Beneficiaries and partner stakeholders from FCU 3 convened for a business plan write shop and capacity building on trading, technology introduction and food safety of fresh and processed fishery products in Zambales on January 26-30, 2026.
Ms. Hydee Palma from the Regional Project Implementation Unit (RPIU 6) served as the facilitator for the said activity. Representatives from four proponent groups namely Amandas Marine Products, Masinloc Fisherfolk Cooperative (MAFISCO), Bague Community Development Association Inc. (BCDAI), and Subic Commercial Fisher’s Association Inc. (SCOFAI), together with Local Government Representatives from Zambales and Bataan also attended the write shop.
Many small-scale fishers, fish processors, and fisherfolk organizations have basic to no idea about business planning, modern trading practices, adoption of appropriate technologies, and compliance with food safety standards for both fresh and processed fishery products thus, this activity aims to help partner beneficiaries craft their business plans and equip them with the right knowledge that is deemed helpful in implementing their livelihood subprojects in the future.
Also, among the objective of the activity is to introduce modern trading practices, technology and food safety standards to help project beneficiaries and stakeholders link and gain wider access to markets, introduce technology and practices for product value addition. The sharing of relevant information will help minimize post-harvest losses and an increase in awareness and understanding of food safety and quality will pave way for a sustainable source of livelihood for partner beneficiaries.
Said business plans are among the requirements of the FishCoRe Project that partner beneficiaries need to submit since this is where financial and technical support are based in giving out assistance. Amandas Marine Products is proposing for a processing and marketing of bottled milkfish and sautéed shrimp paste, MAFISCO and BCDAI on the other hand, is on consolidation and marketing of fishery products while SCOFAI is aiming for the consolidation and trading of tuna and fresh fishery products.
With the collaborative effort of all stakeholders, four feasible business plans are expected to be submitted to the Project for review, approval and possible funding.
The activity is in support to the Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investments (MARLIN) Component of the Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project. //MJ Metwa with inputs from Ma. Angel Buenaventura.
Photo from Engr. Jefferson Ongoco and Ma. Angel Buenaventura
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