Surigao del sur: A PHP368.2-million investment will launch three new enterprises supporting 507 fisherfolk households across Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte, a Department of Agriculture official said Monday. Detailing the subprojects under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), DA-Caraga Executive Director Arlan Mangelen said the initiatives aim to boost productivity and profitability for local fishing communities.

According to Philippines News Agency, these enterprise development subprojects will improve the lives of fisherfolk while also securing the region’s food supply chain. Fisherfolk in Bislig City will run a PHP242.7-million tuna consolidation and marketing enterprise, benefiting 324 households with new cold storage facilities already under construction.

Another PHP38-million project establishes a seaweeds tissue culture laboratory in Hinatuan for 107 families, while a PHP87.6-million bangus processing and marketing enterprise in Dapa, Siargao will support 76 households. Preparations for the Hinatuan and Dapa projects will continue through early 2026, officials said.

In the DA-PRDP, the focus extends beyond just constructing infrastructure. The subprojects are aimed at ensuring food sufficiency in the region, also working towards food security of the nation as a whole, Mangelen said.