DTI, foundation enhance skills of mud crab farmers in Siargao town
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte, through the Negosyo Center San Benito, in partnership with the Surigao Economic Development-Micro Finance Foundation, Inc. (SEDMFI), conducted a workshop on the mud crab value chain and capacity needs assessment, strengthening the livelihood of mud crab farmers in Siargao Island.
The activity, held on February 9 in Barangay Maribojoc, San Benito, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, gathered 50 members of the Nagkahiusang Gagmayng Mananagat sa Maribojoc, Inc. (NAGAMAMA) to enhance their understanding of livelihood viability and value chain opportunities within the mud crab industry.
DTI Surigao del Norte Director Arnold Faelnar said the participants received technical guidance on production, processing, marketing, and enterprise development to support sustainable, community-based income generation for local fisherfolk. “The association is currently implementing a community-based livelihood and conservation initiative under the United Nations Development Programme – Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme Phase 7 (UNDP-GEF SGP-7).”#
“The workshop formed part of efforts to strengthen the organization’s enterprise development component by assessing members’ capacities, identifying skills gaps, evaluating readiness for enterprise activities, and determining priority value chains that will guide future livelihood interventions.” Dir. Faelnar said.
Olimar Sulapas, trade and industry development specialist, served as the resource person for the Mud Crab Value Chain Analysis Workshop, with facilitation support from Negosyo Center Business Counselors AJ Angelou C. Balagon (NC San Benito) and Jay Michael Navarro (NC Del Carmen).
This initiative underscored DTI’s continuing commitment to empowering grassroots organizations, enhancing livelihood resilience, and promoting inclusive economic growth in coastal communities.
Mang Leonardo, a mud crab farmer and member of NAGAMAMA, thanked the government and partners for equipping them with knowledge on mud crab farming that will boost their production and income. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DTI Surigao del Norte)
