02/09/2026
𝐍𝐎𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐂, 𝐒𝐏 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐢𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬
The Negros Oriental Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center (NOAFEC) under the Office of Governor Manuel L. Sagarbarria, in partnership with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Agriculture chaired by BM Woodrow S. Maquiling, Sr., conducted a follow-through activity with the Siit Bay Fishermen Association (SBFA), located in Barangay Siit, Siaton, Negros Oriental, as part of the continuing efforts to support local seaweed growers.
The activity builds on the previous dialogue with the association and was aimed at preparing the growers for their upcoming training program on seaweed cultivation and management in the coming months.
One of the highlights of the activity was the demonstration on the preparation and making of seaweed modular units in seaweed farming, ably facilitated by a technical consultant and an expert on seaweed production and management, Mr. Oscar D. Monzales. The demonstration provided the growers with an initial understanding of the practical requirements they need to prepare before the formal training begins.
The proposed approach is to make the modules individualized or grower-centered, fostering a stronger sense of ownership, commitment, and accountability among the growers, while remaining anchored on the association as a whole. The approach was warmly welcomed by the SBFA members, who actively participated in the discussion and demonstration.
During the activity, BM Maquiling also shared spiritual insights, emphasizing the importance of keeping God at the center of all undertakings, especially when facing challenges along the way.
He likewise reaffirmed the commitment of the Provincial Government to support the association, while emphasizing that the seaweed growers themselves remain the most important partners on the ground.
“Hinay-hinay, pero padayon. Magtinabangay ta. Kay kung atong growers andam, ang atong community andam usab.”
The activity also reinforced NOAFEC and the SP Agriculture Committee’s continuing commitment to listen to the voices and experiences of farmers and fisherfolk, recognizing these grassroots perspectives as an important source of insights for program development and policy-making.
The brief encounter ended on a positive note, marked by warm exchanges and big smiles from the community. More than simply preparing for a training program, the activity signaled the beginning of a more focused and collaborative effort toward strengthening the seaweed livelihood of the SBFA.
Things are, indeed, looking promising for the seaweed growers, the community, and the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental. “Padayon ta sa paglambo sa atong seaweed industry.”