By Mariela Angella Oladive
To boost seaweed production in Western Visayas, the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office VI (DA-BFAR 6), through the Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO) Iloilo, has distributed 4.2 metric tons of seaweed seedlings to two fisherfolk associations in Concepcion, Iloilo.
The Tambaliza Fisherfolk Association and Taloto-an Fisherfolk Association each received 2.1 metric tons of Kappaphycus alvarezii, locally known as “tambalang,” under the Establishment of Supplemental Seaweed Nurseries Project.
The project aims to ensure a sustainable seedling supply and enhance seaweed production in the region.
To maintain seedling quality, those provided to Tambaliza were sourced from local growers, while those for Taloto-an came from the Pajo Guinmisahan Farmers and Fisherfolk Association.
This sourcing strategy reduces transport stress, which helps improve survival rates and growth efficiency.
According to DA-BFAR 6, 2,100 kilograms of seaweed seedlings can yield about 4,000 kilograms of seaweed within 21 to 30 days, or one full growth cycle.
This highlights the viability of seaweed farming as a sustainable livelihood for local fisherfolk.
The initiative supports DA-BFAR 6’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the seaweed industry under the leadership of Regional Director Remia A. Aparri.
The agency continues to promote sustainability, innovation, and community empowerment by improving production, post-harvest processing, and market access for seaweed farmers across the region.
