The coastal community of Siit, Siaton, Negros Oriental is taking another step toward strengthening its seaweed farming livelihood as local growers prepare for upcoming training on seaweed cultivation and management. Through the continued support of the Negros Oriental Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center (NOAFEC) and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Agriculture, members of the Siit Bay Fishermen Association (SBFA) recently participated in a follow-through activity designed to help them prepare for the next stage of their seaweed-growing efforts.
Supporting Local Seaweed Growers
The activity builds on an earlier dialogue with the SBFA and focuses on understanding the practical needs of local growers before their formal training begins. A key part of the activity was a demonstration on the preparation and making of seaweed modular units, facilitated by technical consultant and seaweed production and management expert Oscar D. Monzales. The demonstration gave growers an initial understanding of the materials and preparations involved in seaweed farming, allowing them to become more familiar with the process before undergoing their formal training program.
A Grower-Centered Approach
One of the proposed approaches is to make the seaweed farming modules individualized or grower-centered. Rather than treating the association only as one group, the approach encourages individual growers to take greater ownership of their respective responsibilities while remaining connected to the SBFA as a whole. This model is intended to strengthen ownership, commitment, and accountability among the growers. The SBFA members warmly welcomed the approach and actively participated in the discussions and demonstration, showing their willingness to become more involved in developing their seaweed-growing activities.
Working Together for a Stronger Livelihood
During the activity, Board Member Woodrow S. Maquiling, Sr. also reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to supporting the association and emphasized that the seaweed growers themselves remain important partners on the ground. His message reflected the importance of patience and cooperation as the community works toward strengthening its livelihood. The activity also highlighted the value of listening directly to farmers and fisherfolk. Their experiences and perspectives can provide important insights for developing programs and policies that respond more closely to actual community needs.
