SMFT and MSUN ATBI join forces for Livelihood Training with the Punta Silum Women's Group in Manticao

Written by MSUN ATBI

In a meaningful effort to uplift the lives of women in fisheries, the School of Marine Fisheries and Technology - MSU at Naawan (SMFT) teamed up with the MSUN Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (ATBI) to conduct a two-day Livelihood Training-Seminar for the Punta-Silum Women's Group in Manticao on September 19-20, 2024. The event, titled “Women in Fisheries: Cooperative Action Towards Resilient Livelihoods in Post-Harvest Fisheries,” was made possible through coordination with the Local Government Unit of Manticao. It aimed to provide women with valuable skills and knowledge in post-harvest fisheries, particularly in the production of bottled Bangus and Tilanggit, and create a path toward sustainable and resilient livelihoods.

The first day began with an air of excitement as participants gathered, eager to learn. The Project Leader, Ms. Raisa Marie H. Bacasnot, warmly welcomed everyone, sharing the program's rationale and emphasizing the importance of building resilient livelihoods in fisheries. This set the tone for a day filled with knowledge-sharing and skill-building.

Ms. Liberty E. Taneo, took the floor with a refresher on bottling techniques. Her session was followed by Ms. Rowelyn M. Sargadillos, who spoke about the significance of proper packaging, emphasizing that the right presentation can make a huge difference in how a product is perceived in the market. The MSUN ATBI team also contributed, with project staff through Ms. Gaily Jubie S. Hontiveros, delivering a talk on product labeling. This marketing aspect often goes unnoticed but is crucial for establishing a brand identity. Mr. Dan Suminguit, the Project Manager of MSUN ATBI, then introduced the participants to the vision, mission, programs, and services of the ATBI, helping them understand how the center supports community-based enterprises in agri-aqua.

The afternoon buzzed with activity as participants rolled up their sleeves for hands-on training. They practiced drafting labels for their products and learned the steps in preparing bangus and tilapia, including cleaning, cutting, and sterilizing materials. The room was filled with laughter and chatter as the women collaborated, guided by the staff of Mini Fish Processing, Ms. Loriecris Siedan and Ms. Josie Ragmac. Later, Ms. Djannez M. Dadole, MSUN ATBI collaborator, shared her insights on marketing strategies, helping the women understand how to position their products effectively in the market. This was followed by a discussion on costing, led by Mr. Renz P. Aguhob, providing participants with valuable knowledge on pricing their products fairly. 

The second day was all about turning knowledge into practice. There was a palpable sense of excitement as participants continued brining their bangus, preparing ingredients, and executing simultaneous filleting and dehydrating of their tilapia–an experience requiring patience and precision.

The training concluded with a closing program. Participants shared their impressions and experiences, expressing how the seminar had not only provided them with new skills but also inspired confidence in their ability to venture into entrepreneurship. Representatives from LGU Manticao delivered encouraging messages, reaffirming their support for the women’s endeavors. Plaques and certificates were awarded as tokens of appreciation, and the Project Leader’s closing remarks resonated with gratitude, thanking the participants for their enthusiasm, the MSUN ATBI team for co-facilitating, and the LGU for their unwavering support.

However, the journey doesn’t end here. MSUN ATBI envisions ongoing support for the Punta-Silum Women’s Group, assisting them in areas like product development, operations management, and financial sourcing. With the ultimate goal of transforming their newly acquired skills into a thriving enterprise and ensure their products not only reach the market but also make a lasting impact.