Mussel researchers and extensionists in Palawan were trained on the new methods of mussel culture for better livelihood opportunities recently.
Titled as “Advancements in Mussel Culture: Livelihood Opportunities for Coastal Villagers,” the training was held at Tay Lelong’s Pension House, Poblacion, Taytay, Palawan.
The participants were provided with hands-on training on constructing alternative mussel culture technology.
The Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division (IARRD) of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) conducted the training in collaboration with the Western Philippines University (WPU) in Palawan.
As a training output, the participants were asked to construct a longline and spat collector, which were later on deployed in the coastal waters of Brgy. New Guinlo, Taytay, Palawan. These were turned over to three fishermen associations─ Malampaya Live Fish Culturers Association, Malampaya Fisherfolk Association, and Golden Corals Association.
The topics discussed during the training and their respective speakers include the following:
• Industry Strategic S&T Programs on inland aquatic resources by Dr. Dalisay DG. Fernandez, Director of IARRD,PCAARRD;
• Industry status of mussels by Wilfredo T. Yap of Santeh S & T Foundation, Inc.;
• Advancements in mussel research, grow-out culture and transplantation techniques by Dr. Carlos C. Baylon of the University of the Philippines Visayas; and
• Spat collection in traditional mussel areas and longline design and construction by Prof. Renato C. Diocton of the Samar State University
During the closing ceremony, Dr. Juanito T. Batalon, Director of PCAARRD’s Institutional Development Division, discussed the Council’s Institutional development program
Dr. Danilo C. Cardenas, Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management and Support Services of PCAARRD, on the other hand, after having thanked those who made the activity possible, also inspired the participants to share their newly acquired knowledge to the community folks, particularly to provide better livelihood opportunities.
A total of 44 participants representing researchers and extensionists from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao’s state universities and colleges, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and local government units, attended the activity.