To strengthen the livelihoods of fisherfolk in Castilla, a smoked fish processing facility was inaugurated, followed by a technology training session, on November 28, 2024, in Barangay Macalaya, Castilla, Sorsogon.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology V β Provincial Science & Technology Office of Sorsogon (DOST V-PSTO) in collaboration with LGU Castilla, BFAR 5-Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division (RFTFCD), and the Provincial Fisheries Office of Sorsogon.
Twenty-six members of the Macalaya Fisherfolk Organization participated in hands-on training on smoked fish processing conducted by BFAR 5-RFTFCD technical staff.
Participants learned advanced fish smoking techniques and explored market opportunities for value-added products, particularly processed lawlaw.
DOST and LGU Castilla highlighted the potential of upgraded processing technologies to maximize the use of marine resources and create new income streams for fisherfolk. This initiative is expected to improve the earnings of fisherfolk families and contribute to the sustainable development of their community.
Source: BFAR Bicol