DOST gives P1-M aid to Negros agri-fisheries cooperative

THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Negros Oriental has granted a P1-million financial assistance to the Southern Negros Agri-fisheries Multipurpose Cooperative (Sonamco) for the technology upgrading of its milkfish and shrimp production.

 
The fund will come from the DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (Setup).

 
DOST Provincial Director Gilbert Arbon turned over a check worth P999,800 to Sonamco general manager Juventud Chavez for the technology upgrading of its machine-operated marine production in Dumaguete City.

 
The DOST provided equipment including three 7 horsepower  submersible pumps, two 5hp submersible pumps, 11 paddle wheel accelerators, three root blowers, one D.O. meter and a refract meter.

 
Arbon said these machineries will be used in a water reservoir and a fish pond. These would also reduce electricity consumption — a problem faced by the co-op — with only few horsepower being used.

 
The Setup aids in enabling quicker, convenient and efficient production of the company’s valuable aquatic products which include fresh shrimps and bangus as well as milkfish processing, such as deboned and bottled bangus, added Arbon.

 
The aquatic products are cultured and maintained by the cooperative to assure product quality. With the technological interventions provided by Setup, the co-op also envisions exporting marine products.

 
“The cooperative is very successful in operating domestically and is planning to expand and enter the global market,” said Chavez.

 
Sonamco, a registered cooperative formed in 1997 produces high quality milkfish or bangus and other aquatic products but only uses a traditional way of production.

 
The cooperative currently employs 100 skilled workers, 34 direct workers, 27 production workers, seven non-production and 50 indirect and contract employees. It is has been working for 20 years and located in Sumaliring, Siaton, Negros Oriental and recently branched out in Bais City.