NAMPICUAN, Nueva Ecija (PIA) — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) capacitated about 15 farmers and fisherfolks in Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija on the proper fish smoking techniques to boost their skills and provide additional livelihood opportunities.
Attendees were members of the Samahan ng Mangingisda at Magsasaka ng Nampicuan (SMMN) coming from Barangays Estacion, Southeast Poblacion, Cabaducan East, and Ambassador.
SMMN member Virgilio Tabelisma said the training, which is under BFAR’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II, helped them better understand the proper process of fish smoking.
“Dahil sa pagsasanay na ito, natutunan namin ang tamang paraan ng pagtitinapa at masisiguro namin na malinis at de-kalidad ang produktong aming magagawa (Through this training, we learned the proper way to smoke fish and can ensure our products are clean and high quality),” he said.
BFAR Region 3 SAAD Information Officer Pauline Carbonel said participants undergo hands-on training on proper fish preparation, salting, drying, and smoking techniques to produce clean and high-quality smoked fish products.
“Most members of the association rely on farming as their primary source of income, while aquaculture serves as an alternative livelihood,” Carbonel shared.
She added that the group has started continuous production, recently producing 22 kilograms of tinapang bangus and 16 kilograms of smoked tilapia, sold during the 26th Moringga Festival of Nampicuan.
The SAAD program aims to improve the living conditions of vulnerable fisherfolk by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities, strengthening community-based fishery enterprises, and promoting food security in underserved communities.
Through these training activities, BFAR continues to equip fisherfolk and farmers with the skills, facilities, and support to grow their livelihoods, strengthen the local fisheries industry, and achieve sustainable income.
