Author/Authors :
BACALTOS, DELLA GRACE Southern Philippines Agribusiness Marine Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), Philippines , REVILLA, NILLA NANETTE Southern Philippines Agribusiness Marine Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), Philippines , CASTAÑAGA, ROMEO Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-XI) - Regional Office, Philippines , LAGUTING, MARILOU Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-XI) - Regional Office, Philippines , ANGUAY, GILBERT Regional Fisheries Office - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippines , ANG, DOMINGO Marina Tuna/New Dolphin Corp, Philippines , CABALLERO, GRACE Southern Philippines Agribusiness Marine Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), Philippines , OMBOY, ARLYN Southern Philippines Agribusiness Marine Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), Philippines , EFONDO, KRISTEEL MAE Southern Philippines Agribusiness Marine Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), Philippines , FLAMIANO-GARDE, GRACELYN Philippine Council of Aquatic and Marine Research and Development Zonal Center - Davao Del Norte State College, Philippines
Abstract :
Recognising the long value chain of seaweed production, a seaweed industry cluster was developed to enhance seaweed production in Davao, southern Philippines. The seaweed industry cluster was an inter-agency, multi-sectoral initiative to develop a road map for the seaweed industry and its stakeholders in Davao Region. This was designed to increase the income of fisherfolk, improve the regional contribution of the industry and to sustain productivity and competitiveness. Based on the industry cluster approach, a capability building project was implemented through the Davao Industry Cluster Capacity Enhancement Project (DICCEP). After training on the industry cluster approach, three pilot projects were implemented. DICCEP: (1) established seaweed farms for the benefit of farmers, (2) created a directory of seaweed farmers and traders, and (3) developed a database on seaweed production. It also trained 95 farmers and housewives on seaweed value adding and entrepreneurship. The project helped farmers to generate income, and processors to develop new value-added seaweed products. Throughout, DICCEP was sensitive to the gender breakdown among participants in the Cluster. Although men took the main leadership roles, women were active in production and, particularly, post-harvest processing. Men were also active in post-harvest processing and their skills should not be overlooked.
