The Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) in Leyte will establish a sardine processing plant in the town of Hilongos in the province to help Leyte fisherfolks to augment their income.
PSTC Leyte Director John Glenn Ocaña said they will provide the local government of Hilongos with P900,000 for the acquisition of food processing equipment, train at least five workers on food safety and good manufacturing practices (GMP), and design a GMP-compliant layout for the processing facility.
Ocaña said the project aims to provide alternative income to fisher folk members of the Matapay Young Fishers Society (MYFS). “Fishing is their main source of income. Majority of their catch are tamban barunday,” he added.
The PSTC Leyte Director said the MYFS has 69 members and sells 6,000 kg. to 10,000 kg. of fish per year. The group, he added, sells tamban (sardinella) for P10 per kg. and the project is expected to increase the group’s income by at least 50%.
The project he said will start shortly and is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2023, he said, sharing that Hilongos LGU has chosen the MYFS as the project beneficiary because of the organization’s commitment to make the project work, and the availability of raw materials.
Ocaña said the Hiongos LGU “will help implement the project, provide financial assistance to the MYFS, and the appropriate facility to serve as processing plant, help the group market its products, and ensure its success.”