Almost three years after the full operation of the Department of Agriculture –  Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP)-funded Carayat Seaweed Production and Marketing in Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon, the Carayat Seaweed Farmers Association has somehow developed adaptive strategies towards climate-resilient seaweed farming. 

“Pag alam namin na may darating na bagyo nag-stock na kami ng pang-nursery mga sinako… Pero yung ibang bagong tanim ginagawan namin ng paraan na mailubog sa buhangin, nilalagyan namin ng sand bag para wag maapektuhan ng alon,” Association President Candelaria Esplana said.

Thus, despite the calamities which affected the Province of Sorsogon in the previous years, from the existing 1.82-hectare seaweed farm area and the additional 2.5 hectares for expansion proposed by the association in 2018, the Carayat Seaweed Farmers Association’s seaweed farm area expanded into seven hectares in 2021. Likewise, their membership increased as they welcomed people in the community who have lost their sources of income during the pandemic. In addition to their 25 original members, eight new members are now engaged in seaweed farming. 

According to Esplana, seaweed farming helped them tide over the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. She mentioned that despite the pandemic, their income per cropping rose by 80 to 90%. Currently, the association sells both fresh and raw dried seaweeds to their established markets. 

Through the DA-PRDP-Bicol enterprise development (I-REAP) microenterprise subproject, the Carayat Seaweed Farmers Association received one (1) motorized fiberglass boat, 10 fiberglass non-motorized boats, 25,000 kilograms of seaweed propagules, and other seaweed production equipment and supplies in 2018.  

“Natutunan namin sa turo na rin ng PRDP ang maging masigasig sa pagtatanim para ma-uplift lalu ang kabuhayan ng mga seaweed farmers. Dati nung wala pa ‘yung PRDP, wala kaming mga bangka, hirap kami, konti lang ang natatanim namin. Ngayon na may mga bangka na, malaking tulong talaga kasi nakakapagtanim na kami sa deep sea, doon sa malalim,” Esplana said. 

She also acknowledged the support of the DA-PRDP-Bicol and the Provincial Project Management and Implementation Unit (PPMIU) as well as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).  ### (Annielyn L. Baleza, DA RAFIS V/PRDP RPCO V InfoACE Unit)

Jose Levy Esplana, a farmer-member of the Carayat Seaweed Production and Marketing, shows the association’s seaweed farm in Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon which is currently planted with Kappaphycus alvarezii and Kappaphycus striatum.
Photo Credits: Annielyn L. Baleza, DA RAFIS V/PRDP RPCO V InfoACE Unit