Phase 2 of Guimaras milkfish training

Around 30 fisherfolk of Brgy. San Antonio, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras participated in the first in a series of training workshops under the Season-long training course on milkfish cage culture Phase 2 that was conducted by AQD last May 20-21 at Roma Beach Resort in San Antonio.

The two-day training focused on proper handling after harvest, value-addition and marketing of milkfish.
The participants were taught deboning techniques and preparing marinades.

The activity was facilitated by AQD’s Training Section with Ms. Rose Mueda (researcher) and Ms. Rosanna Alama (laboratory assistant) from the Institute of Fish Processing Technology of the University of the Philippines Visayas.

AQD’s Igang station head Mr. Albert Gaitan welcomed the participants while AQD’s Training section head Ms. Kaylin Corre explained the course description, objectives, and expected output of the training.

The training course is part of a collaborative project of Petron Foundation Inc. with CITI Foundation and SEAFDEC/AQD on Mariculture livelihood program for Guimaras fisherfolk. 
                           
In related development, AQD’s Training and Information Division Head Mr. Renato Agbayani met with Petron Foundation Inc. Executive Director Ms. Marilou Erni on May 30 in Makati City to discuss the reallocation of phase 1 budget (around PhP 2.14 million) which will be used for: (1) distribution of phase 1 income to participating fisherfolk association, (2) technical training and efficient transfer of technology to the beneficiaries, (3) evaluation of socioeconomic benefits of the project and assessment of the coastal environmental impacts of the fish cage culture, and (4) social preparation and community organizing.

They also discussed about the proposed budget for phase 2 (around PhP2.19 million) which will be allotted for: (1) construction of one unit of fish cage for San Antonio fisherfolk, (2) operating expenses for one production run for the 4 barangays of Nueva Valencia namely Igang, Magamay, Sto. Domingo, and San Antonio, (3) purchase of four units motorized boats, (4) community consultations, and (5) SEAFDEC/AQD administrative overhead and technical supervision.