Seaweed Farming Transforms Coastal Community in Surigao del Sur Through Sustainable Aquaculture and DA-PRDP Support

 HINATUAN, Surigao del Sur  – In Barangay Loyola, a coastal community in Hinatuan, residents are experiencing the transformative benefits of sustainable seaweed farming, introduced through the Department of Agriculture's I-REAP (Investments for Rural Enterprises and Agricultural and Fisheries Productivity) program under the Philippine Rural Development Projects (DA-PRDP).

The initiative, managed by People Unite to Guard Aqua Marine Wealth, Inc. (PUGAW, Inc.), has provided a stable, eco-friendly income source to local families who once relied on environmentally harmful practices.

Founded in 1997, PUGAW is a cooperative of 160 members committed to sustainable aquaculture. Their journey toward seaweed farming began with DA-PRDP’s support in December 2022, after a period of training and project planning.

With a funding allocation of P10.5 million, the program supports seaweed production and marketing through inputs, equipment, and facilities. This includes P1 million in initial capital and an additional P400,000 from the DA Kadiwa program, allowing direct consumer sales.

The initiative, financed by World Bank loans and Philippine government funds, officially launched on December 28, 2023, after PUGAW met all necessary requirements, according to DA-PRDP Business Development Officer Elvin Jamito for Caraga Region.

The shift toward sustainable practices has enhanced both the community’s livelihoods and marine conservation. According to PUGAW manager Bonifacia Bughao, past practices like harvesting mangroves for charcoal and firewood were unsustainable, prompting the community to adopt restorative practices after frequent weather disruptions.

Today, Barangay Loyola’s designated 422-hectare seaweed farming area contributes to an annual town harvest of roughly 600 metric tons. Since DA-PRDP’s involvement, PUGAW alone has produced 120 metric tons, generating an estimated P5 million in revenue.

With established buyers from Gingoog City, Cebu, and local markets, PUGAW is well-integrated into the seaweed supply chain. “Seaweed is essential for cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals, making dried seaweed highly marketable,” PUGAW president Jupiter Casas shared.

Beyond raw dried seaweed, PUGAW has expanded into value-added products like seaweed-infused rice cakes and pasta, which are sold locally.

Currently, the Scale-Up program is underway to further strengthen PUGAW’s capacity by expanding production and ensuring project sustainability. This DA flagship program addresses gaps in commodity value chains, aiming to improve food supply chain efficiency, connectivity, and affordability.

“Our goal is to expand PUGAW’s production area and boost quality seaweed output,” said DA-13 Executive Director Arlan Mangelen.