DTI launches P2.58-M mobile lobster facility in Dinagat Islands’ town
By Renelle L. Escuadro
CAGDIANAO, Dinagat Islands (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its flagship program on Shared Service Facility (SSF), recently turned over a P2,580,000 worth of mobile mariculture platform as a lobster farming facility to the municipality of Cagdianao, of this province.
The mobile mariculture platform is a modern and resilient facility that uses a new system for lobster production through mobile, portable and eco-friendly technology, allowing a lobster farmer to move it from one area to another.
This is also designed for lobster grow-out
operations that have equipment to monitor the quality of water, feeding schedule
and growth of the lobsters, among others to ensure quality and high production
revenue of the lobster farmers.
This strategic intervention aims to boost the
productivity and income of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and
people’s organizations (POs) in the coastal barangays by providing shared
access to high-value aquaculture technology.
DTI Dinagat Islands Director Elmer M. Natad said, “
This mobile mariculture platform optimizes the municipality’s rich
coastal waters to enhance local lobster production.” He encouraged the adoption
of proper feeding techniques and the use of local feed resources to ensure
sustainability and profitability.
Dennis Solis, regional account officer for the
Aquamarine and Coffee Industry from the DTI Caraga, contextualized the project
as part of the wider SSF rollout across the region, with over 40
aquamarine cages established under the program in Caraga. He reiterated DTI’s
commitment to assisting beneficiaries in accessing markets through product promotion
and market-matching efforts.
In partnership with the Department of Science and
Technology (DOST), Dinagat Islands Director Marie Kris P. Delarmente pledged to
support in strengthening the province’s aquaculture sector through science and
technology. “DOST is willing to provide post-harvest processing support, such
as holding and storage units to maintain the quality and shelf-life of lobster
harvests.”
The municipal government of Cagdianao also
identified several coastal areas with ideal current flow as promising sites for
cage culture expansion as Cagdianao town is the capital of lobster production
in the province. It also expressed strong support for the initiative and
recognized its value in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local
fisherfolk, especially the lobster farmers.
A representative from the project’s beneficiary
group expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the community. He said,
“This SSF is a transformative tool to uplift our livelihood. Thank you
DTI Dinagat Islands and also to DOST and our supportive LGU.”
The launch marked a major milestone in promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development in the Caraga region. Through the SSF, DTI seeks to address gaps in equipment, facilities, and production technology that hinder the competitiveness of community-based enterprises. (RLE, Dinagat Islands with a report from DTI Dinagat Islands)
