NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has revitalized the fish processing industry in Balatan, Camarines Sur by providing various services and assistance through its Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program.

The program focuses on five major sectors: livelihood, basic education, disaster risk reduction and management, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation.

In partnership with the municipal government of Balatan, the DOST launched a common service area for fish processing equipment that “bagoong” (fish paste) producers can use for their profit-making. 

DOST Camarines Sur Provincial Director Patrocinio Felizmenio said that a lack of processing facilities has led to excessive fish harvests eventually decaying and becoming waste. 

"The DOST's services aim to help fisherfolk, especially their housewives, have a sustainable livelihood through enhanced bagoong making," Felizmenio said.

The common service facility may lead to a 30 percent increase in their annual income of P91,000 to approximately P154,000 after two years of operations, he added. 

The municipal government will allot funds for the maintenance of the facility and ensure that it meets good manufacturing practices standards set by the Food and Drug Administration.

Felizmenio said that the DOST trained bagoong producers in the town on March 26 to capacitate their skills in facility operation, food safety practices, proper handling, and product distribution techniques. 

The DOST will also conduct hands-on experiences in fish sauce and bagoong fermentation process in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, he added.

“Through CEST assistance and services, the DOST aims to make Balatan known for these fish products,” Felizmenio said. 

The BFAR regional office and DOST provincial office in Camarines Sur will monitor the fermentation process and run another series of training in three months to pack the final product.

Kasapian ng Samahan ng Mangingisda ng Balatan (Kasamakaba) president Benjie Rivero said they only produce fish paste at their own houses, compromising proper food safety processing due to a lack of facilities and quality compliance. 

Rivero said that out of 100 bagoong producers in the previous registry in their association, only half remained in the livelihood because of a lack of technical assistance and support.

Through this initiative, he hopes their industry and rich sea resources will be maximized and turned into profitable income. 

Felizmenio also said that the commercial marketing of these products may also be supported by other governmental market channels, such as the Go Negosyo Center of the Department of Trade and Industry.

The facility will be endorsed to apply for an FDA license to start operations, while packaging and labeling assistance will be improved through the DOST Industrial Technology Development Institute. (PIA 5/Camarines Sur)