SURIGAO CITY — Eleven women beneficiaries of Pacific Nickel Philippines Inc. (PNPI) in Nonoc Island, Surigao City, are gaining new opportunities for economic independence after completing a skills training program focused on Bangus Bottling and Deboning. The training was facilitated by the Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPAg) at the request of PNPI, providing participants with hands-on knowledge in food processing while opening possibilities for livelihood development. The initiative highlights how skills training can help women build income-generating opportunities while contributing to broader community development.
Building Skills for Livelihood Opportunities
The program focused on the proper preparation and processing of deboned bangus, bottled bangus, and dried bangus, value-added products with demand in local and regional markets. Participants were trained not only in production techniques but also in the basic business skills needed to turn food processing into a sustainable livelihood. The Negosyo Center Surigao City conducted a Costing and Pricing session, where participants learned how to calculate production expenses, including raw materials, ingredients, packaging, labor, utilities, and other operating costs. The session also covered pricing strategies to help beneficiaries keep their products competitive while maintaining reasonable profits. Meanwhile, the Negosyo Center Surigao del Norte conducted an Entrepreneurial Mindsetting Seminar designed to help participants identify business opportunities, develop an entrepreneurial perspective, and build confidence in starting and managing their own livelihood ventures.
A Holistic Approach to Women’s Economic Empowerment
The initiative addresses the challenges faced by women in island communities, particularly limited access to livelihood opportunities, training, capital, and markets. Through the collaboration of PNPI, OPAg, and the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Negosyo Centers, the beneficiaries received a broader package of support that goes beyond technical food-processing skills. The convergence of these agencies combines production knowledge with costing, pricing, financial management, and entrepreneurial development. This approach gives participants practical tools they can use to transform their newly acquired skills into potential income-generating ventures.
Opening Doors to Greater Economic Independence
For the eleven women who completed the training, the knowledge gained provides opportunities to develop microenterprises centered on value-added bangus products for local markets. Their understanding of costing and pricing can help them make more informed business decisions, manage expenses, establish competitive prices, and handle their finances more effectively. At the same time, the entrepreneurial mindsetting component encourages them to recognize opportunities and pursue ventures they may not have previously considered. Beyond generating additional income, the initiative can help beneficiaries contribute to their household finances and strengthen their economic independence. Their new skills may also benefit the wider community as they share their knowledge with other residents and potentially encourage more women to explore livelihood opportunities. By combining technical training with business and entrepreneurial support, the initiative demonstrates how coordinated community programs can help transform skills into sustainable livelihood possibilities for women in Nonoc Island.
