Borongan City:The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has handed over fish canning equipment to a fisherfolk association in Borongan City, Eastern Samar. This initiative is aimed at supporting the establishment of a fish processing enterprise to enhance the livelihoods of local fishing communities.
According to Philippines News Agency, the equipment was formally transferred to the Cabong Mandaragat Association (CMA) after a memorandum of agreement was signed between the DOST, Borongan City government, the barangay local government unit, and association officials. This project, funded through the DOST Grants-in-Aid Program, seeks to improve the association's fish processing capabilities, promote value-added fishery products, minimize post-harvest losses, and create additional employment opportunities.
The Borongan City government contributed to the project by financing the construction of the canning facility, marking it as the first fish canning factory in Eastern Samar. The turnover ceremony was led by Floila Jane Quitorio, a science research specialist at the DOST Eastern Samar Provincial Science and Technology Office, representing Provincial Director Arnaldo Amosco Jr. City Cooperative Development Office head Cynthia Arceño and lawyer Celestino Cabato, representing Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, were also present.
Quitorio encouraged association members to maximize the benefits of the project, highlighting the potential to increase their income and improve their livelihoods. The City Cooperative Development Office, which supported the association's registration, also urged members to persevere in establishing the enterprise despite potential challenges, with Cabato assuring continued city government support for livelihood and community development initiatives.
The DOST expects the project to expand the association's fish processing operations, improve market opportunities for locally produced fishery products, and provide additional income sources through the application of science and technology.
