Agusan Sur fisherfolk, farmers learn innovative ways to improve profit
AGUSAN DEL SUR -- The Southern and Eastern Prosperidad Fisherfolk and Farmers' Association (SEPFFFA), in collaboration with the Municipal Agriculturists Office (MAO) of Prosperidad, recently conducted a benchmarking at the provincial government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) Innotech Center in Mabuhay, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
The visit led by MAO Marlita P. Cortez was organized in response to the challenges faced by the fisherfolk in Prosperidad. These challenges include difficulties in selling their harvested tilapia fish, with the fish often going unsold or being bought by brokers at prices significantly lower than the market rate, prompting them to seek innovative ways to maximize their earnings.
During the association’s induction of officers, For. Ronulfo Paler, the head administrator of PGAS, introduced the Innovation and Technology Program to the group that led to the organization of the benchmarking visit to the PGAS Innotech Center, where the fisherfolk could explore potential solutions to their challenges.
Engr. Rudy Cane provided a comprehensive demonstration of the retort machine, a key piece of equipment that can be used to create value-added products from tilapia fish. The machine is capable of producing a variety of items, including bottled products and cooked rice. The retort machine, which can accommodate 600 bottles of value-added products or cook 80 kilos of rice at a time, is locally fabricated, making it more affordable and accessible to micro-sized industries.
Engr. Cane emphasized the versatility of the machine, noting that it allows the fisherfolk to diversify their product offerings and generate additional income, even during off-seasons for fishing since it can even function as a steamer for non-food uses, such as steam baths. In addition to tilapia, the machine can process other products such as milkfish, chicken feet, beef, and pork, which were showcased during the demonstration.
The benchmarking visit also included demonstrations of other innovative machines, such as the pneumatic boiler, the mechanical dryer, and the rice hull-fueled burner. The pneumatic boiler is designed to burn organic waste materials like dry rice hulls, converting the heat generated into steam for various industrial applications. The mechanical dryer offers an eco-friendly option for drying fish and other products, while the rice hull-fueled burner presents a cost-effective alternative to traditional liquified petroleum gas (LPG) burners.
The fisherfolk and other guests were not only impressed by the capabilities of the machines but also had the opportunity to sample some of the value-added products created using these technologies. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing satisfaction with both the quality of the products and the potential of the machines to improve their livelihoods.
This benchmarking activity marked a significant step forward for the Southern and Eastern Prosperidad Fisherfolk and Farmers' Association as they explore innovative solutions to enhance their economic prospects and sustainably utilize their resources. (PGAS Innovation and Technology program/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
