THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) said it is seeking to implement a development program for local seaweed production, beginning with the southern Philippine province of Tawi-Tawi, a major seaweed producing area.
“In order to address the emerging concerns of the seaweed industry in the province of Tawi-Tawi, a technical working group (TWG) for the assessment and sustainability of the seaweed industry is hereby created,” the DA said in a special order.
Apart from providing support for seaweed growers in the province, the TWG is tasked with formulating policies to address the problems and concerns of the local seaweed industry.
Earlier, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said that P1 billion was earmarked for investment in large tissue culture laboratories, dryers, warehouses, and technician training.
This is in response to stakeholders who cited the lack of seed material, implements, lines, floaters, and counterweights as the current concerns of the industry.
Most seaweed farms in the country are located in Mindanao, while processing facilities are in Cebu and Manila.
In February, the DA said that it would increase investment in the seaweed industry to boost its export potential.
It had also ordered the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute to coordinate with the local government, universities, and stakeholders to address the industry’s concerns.
The Philippines produced 1.63 million metric tons of seaweed in 2023, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, up 5.3%. — Adrian H. Halili
