The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Bicol (BFAR-5), through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program, is empowering fisherfolk organizations in the region in food processing and marketing to improve their livelihood.

In an interview on Friday, BFAR-Bicol spokesperson Rowena Briones said members of the Poblacion Fisherfolk Association in Sorsogon and other fishers’ groups learned sustainable practices on fish processing and producing high-quality products.

“The fish processing training is part of our region-wide innovative technology training for the beneficiaries of the SAAD program,” she said.

The Poblacion Fisherfolk Association from Barcelona town were trained in making smoked fish (tinapa), the same training conducted for the San Vicente Tilapia Growers Association from San Lorenzo Ruiz, Camarines Norte province.

The series of training focused on proper fish handling, hygiene practices, food safety standards, and step-by-step procedures in smoked fish processing.

There is ongoing training for a fisherfolk organization in Sta. Magdalena, Sorsogon; while upcoming are in the towns of Gigmoto (May 21 to 23) and Panganiban (May 28 to 30), both in Catanduanes; Sta. Elena, Camarines Norte (May 28 to 30); and Castilla, Sorsogon (May 30 and 31).

“With the right knowledge and training, our fisherfolk organizations can obtain a sustainable source of livelihood and produce high-quality fish products ready for the market,” Briones said.

Meanwhile, Briones said they are now enlisting students who can be potential scholars under BFAR’s Fisheries Scholarship Program.

“Successful candidates will have the opportunity to become scholars who will take up a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries course for school year 2025-2029. There will be a total of 26 scholarship slots for the Bicol Region,” she said.

Application deadline is on Aug. 15, 2024, with the nationwide qualifying examination scheduled October in various testing sites across the region. (PNA)