Turnover of the cheque to Bomba and Baroy Seaweeds Farmers Association Thru the Provincial Governor Victor J. Yu.
Two groups of seaweed farmers in the coastal communities of the Municipality of Dumalinao and Pagadian City in Zamboanga Del Sur, the Bomba and Baroy Seaweeds Farmers Association, are the recent beneficiaries of a grant worth ₱700,000.00 was given by the Department of Science and Technology Region IX (DOST-IX),
The project entitled “Province-Wide Technology Adoption of DOST-Funded Greenhouse Permanent / Floating Type Seaweed Dryer with Foldable Siding for the Seaweed Farmers” is being implemented through its Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) of Zamboanga Del Sur with the assistance of the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur, headed by Hon. Victor J. Yu.
Through the grant, the association was able to acquire the permanent seaweed dryers that are expected to yield better quality and higher valued dried seaweeds that will benefit 150 local seaweed farmers. Both groups cultivate Kappaphycus alvarezii (cottonii type) locally known as “guso” or “agar-agar”.
The said Grant-In-Aid program is in collaboration with the University of the Philippines – Los Banos (UPLB) – Center of Agri-Fisheries and Biosystems Mechanization (BIOMECH). The innovative design of the seaweed dryer was done under the leadership of Dr. Ronel S. Pangan of UPLB-BIOMECH that is designed to suit the variable environmental conditions of different seaweed culture sites in the country.
The use of this drying technology ensures higher efficacy of drying and secures freshly harvested seaweeds from abrupt weather changes, ultimately improving the quality of dried seaweeds as compared to conventional seaweed drying practices. The DOST-GIA program has been reputed to serve and promote inclusivity to local communities by developing and introducing technological innovations and collaborating with various government institutions in order to achieve a holistic and positive impact.
Floating-type seaweed drying system which uses a drum floatation device
