Surigao coastal residents thrive through seaweed farming initiative

QUALITY CHECK. Jupiter Casas, president of the People Unite to Guard Aqua Marine Wealth, Inc., inspects seaweeds being dried at a facility in Barangay Loyola, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur on Saturday (Nov. 9, 2024). (PNA photo by ALEXANDER LOPEZ)

HINATUAN, Surigao del Sur — In the coastal community of Barangay Loyola, residents are witnessing the transformative impact of seaweed farming, thanks to the I-REAP (Investments for Rural Enterprises and Agricultural and Fisheries Productivity), a component of the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rural Development Projects (DA-PRDP).

The project, managed by People Unite to Guard Aqua Marine Wealth, Inc. (Pugaw, Inc.), provides sustainable income for community members who were once engaged in practices harmful to marine ecosystems.

Formed in 1997, PUGAW consists of 160 members focused on sustainable aquaculture.

PUGAW’s journey began with DA-PRDP support in December 2022, following training and project preparation.

The program allocated P10.5 million for seaweed production and marketing, covering inputs, equipment, and facilities, including a P1 million capitalization boost and P400,000 from the DA Kadiwa program, which involves direct selling to consumers instead of intermediaries.

World Bank loans and Philippine government contributions funded the initiative.

“The DA-PRDP project was handed over to the group on Dec. 28, 2023, once all requirements were fulfilled,” Elvin Jamito, DA-PRDP Business Development Officer for Caraga Region, said.

The shift to sustainable practices has improved both community livelihoods and marine conservation efforts.

Bonifacia Bughao, Pugaw manager, noted that before, residents harvested mangroves unsustainably for charcoal and firewood.

However, recurring weather disturbances led the community to reconsider such practices and focus on restoration.

Now, with a designated 422 hectares for seaweed farming, Barangay Loyola’s farmers contribute to an annual townwide seaweed harvest of about 600 metric tons.

Since the DA-PRDP’s intervention, Pugaw alone has produced 120 metric tons, yielding approximately P5 million in revenues.

With major buyers from Gingoog City and Cebu province, as well as local markets, Pugaw is well-positioned in the seaweed supply chain.

“Seaweed is crucial for cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals, making raw dried seaweed highly marketable,” Pugaw president Jupiter Casas said.

In addition to raw dried seaweed, Pugaw has expanded into value-added products like seaweed-infused rice cakes and pasta, which are distributed locally.

The Scale-Up program is underway to further strengthen Pugaw’s capabilities, focusing on expanding production and ensuring project sustainability.

Scale-Up is one of the DA flagship programs designed to address the gaps in the commodity value chains by improving the efficiency of the food supply chain towards greater connectivity, mobility, accessibility, availability, and affordability of food in the market.

“Our goal is to increase Pugaw’s production area and output of quality seaweed,” DA-13 Executive Director Arlan Mangelen said.