TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government has partnered with national government agencies to enhance the blue economy of Northern Samar province.
Their first initiative, launched in Barangay Sangputan, San Vicente Island, is the Salt and Sardines Production Facility operated by the Sangputan Workers Association (SWA).
SWA focuses on production of salt that helps preserve their catch for the local market.
Their model was developed through a workshop that assessed community resources, market needs, and post-harvest issues, aimed at converting raw marine resources into higher-value products for local and commercial use.
Towns on the San Bernardino Strait face significant post-harvest losses in their fisheries, exceeding 38 percent of total production, due to poor handling practices and lack of storage facilities among local fishermen.
Projections indicate that SWA can initially produce over 18 kilograms of salt per week for each crystallization module, with plans to scale up production as the facility expands.
During its inauguration on Tuesday, Aug. 12, the provincial government, through the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (PEDIPO), officially turned over P926,248 worth of equipment, materials, and capacity-building support.
Gov. Harris Christopher Ongchuan recognized the support of Mayor Edgar Catarongan Jr. and the local government unit of San Vicente in bringing the project to life.
Ongchuan expressed optimism that the success of the program in Sangputan will encourage similar efforts in other municipalities, fostering sustainable livelihood and rural enterprise development.