Naawan Women’s Groups POWAN and SAMAKANA Eye Sustainable Enterprise Through MSUN ATBI

Written by Dante Quiao Suminguit

Following the successful completion of the College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (CFMS)-led extension project, “Empowering Naawan Women Through Alamang Processing,” held on August 28–29, 2025, the women’s groups POWAN and SAMAKANA have expressed keen interest in joining the MSUN Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation (ATBI) program. The project, conducted in close collaboration with MSUN ATBI, provided participants with hands-on training in alamang (shrimp paste) processing, while also introducing them to the fundamentals of enterprise development and value chain management on September 9, 2025.

During the training, the women gained practical skills in product preparation, quality control, and packaging, as well as essential knowledge on marketing strategies, cost management, and compliance with local food standards. These sessions were designed not only to enhance the participants’ technical capabilities but also to foster confidence and entrepreneurial mindset, equipping them with the tools needed to transform their traditional livelihood activities into more sustainable and profitable ventures.

Building on this foundation, both POWAN and SAMAKANA are now exploring formal participation in the ATBI program, recognizing the opportunities it presents to scale their operations, access technical guidance, and develop their products into market-ready offerings. By joining the incubation program, these groups aim to strengthen their organizational capacity, improve production efficiency, and create viable business models that can sustain livelihoods while contributing to the local economy.

MSUN ATBI views this development as a continuation of its commitment to empowering grassroots communities, particularly women entrepreneurs in the agri-aqua sector. Through structured mentorship, technical support, and access to networks, POWAN and SAMAKANA are poised to expand their reach, innovate within their product lines, and achieve long-term sustainability, turning their traditional processing activities into community-based enterprises with measurable social and economic impact.