DUMALINAO (PIA) – In an effort of the government to alleviate the quality of life of farmers and strengthen the agri-fishery sector in the province, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has recently turned over three units of floating dryer for seaweeds project in Barangay Pantad, Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur that will benefit seaweed farmers in the area.
“Dako among pasalamat sa maong proyekto kay aduna na kami insaktong kabularan sa among abot ug mas limpyo pa gayud ang binulad namu gumikan sa dryer (We are very grateful for this project because we now have a suitable area to dry our farm produce and a cleaner harvest because of the dryer),” said Aurelia S. Ursal, a seaweed farmer and the president of the Barangay Pantad Women’s Fisherfolk Association.
The project was funded under the DSWD’s Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP), with a project cost of P656,728.84.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) turned over three units of floating dryer seaweed farmers at Barangay Pantad, Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur.
One of the three units floating dryer with an approximate size of 225 square meters.
The DSWD 9 officially handed over the facility to the barangay officials of Pantad, Dumalinao.
According to Abdullah Macabuntal, Community Empowerment Facilitator of DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS, the project is expected to significantly benefit seaweed farmers, as they will no longer need to dry their harvest in the basketball court of the barangay.
Based on the social investigation and study conducted by DSWD, about 55% of the residents in Barangay Pantad are engaged in seaweed farming as their primary source of living. The said dryer will not only provide better drying facilities to seaweed farmers in Barangay Pantad but will also yield good-quality dried seaweeds, which will result in good market value.
Meanwhile, Mayor Junaflor Cerilles extended her profound gratitude to everyone for turning the project into a reality.
“Daghang salamat sa mga barangay opisyales, mga volunteers, ug sa KALAHI CIDSS sa pagpaningkamot nga matuman kini nga proyekto (Thank you very much to the barangay officials, volunteers, and to KALAHI-CIDSS for their effort in realizing this project),” she said.
Mayor Cerilles also hoped that the project would benefit more people, especially the seaweed farmers in Barangay Pantad.
This initiative of the government had a huge impact on the lives of seaweed farmers in Barangay Pantad. Beyond merely enhancing drying facilities, this innovation is poised to revitalize the entire seaweed production process. The benefits extend far beyond the immediate convenience of drying; it encompasses improved quality of farm produce, increased market value, and a positive impact on the local economy. (RVC/SBM/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur with reports from LGU Dumalinao)
