The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Regional Fisheries Office 1 through the National Bangus Development Program (NBDP) conducted Postharvest Technology in Bottling and Regulatory Training for the fisherfolk association beneficiaries in Saud, Badoc, Ilocos Norte on February 3-6, 2025.

“Diak maiibkas ti ragsak mi iti kaadu nga naiawat yu kada kami nga nangted ti project nga daytoy. Thank you very much BFAR!”, said Helen Valdez, president of the association, as she pointed all the processing materials turned over aside from the training provided by the bureau’s NDBP program.

Municipal Mayor Maximo D. Cajigal also delivered his message and extended support to the program, “We are blessed dahil ang daming mga pwedeng bigyan ng ganitong programa pero sa’tin nabigay. Kailangan itong binigay sa atin ng gobyerno ay mahalin natin kasi para sa atin din ito, sa inyo din ito— kayo rin ang talagang makikinabang.”

The overall training gathered 30 participants who underwent series of lecture discussions by BFAR1 technical personnel. These include profiling, values and organization enhancement, food safety guidelines such as proper fish handling practices, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and the basic concepts and principles of HALAL. Food Safety Regulations and Standards, Transboundary Requirements, and Traceability, are also comprehensively discussed, essential for the local and even international marketing of bangus processed product.

Additionally, participants also learned about financial literacy through Fish’ N Learn game, and equipped participants with business skills, covering topics on costing, pricing, and marketing products.

The highlight of the program, bangus bottling, was incorporated with hands-on session to further equip participants the necessary fish processing skills and to make their learning experience engaging.

The NBDP Focal/PFO-Pangasinan, Antonieta D. Evangelista along with its personnel, Diody Quimno; the Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division, Fisheries Production and Support Services Division, and Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Unit, facilitated and served as learning service providers of the training program.

This initiative enhances the capabilities of the participants and also supports the production of bangus products not only in Pangasinan but also in northern parts of the region.