies and materials to participants. Dr. Clores reiterated that the distributed supplies were more than just materials; they represented a means for the community to shape its desired future in seaweed farming. He emphasized the university's commitment to fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for local seaweed farmers, the community, and the nation.
The event, which hopes to increase seaweed production volume and income to seaweed farmers, thereby contributing to poverty and hunger alleviation, rural enterprise development, and tourism in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, is in line with the goals of the Futures Thinking Program and Initiatives of the University, which is to "promote sustainable behaviors among people, with these desired behaviors strategically integrated with science, culture, education, technology and the arts through capacity building."
Article by: Eunice M. Sentelices
