KABASALAN, Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) – Fisherfolk in Barangay Concepcion are turning their oyster harvests into new livelihood opportunities with the support of the Department of Science and Technology IX (DOST-IX).
Through the DOST-Grants-in-Aid (GIA)-assisted project “Treasure, Asset, and Livelihood Access for Kabasalan-based Small Fisherfolk Association (TALABA) Phase II,” the Kapunungan sa Gagmay’ng Mangingisda sa Concepcion (KGMC) received ₱908,375.00 worth of food-grade processing equipment and packaging materials, helping them start an oyster sauce enterprise. This follows the successful establishment of a ₱558,050.00 DOST-funded, one-hectare oyster farm, strengthening the local seafood industry.
With oyster farming already in place, this initiative helps fisherfolk maximize their resources by adding value to their produce. To equip them with the necessary skills, DOST, in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Kabasalan (LGU-Kabasalan) and the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), recently conducted hands-on training on oyster sauce processing .
DOST-ITDI food processing expert Bienvinido B. Flores Jr. led the training, guiding participants through the step-by-step process of making oyster sauce. Before the practical session, he discussed essential food safety topics, including spoilage prevention, preservation techniques, and good manufacturing practices (cGMP), ensuring that fisherfolk apply proper handling and sanitation standards.
A Gender and Development (GAD) orientation was also conducted to encourage equal participation of men and women in seafood processing and entrepreneurship.
Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to expand their livelihood.
Dako gyud ni nga tabang sa among panginabuhian. Karon, dili lang kami magbaligya og talaba, makabuhat na usab kami og oyster sauce nga mas mahal ug mas daghan ang kita,”(This is a huge help to our livelihood. Now, we are not just selling oysters—we can also produce oyster sauce, which is more valuable and brings in higher earnings) , shared one of the fisherfolk participants.
By integrating technology into traditional aquaculture, DOST-IX, LGU-Kabasalan, and DOST-ITDI continue to enhance fisherfolk livelihoods. The introduction of oyster sauce processing not only provides additional income opportunities but also strengthens the local seafood industry, making it more sustainable and competitive.
DOST remains committed to empowering small-scale fisherfolk through science, technology, and innovation, ensuring they thrive in an evolving industry. (JPA/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)
