In its implementation of the National Bangus Development Program (NBDP), the BFAR-RFO1 conducted a Training on Regulatory and Post-harvest Technologies on Bottling for the fisherfolk association beneficiaries in Bugallon, Pangasinan.

President of the Association, Vita Mamaril expressed her gratitude saying, “Napaka-blessed po ng Bugallon dahil tayo ang napili para sa programang ito. Kapag tayo ay kumatok sa kanila, laging nandyan ang BFAR, kaya’t ako po ay nagagalak at nagpapasalamat.”

The activity gathered 30 eager fisherfolk who underwent social preparation through profiling, values enhancement, and in-depth learning on organization and development.

Key aspects important to the fisheries industry, particularly those related to complying with regulations such as Food Safety Regulations and Standards, Transboundary Requirements, and Traceability, were thoroughly discussed.

Food safety guidelines, proper fish handling practices, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and basic concepts and principles of HALAL, crucial for processing safe and high-quality fishery products, were also covered. Additionally, the technology on bottling of Bangus was discussed in detail, followed by lecture and workshop on packaging and labeling of products.

To emphasize the importance of financial management, the Fish ‘N Learn game, as well as discussions on costing, pricing, and marketing, were also included in the program.

Furthermore, the participants, together with the learning service providers from BFAR1-Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division, Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Unit and, Fisheries Production Support and Services Division, had a demonstration and hands-on session on Bangus bottling.

The association was awarded with complete set of start-up materials which they also used during the hands-on activity.

Mamaril added, “Tayo naman ay dapat magkaisa para sa proyektong ito. With unity, hindi lang ako ang makikilala kundi tayong lahat. I hope na magsama-sama po tayo hanggang sa huli.”

OIC-Provincial Fisheries Officer/ NBDP Regional Focal Antonieta D. Evangelista thanked everyone’s participation during the training. “Ang kaalaman na naibahagi sa inyo ay maraming pinagdaanan. Inyong pagyamanin ang mga natutunan, pag-ingatan, at ibahagi. Nawa’y maging blessing tayo sa iba dahil hindi lahat ay nabibigyan ng ganitong pagkakataon. Maraming salamat at congratulations!” she said.

Office of the Provincial Agriculturist representative Juvy Abellera and Municipal Agriculturist Christopher Ballesteros also attended the activity, reaffirming their commitment to promoting the fisheries enterprise for the association.